For a really relaxing day, you can’t do much better than Discovery Cove in Orlando. All you have to take with you are swimsuits and flipflops! We had the good fortune recently of being able to take a day off and visit the Cove for the first time in 10 years.  It was absolutely fantastic.  From the confirmation of our ticket arrangements, to the warm welcome from everyone in the park, we were looked after from start to finish.

Remember, this park is very exclusive, so the number of tickets sold is restricted to a thousand guests in any one day.  This restriction means easy parking,  and never feeling crowded.  We walked from the car park through the manicured tropical foliage of the pathway, into the entrance atrium.  Soaring ceilings provide the backdrop for the models of leaping dolphins high above our heads.   A brief wait until a service desk is available and we are ushered across to a welcoming service representative.   Our tickets are checked off, and we are requested to look into the camera.  Photos are taken and we are shown to another desk where we collect our photo ID and lanyard.

The ticket is totally inclusive, so no further money is needed.   Go to http://www.discoverycove.com/ for full details

Once we have our name tags on, we are free to go and do as we please, so our first port of call was the Laguna Grill for coffee.  We could have had  breakfast but felt that would be too “piggy”.   After relaxing over our coffees and watching and listening to the birds hovering around the outdoor eating area, we picked up our  bag containing our swimwear and wandered slowly off to admire the beach , the lagoon and the dolphin lake and to find the lockers.  Having changed into our swim suits in the shower rooms, we placed all our belongings in our locker.  The showers and restrooms are close to the locker area that we used, and provide hot showers with body wash, shampoo and conditioner, as well as a constant supply of clean white towels.

Close to this part of the beach and lagoon, is the area where we were f itted with our Discovery Cove wetsuit jackets.  You also collect your Snorkelling equipment here;  the snorkel itself is yours to keep.  You are given a mask and snorkel in a net bag, along with a packet of suncream.

If you feel that you won’t enjoy the water in say, the Dolphin encounter, then the attendant suggests  a full wetsuit, but in this warm Florida summer, it’s hardly necessary.  Incidentally the waters in the Stingray lagoon and in the Dolphin encounter are  kept at approximately 72 to 75 degrees, so it can feel a little fresh when you first walk in.  Someone said to me, “It’s OK once you go numb”!……. something of an exaggeration but it does feel chilly to start with.  However the Serenity bay snorkelling area is really warm.

Actually our first visit to Discovery cove was made in the month of February, and it was bitterly cold;  we wore full length wetsuits all day long, and still had to get under the hot water showers to warm up, so this time in our hot summer it was real pleasure not to have full wetsuits on.

We found ourselves a couple of loungers and settled in for a bit of a rest! before heading off to snorkel and swim  in Serenity Bay.  The water was warm, and swimming hours are from 8.30 till 5.30 so there’s plenty of time to enjoy the water and the beach.  By being so restrictive with the numbers allowed in each day, Discovery Cove ensures that unlike other water resort parks, there is plenty of space.  You are not constantly dodging other swimmers or having to wait to use any of the facilities.

Serenity Bay and its sandy beach area does not get crowded, and nor does the water; this makes it ideal for children and beginners to learn some of the pleasures of snorkelling without pressure .  We saw lots of little ones getting their first inkling of what they could see when they learnt to breathe through the snorkel tube.   We also saw the ones who had got themselves a mouthful of water, too, but we’ve all done that at some point or another.

There are plenty of lifeguards on duty, so no reason to fear for anyone’s safety.

From the Serenity Bay shallows, the lagoon starts to wind its way into the Lazy River , where  the water gets deeper and there’s more current. For those of  a nervous disposition, there are lifejackets that can be selected and worn for confidence, as well as the original” noodles” to help you float along.

The Lazy River takes you under the waterfall curtain that separates the rest of the park from the Aviary. Wild birds fly low across the river, whilst on the banks you will be able to observe peacocks and other bird varieties.  The  deep  water current will carry you through the Aviary unless you wish to stop, in which case there are shallow and rocky areas where you can conveniently stop and stand to observe.    Obviously the birds are kept in the aviary by netting, hence the waterfall at each end of the aviary;  these are the natural barriers to keep them inside the aviary area.    Once through the second curtain of water, you continue to drift again on the River. Choices can be made as to returning to Serenity Bay or  continuing further along the River when it branches off.

We decided to take the short route and returned to the Bay and the Beach in order to take a look at the Tropical Reef and the Stingray lagoon.   Brightly coloured fish dart among the reefs and rocks of the Tropical reef, while Stingrays glide among the swimmers.   For those who are brave enough, there is even a shark encounter in the centre of the Reef.  Fortunately, the sharks are safely behind aquarium glass!

A smaller separate lagoon holds the Stingray encounter group.   No energetic snorkelling here; certainly you can swim and look through your mask to observe them, but the water is so clean and clear that you can simply stand in the waist deep lagoon to watch them.  The attendants do ask that you move slowly or stand still and the rays will come to you – there’s always one person who seems unable to understand basic instructions, and they did go over to him and ask him to stop kicking up the sand in case he accidentally hurt one of the rays.  All the rays have had their barbs removed, and are very docile.   They are all females, and up to  10 years old;  apparently if there were males in the group, the lagoon would be overrun with rays;  they can breed prolifically, especially in such good conditions.

Having has such an energetic morning we retired to the Laguna Grill for lunch;  we could have something to eat and drink from the Beachside Bar, but wanted to experience the selection of dishes from the Laguna Grill Menu.   From freshly grilled Salmon with veggies to Turkey Club sandwich, we were not disappointed, and we were able to choose  our desserts and drinks from the extensive buffet too.

Finding a table under the umbrellas was easy- again, lots of space for everyone to spread out for enjoyment.   There was even a smokers area well away from the rest of us.

Feeling very comfortably full, we retired to our beach lounger and watched the Dolphin encounter groups as they entered the water for their introduction to these magnificent and fascinating creatures.  One of the nicest sights was that of a disabled person being wheeled in her special chair into the water,  and supported by two helpers and a lifejacket,  she was able to get into the water to stroke and kiss the dolphin. The  huge smile on her face almost obliterated the rest of her features.!

We rested up for the rest of our afternoon, finally bestirring ourselves to come away. Strolling back through the tropical pathway lined with beautiful foliage, and hearing the gurgle of the streams as they bobbled over the pebbled riverbeds just completed our relaxing time.    A lovely day, and one to remember and recommend to family , friends and guests.

With such year round good weather here in Central Florida, it’s not really surprising that outdoor pursuits are so popular.  Anyone can choose from a long list of hobbies from sky-diving to fishing, and never be bored or run out of things to do.

We have walked in some of our State Parks and enjoyed catching glimpses of our  wildlife in local conservation areas.  Even the shy and timid deer, flocks of wild turkey and small groups of wild pigs can be seen if you are careful and quiet.  Listen to the bullfrogs and the alligators;  their deep grunting will resound from the waterways and echo through the woodlands.   Walking through the various landscapes that Central Florida can offer will give you a better idea of what our early settlers and the natives had to cope with when they first moved here.

Fishing  can range from calm,  serene and relaxing freshwater  fishing on the many lakes that dot our landscape to surf casting or even deep sea fishing from the coastal marinas.

You can choose to sky-dive, or parachute jump, or even take a trip in a hot air balloon or a bi-plane and see the landscape unfold beneath you.  View the lakes from the air and realise they are too numerous to count.

view over Lake Hancock

Bird watching  and butterfly counting is an important task in this area;  many migratory birds and butterflies pass through Central Florida on their way to their breeding areas,  either further south or to the northern climate.  Amateur photographers have  a hey-day; from the amazing hues of sunrises and sunsets, thunderstorms and skyscapes to beach photographs, children, vistas and views, there’s so much to record on your camera.     Artist too, come to paint en plein air, or to photograph and take home to their studios for painting later.

Shopping is almost a “must do” pastime here;  there are many excellent malls and major stores with everything a shopaholic could possibly want.   Browsing is encouraged…………..

Golf is also one of the major outdoor hobbies that can be undertaken all year round.  There are almost as many golf courses as there are lakes in this part of Florida and whether your handicap is low or high, you will find a golf course to suit your style, from the country casual and small local public courses to the more ambitious and difficult courses for the seasoned golfer.  This is also an area where several excellent golf teaching institutes can be found , from the David Leadbetter Academy at Champions Gate, the Annika Sorenstam School at Reunion and the Faldo Institute at Grande Pines.   So  if you are a beginner and need extra instruction, you can get to a local professional PGA instructor on smaller courses, or take a class at the various Schools that are available.

If none of these hobbies appeals, there is always the option of staying  in your vacation home and relaxing around your pool while the kids practice their swimming skills!

Do you know, there is so much to do here in Central Florida that it’s difficult to know where to start.  Yes, the first thing to do is go to your favourite theme park, whether you like the character parks, the water attractions, or the animal parks.  There’s no getting away from the fact that they are so very popular , especially for families with young children or young teenagers.  Then what?     Well, over the past few months, we have given you some ideas with our blogs; and we still have loads of other ideas on what to do.

The next most popular thing to do on vacation is Shop!!   and we have every type of shopping that you can imagine.   From the big designer stores in Millenium Mall, to small individual boutiques and specialty shops in local downtowns, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste.  And while you’re out for the day shopping, what about a quick cup of coffee or a long leisurely lunch in one of our local restaurants.

If shopping does not appeal, then perhaps a sporting fixture would be more acceptable.  Did you bring your golf clubs?   If not, there are plenty of local courses where you can hire clubs and carts and play a round or two.

Perhaps you enjoy spectator sports rather than participating;  the Tampa Bay Rays, and the Tampa Buccaneers have their home bases here in Central Florida, and it’s not far to drive to see them play, whether you’re a baseball fan or an American football fan.  You can even find Cricket and Soccer being played.

Maybe you’d like to try your hand at sky-diving, or water-skiing, or fishing or off road four-wheeling or cycling.    If you’d like a more relaxing hobby, there’s swimming, walking ( lots of walking and biking trails in the area).  Cinemas showing the latest films, libraries with the latest books,  bookshops with coffee houses attached, antique stores, art galleries and museums;  the list is endless.   What is even better, is that no matter what time of year it is,  you can do all or any of these things.

Many of our smaller towns are off the beaten tourist track, but if you take the trouble to find them and explore, you will find fascinating insights into their history – you will learn of the hardships the first settlers faced, you can visit archeological sites showing where the Native Americans lived or alternatively  just sit on the welcoming rocking chairs that line Main Streets and watch the world go by.

Marriage

If you want someone who will eat whatever you put in front of him
and never say it’s not quite as good as his mother’s

..then adopt a dog.

If you want someone always willing to go out, at any hour,
for as long and wherever you want …

…then adopt a dog.

If you want someone who will never touch the remote, doesn’t care
about football, and can sit next to you as you watch romantic movies

..then adopt a dog.

If you want someone who is content to get on your bed just to
warm your feet and whom you can push off if he snores

..then adopt a dog !

If you want someone who never criticizes what you do, doesn’t care
if you are pretty or ugly, fat or thin, young or old, who acts as if
every word you say is especially worthy of listening to, and loves
you unconditionally, perpetually ..

..then adopt a dog.

BUT, on the other hand, if you want someone who will never come
when you call, ignores you totally when you come home, leaves hair
all over the place, walks all over you, runs around all night and only
comes home to eat and sleep, and acts as if your entire existence
is solely to ensure his happiness ..,
.

.
.
.
..then adopt a cat!

Now be honest, you thought I was gonna say… marry a man, didn’t you?

It’s not often my 15 year old grand-daughter is silenced;  she usually has plenty to say on every subject under the sun.  However, we managed it!!!   How did we do it?   An Orlando helicopter tour!

Because this is her last week staying here in Central Florida with us, before she goes back to the UK and School, we wanted to give her a really special trip for her memory book, and this is what we chose to do.

A short ride along Highway 192 in Kissimmee took us to mile marker 10, where Helitours Orlando is situated.  Easily noticed from the road because of the helicopter parked on the side, there’s plenty of parking adjacent to the helicopter landing pad.  Using a Jet Bellranger four  seater helicopter, this company has been operating for 15 years or so .  The pilot was in the office when we walked through the door, and luckily was ready to go there and then.

Away we go

No time for her to get nervous or worried about this flight.   We were helped into our seats, and the front seat next to the pilot was given to our grand-daughter.   This is where the best views can be obtained.  We sat in the back, strapped ourselves in and donned our headphones, which are speech activated, so we were all able to converse with each other and with the pilot.   Our pilot was very experienced and obviously knew his stuff.  He told us he’d been a pilot for 22 years.   The helicopter was very comfortable, and once we had our headphones on, the engine noise was totally reduced.

The tour we had chosen to take was to fly over  Epcot, Caribbean Beach Resort, Hollywood Studios, the Swan and Dolphin,  and many other areas around the major attractions.    It is quite amazing just how much can be seen while flying at low speeds  in a helicopter.  Sights that you wouldn’t see in a small plane, are easily visible from the low levels of a sight seeing helicopter tour.

Whilst the people on the ground and in the resort areas looked like ants scurrying round, we were gently flying overhead in an air conditioned helicopter with a  knowledgeable pilot .  He pointed out many of the features of the resorts and parks that are not even visible from the ground.    Something that we were all amazed by were the number of lakes;  we all know there are lakes in our area, but from the air, you can see so many of them, and there seem to be many more than you can imagine.

what a view; Epcot in the distance

The views from this height were amazing.  In the first photo you can see Epcot in the distance, and the second photo shows the Town of Celebration from above.   I didn’t realise there was  a canal running around the town and out into the swamp land.   That’s what makes this helicopter tour so interesting;  you see things from the air that you simply didn’t know about.

Our grand-daughter was speechless, and remained that way for several hours, except for repeating Wow!   every time one of us asked her if she had enjoyed the tour.  I heartily agree with her, it was a Wow! trip, and well worth the cost

We all agreed that this had been a fantastic experience and not one of us wanted it to end.  Sadly all good things come to an end, but I’d love to do it again, and again……………..

Another place to visit when you’re enjoying your vacation here in Central Florida is a golf course; and not just the grown up version like Providence Golf club, Falcon’s Fire ,Mystic Dunes etc.

We’re talking miniature golf here, and a challenge to all, young or old.    Your children will enjoy trying their skills at the Disney Fantasia Gardens;  you never know – you could have fun too!

We visited Fantasia Gardens the other weekend, and with a  15 year old , decided that the really young Fantasia course was going to be not quite so suitable as the Fairways course for slightly older players.  As “proper” golfers , we thought this was going to be real simple and we’d beat the pants off our younger companion!   There is a chalk board at the entrance showing the course record and the current top score of the day;  course record 47, score of the day 61.

Collecting our putters and balls ( a different colour golf ball  for each of us) we set off to the first tee.   That was the moment when we realised simple this  course is not!

Staring us in the face was the board showing the set up of the tee from the green, and the par 3 hole which was about 75 yards away.  Now, you may think 75 yards is not too far to putt a ball into a three inch wide hole.  But, the “course” to that hole was full of lumps and bumps;  more like a badly laid ski slope than a fairway.   Here they called them bunkers and sand traps.

Anyway we found that one not too bad , and after about 4 or five attempt the balls rolled successfully into the hole.   That gave us confidence for the next hole – again a par 3 hole with a slight dogleg.  This one wasn’t too bad, and so we continued onwards, through the course.  The course was getting longer too;  now we were trying to score on par 4 holes.  Actually we were gradually getting worse, or the course was!   I’m not quite sure which it was.  Of course, by now frustration was setting in, and the odd tantrum occurred;  luckily no clubs were thrown or balls lost.

We had great fun, simply laughing at our own foolish attempts to putt these balls into holes that were surrounded by hillocks and bunkers.  As a family we have played crazy golf on many of the local crazy golf courses, and enjoyed every one of the games.  This course required a bit more skill and decision making …………..  the players behind us were very serious about winning, even if we weren’t.

We did complete the course – it takes about an hour and half, depending on how many people are in front of you;  on the day we were there, it was busy, with many families on the Fantasia course, as well as the teenagers and their families on the Fairways course.

The Fairways course at Disney Fantasia Gardens is more demanding and is not for the younger children;  if you have little children, the Fantasia mini course is more suitable, having many of the Disney characters and music for their entertainment,  and is a smaller shorter course.   There is a drink vending machine half way round and a small shop selling Disney memorabilia at the front entrance.  Restrooms are also there at the front.  Entrance to the Fairways Course is $12.00 per adult.

For more information you can go to

Just so you know, no, we didn’t beat the day’s score of 61; we were beaten by our 15 year -  who scored 73 !

Many visitors enjoy the Magic of Magic Kingdom during their stay here in our vacation homes.  Children in particular find the characters familiar from the books and films that they watch , so to see these characters and places that they know so well up close and personal is  exciting for them.   One day at the park is usually more than enough for many of the little ones, but the older children and the adults alike watch in wonder at the night parade put on by the Magic Kingdom each evening.  There are two shows; one at nine o’clock and one at eleven o’clock, with fireworks at ten o’clock.

Certainly even on a mid week visit to watch the Disney Electrical Parade, a good many people were still there from the day, and the crowds were quite thick.   Small children were draped  over parent’s  shoulders, or asleep in their pushchairs;  their little faces flushed from the heat.

We wandered through some of the exhibits; one of my favourites is Cinderella’s castle; the interior walls of the archway are festooned with beautiful wall  paintings picked out with gold, azure and crimson, giving it a truly medieval feel.   This is just one of the examples of the artwork on those arched walls, and like myself, many guests were just standing and staring at the stunning artwork.    We all know just how creative the Disney imagineers can be, and this in particular is a prime example of their skills.

he time was getting closer for the Start of the Electrical Display Night Parade of Summer Nightastic, and crowds were already lining the streets of the Magic Kingdom.   One of the less populated spots to watch from is around the area of Frontier Land, so off we headed towards Splash Mountain.  Having found a suitable spot from which to watch , we settled in for a long wait.  It is best to find your place  and stay there, as the crowds make it difficult to see once the Parade starts, and the better viewing areas are already occupied by 7.30!

One of the interesting things that I noticed while waiting patiently, are the numbers of people being guided by the Disney helpers.   With the aid of lighted wants they were indicating the routes that visitors needed to take; and in doing so, were actually directing the foot traffic so that one side of the street was for those heading away from Frontier Land, and the other side was used for guests heading towards our area.

One of the other things I noticed is that to move visitors along, they play a large amount of marching band music; normally  without being in the position of people watching I would not have seen this, but marching music automatically makes people march in step to the cadences of the music; so not only do people have direction, they are also moving faster than an amble.    Very interesting, that!

Eventually the announcement that everyone was waiting for, came over the loudspeakers, and the lights were dimmed.   Excitement rose as the first characters dressed in lighted costumes came dancing along the street, followed by a selection of floats festooned in lights and colour.

Lots of photos were being taken, judging by the flash lights going off, and sometimes it was difficult to see every display in its entirety, due to the numbers of people crowding in front.  From Alice  in Wonderland to Captain Hook, from Cinderella to Pinocchio and Peter and the Dragon, they were all there in glorious techicoloured lights.  The larger floats were large indeed and towered over the audience so that everyone could see Cinderella waving from inside her coach, or Captain Hook on his ship, or Mickey Mouse perched high on his sparkling display. Smaller characters were dancing through the street between the displays, waving to the children in the audience.

The finale to our evening was the view and noise of the magnificent Firework Display that blossoms over the top of the Castle – and which can be seen from almost everywhere inside the Magic Kingdom.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal

On a swelteringly hot day, at 9 o’clock in the morning, we had to queue for at least half an hour, just to get up to Hogwarts.  The Harry Potter experience is actually at the very back end of Islands of Adventure, so it’s a long line of people wending its way through the whole of the park.

Once there, I have to admit, the structures are absolutely amazing.  From crooked chimney tops to icicles hanging from the snow covered roofs, this is a fantastic re-creation of JK Rowlings imaginative landscape. Photo opportunities abound, from the Hogwarts Express to the entrance to the Three Broomsticks.  But -  and it’s a big but, there was a 75 minute wait for any of the rides, and the queues for the Wand Shop and Owl Post shop were huge.  Because these two shops are so small inside, they restrict the numbers entering at any one time, and because they are linked, you can’t visit one without going through the other.

We did take the walking tour through  the school which is the alternative to the rides, and that was excellent.  From gloomy stone staircases to talking portraits on the walls, and a moving talking head of Dumbledore in his study, this was great.  We did enjoy this, and it was Cool inside!!!

Finally we went off and had a Butter Beer in the hostelry ($3.19 a glass)!

I’m hopeful that once the summer is over, the lines will get shorter and more guests can enjoy what is a stupendous theme.

We also visited the Disney Summer Nightastic show last week to watch the Electric Light Parade.  Again, it was very warm even at 7.00 p.m., and again very crowded.  Our car park row was 104, and for afficianados of the Disney car parks, you will realize that that’s at the end of the parking lot.

Walking up Main Street, I noticed that although many people were browsing the shops, the actual purchasing didn’t seem so busy.  I was very tempted by some of the Disney art  prints, but kept my purse firmly in my pocket.

The crowds were very thick around the main circle, so we walked quickly through the castle to see some of the wonderful art work on the interior walls, then back out to the Frontier Land, to spot a place where we could watch the Parade.

One of the odd things I noticed, and this is the first time I have actually stopped and people watched at Disney, is that when they want people to move faster , they use guides with wands to direct foot traffic , so that “going” moves along one half of the street and “coming” moves along the other half in the other direction.  They also play Marching music over the loudspeakers.  If you have ever listened to marching music, you will know that your instinct is to walk in cadence with the beat of the music.  It was very interesting psychology !

The parade itself was very good, and I did enjoy watching all the characters and their vehicles moving along.  I took some photos and even some video, so if anyone wants copies, just let me know.

Getting out was a nightmare though, I have to say.  The majority of the crowd was heading back towards Cinderella’s castle to watch the fireworks at 10.00 and getting through the various groups of pushchairs, toddlers, families and so on, got harder and harder as we neared the castle bridge.  Huge clumps of people were simply backing up as those in front of them were stopping to take photos or grab a place to watch the firework display .  We struggled onward to the main circle, as our intention was to get back to the exit. Luckily Kelly is a tall girl and we were able to keep her in sight as we swam through the throng.  Well before we reached Main street, we were stopped , along with many others who had the same idea as us, and directed by a Disney guide , sent off down one of the side streets,  Following the instructions we found ourselves backstage.  We had been sent out on a diverted path right round Main street, which apparently was totally blocked and at a standstill.  We re-entered the Main Street, just before the main exit, and from there were able to make our escape.

Inside news from LEGOLAND Florida. Yes, it’s coming !   Fall of 2011 is definitely the target date.  We all know that it could run over  depending on weather conditions, ground breaking and construction issues, but the LEGOLAND staff are pushing hard for that to be the completion date; somewhere between October 1st and December 21st is officially what is called “Fall” or Autumn if you are from the UK.

The LEGOLAND Florida park is going to be the 5th LEGOLAND park , and the largest to date, being 150 acres of exciting shows and rides.  One of the most interesting things that has come out of the discussions is that for those of us who enjoyed visiting the Botanical Gardens at Cypress Gardens, the gardens will remain as part of the new park.   So will the Mansion and the Water Ski Show that  many visitors to Central Florida are familiar with.   This is wonderful news for some of our more mature visitors who like to come to Central Florida during the winter and spring months.

LEGOLAND emphasize the interactivity of their parks, and certainly the plans for the Central Florida park are going to provide that for the small “Heroes” who are their target audience.  There will be nine different themed areas, called Blocks.   A Block is what they call the themed zones, and a Brick is the LEGO piece that children use for their creative constructions !

From the first area to the right of the Entrance, called The Beginning, children can go to Castle Hill, where there will be a Dragon Rollercoaster which apparently runs through the castle, onward to Fun Town, then to the  Land of Adventure,with its dinosaur theme,  onward to the City, where there is the Firehouse , Police Stations, Fire Engines and water pumping hoses.  The Imagination Zone is next on the list, and is where creativity takes first place.  A wild Coaster ride is next at the Xtreme block, and finally the children reach Miniland, which is especially designed for the younger end of the spectrum, with Gamesville, and Duplo,  slides and smaller rides.

There will be restaurants, and one of LEGOLAND‘s favourite menu items can be found – “granny fries”  – this is a snack comprising slices of apple,( the healthy option), dipped in sugar and cinnamon (uh, oh) and deep fried ( oh dear, there goes the healthy bit).  Apparently those who have tried them absolutely adore them.

LEGOLAND takes pride in offering good healthy food, so it is unlikely that you or your children will be served burgers, hot dogs or fries.

The planning also includes the BIG Shop where LEGO merchandise can be found, including some pieces unique to the Florida park.     There will  be a Factory Tour for those who are interested where you can see how the bricks are made and designs created.

If your children or grandchildren are between the ages of two and twelve, let them know that “Heroes are Wanted” at LEGOLAND Florida.

As a footnote, some of our Florida visitors may recall the 40 foot tall open air dome that sheltered part of the entrance area of the old Cypress Gardens.  That has now been dismantled, since it didn’t fit into the plans of the LEGOLAND Florida park,.  The contractor who was hired to dismantle and haul it away is a member of a local church  and when he asked if the church would like it, they replied that they would.  The 125 foot diameter dome was re-engineered and installed behind the church in Lakeland.  It now protects the arriving and departing congregation from the sun and the rain.

On a warm and sunny weekend in Florida’s summertime, the best place to be is in the water.  Whether you want to be in your own private swimming pool at your  Premier vacation rental home, or in a water park with friends and family, you will enjoy the pleasure of splashing and swimming .  There are many water parks here in Central Florida, and one of the latest is the attraction called Aquatica, close to Seaworld.  So, on a sunny Sunday, we took a trip to Aquatica to test the waters, so to speak.   The first thing to know is that you can take coolers into the park;  they have to be a certain size, about a 6 can size, but at least it means that you don’t have to spend a lot of money buying waters or cold drinks.  You can also buy an all you can eat ticket, whereby participants can go to the restaurant all day.  Some of the outstanding features of the entrance are the colourful carvings along the walkways.  Once through the entrance, it’s difficult to know which rides to choose first.  Probably most children will want to head straight for the highest rides; the latest is a twister of a ride through tubes and even round a big bowl before being ejected into the pool at the end.  The kids I saw kept coming back for more, and that’s one of the advantages of this water park.  Once inside, the whole palce is yours to play.   If the water coasters are not really your scene, then grab your beach bag, your sun cream and head for the beach umbrellas and sun loungers of the sandy beach and its pool.   Here you can while away your day, kids splashing round in the waters, you taking a cooling dip every so often.

If going to a water park makes a change from using your very own vacation home pool, there are plenty to choose from.  Aquatica is probably the latest in a long line of water parks that offer something for the whole family.

Whatever you choose to do on vacation, when it gets hot, the best way to cool off is to head for the water.  Beat the heat!