Author: wendyvr360

SeaWorld Orlando launch brand new ‘One Ocean’ Shamu show!

Exciting news – Sea World have officially replaced the ‘Believe’ Shamu killer whale show, running since 2006 with the premiere of ‘One Ocean’ today!!!

Taking over a year to develop, the show will feature an all-new design backdrop, spectacular water fountains and the orcas will continue to splash and soak the audience in good measure. The first show will start at 10am and run regularly throughout the day and hopefully for years to come.

Check out the behind the scenes ideas which led to the creation of the new format show, with its message to inspire SeaWorld guests to “celebrate, connect and care” for the ocean. Here’s a couple of videos of the trainers, producers and designers collaborating over the set design, special effects, costumes and the ultimate musical score to encompass a multi-sensory celebration of life under the sea with the killer whales.

Can’t wait to see it for myself and update you on the new show. In the meantime, if you’re lucky enough to be visiting SeaWorld Orlando soon please come back and give us your comments – we’d love to hear what you think.

The majority of our 500 Florida vacation rental villas are within an easy 20-30 minute drive of SeaWorld Orlando and the major theme park attractions in Central Florida.

Eggscellent Easter events in Orlando

First things first, Happy Easter to you all from VR360 Florida Villas!

If you’re looking for some family Easter activities over the weekend I have a few favourites to share with you.

Go for some farm style fun at the Green Meadows Petting Farm in Kissimmee, they are hosting their annual Easter Egg Hunt from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th April. Kids are welcome to bring their own festive Easter basket and have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny. The Easter hunt is free with the paid guided tour ticket and takes place at the end of your farm tour. As a family activity, it’s nice to see the kids have the opportunity to touch and learn about the 300 animals in the farm’s country setting. Don’t miss the chance to milk a cow for the first time! Or watch the children take a pony ride and a tractor-drawn hayride. If you want to bring along you’re lunch, there’s really nice picnic areas as well. Don’t worry if you decide not to bring anything, as there’s a general store with snacks and drinks available. Tours run continuously from 9:30-4:30pm, children under 2 yrs go free and adult/child tickets are otherwise $21. Green Meadows is 10 miles southeast of Disney World on 1368 South Poinciana Blvd. Kissimmee. A $2 coupon saving is available for parties of upto 6.

The City of Winter Park are having their 57th annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday 23rd April starting at 9:30am ready for the 10am starting signal to set the kids racing off to find the 10,000 stuffed eggs placed around Central Park in downtown Winter Park.  This event is free and children upto 10 yrs can participate. This is a favourite every year, and you’ll see grandparents bringing their 3rd generation children here for the hunt. For more info, call 407-599-3203.

For Easter season, if you’re shopping with the family, most of the malls in Orlando will have Easter themed Bunny professional photo opportunities for the children. So, why not bunny hop over to Mall at Millenia or the Florida Mall…

The majority of our 500 Orlando villas we have available to rent for your vacation are easily within 20-30 minutes drive of these attractions and the major theme parks in Central Florida.

Virgin Atlantic Downtown Disney Check-in

Virgin Atlantic Downtown Disney Check-in

This could be an interesting time-saver and extend your holiday a little on your last day.. On the Westside area of Downtown Disney (Parking Lot L & M) Virgin Atlantic offer facilities allowing you to check in for your Virgin Atlantic flight, get your boarding pass and drop off your bags for their secure delivery to the airport – so you can enjoy more time with the family at Disney and then arrive at the airport 2 hours before your flight’s due departure. The service is free to all Upper Class passengers, Flying Club Gold cardholders and Virgin Holidays passengers.  There is a charge of $10 per person for all other Virgin passengers (providing they hold a confirmed seat).  If you’re interested in taking up this service on your last day of your holiday in Orlando please read the full terms and conditions on Virgin’s Downtown Disney Check-in.

Downtown Disney is located about 15-20 minutes from most of our 500 Orlando villas, so why not drop off your bags and spend your last day at Disney.

Downtown Disney Orlando

Downtown Disney equals lots of entertainment and nightlife all in one Disney hotspot. Situated on Buena Vista Drive, follow the signs for Walt Disney World and then you’ll see signs for Downtown Disney, taking you to the free parking lots. The majority of our Florida villas to rent are within a 20 minute drive away.  You can stroll along the scenic walkway of the 3 distinct sections, all bordering the village waterfront and experience the dining, shopping and entertainment on offer. On the West side – you can take in a live theatrical show of breathtaking acrobatics at the Cirque du Soleil theatre – tickets can be purchased at the box office in the theatre or by calling 407-WDW-SEAT. Or perhaps see the latest Hollywood movie at the AMC Pleasure Island 24 screen cinema – we have a handy post on our Florida Villas blog for film showtimes. Soak up the party atmosphere on Pleasure Island with the bars, discos and eateries. You’ll also find the very best Disney souvenirs and gifts for friends and family at the World of Disney store (largest Disney character store in the world) in the shopping hub of Downtown Disney Marketplace on the East side. Featured in the store is the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique salon for girls and boys who want the ultimate princess and knight fairytale makeovers. This is extremely popular with young children over 3 years and we would advise calling in advance to make reservations. Makeover package prices vary.  The marketplace also has a fine art gallery which is fun to browse called The Art of Disney.  There are an abundance of themed restaurants for the family – the Rainforest Cafe has casual dining in an amazing tropical rainforest setting. For an unforgettable experience, try the T-Rex Cafe – a prehistoric adventure where you can eat, shop and gaze at the moving T-Rex dinosaur.

For music lovers, back on the west side, the House of Blues offers southern-inspired food along with live music from Rock ‘n’ Roll to R&B in their Music Hall adjacent to the diner. Once you visit, you’ll be coming back again and again. Check out Leona Lewis below…..

Why not try a 400ft balloon ride in the Characters in Flight open everyday.

Florida Mall Shopping, Orlando

The Florida Mall in Orlando

As well as visiting all the theme parks and attractions, you won’t want to miss out on the shopping in Orlando.  The Florida Mall, Central Florida’s largest mall at a whopping 1.9 million square feet of shopping, features 260 speciality stores and will provide you with an unforgettable shopping experience. Stores include Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, M&M World, Hollister Co, Apple, Abercrombie & Fitch, MAC, Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Bodyworks to name a few. Florida Mall is located at 8001 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando FL 32809. Regular Mall hours are Mon-Sat 10am – 9pm, and sun 12pm – 6pm.

Handy tips for you: For the easiest route to the Florida Mall and avoiding the toll booth charges, take the 528 Toll Road, exit 72 off the I-4. Take the Orange Blossom Trail junction (exit 4), turn left onto the OBT, Florida Mall is on your right.

And another tip…Macy’s department store are offering special travellers’ savings and international visitors can receive the Welcome Savings Card valid for 30 days, giving a 10% discount on your purchases. Domestic visitors can receive the Welcome Savings Pass, offering 10% discount valid for 3 days. Just ask at a register before you start shopping and they can assist you in getting your discount card. For international visitors, take along proof of your international status ie driver’s licence or passport.

The Florida Mall is located about 20 minutes from most of our Florida holiday villas and is a great way to spend a day!!!