Category: Orlando Theme Parks

Disney Fastpass and Universal Express Plus Pass – lose the queues!

  

If you’re heading out to either Disney or Universal theme parks and want to fit in the most ‘play’ time along with the least ‘stand in line’ time to really optimise your days in the parks, you’ll want to make use of the passes available. As they differ between the parks, I’ve got a run down here of how each works. In short, where regular lines can average an hour or more wait time per attraction, these passes will reduce that to a maximum of 10 minutes per attraction – making choosing attractions for the family much easier.

So with the Disney FastPass, good news its free for all park guests and you just buy a standard admission ticket.

Continue reading “Disney Fastpass and Universal Express Plus Pass – lose the queues!” →

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.

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.

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is on until 15th May!

If your taking your Orlando holiday anytime from now until 15th May you might want to bookmark this special spring event to take your family or party to. Held in Epcot, Walt Disney World Orlando, at the Epcot International Flower & Garden festival you’ll see over 75 Disney character topiaries and as a first for this annual event Disney are including famous Pixar characters – including Buzz, Woody and Lotso from Toy Story 3! Standard Epcot admission ticket will be required.

Download the Festival guide here with highlights, map and events calendar

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Sanford Florida

The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford, Florida has over 400 exciting animal attractions and a great mix of education and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy! Have a close encounter with the the elephants at feeding times. Take your swimsuit, towel and suncream to experience the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground – a unique water playground featuring animal inspired water fountains, rain trees and a fun water tunnel.

With a separate charge, you can visit ZOOm Air Adventure Park – explore the surrounding forest from an animal’s perspective on the aerial treetop adventure course with rope bridges and thrilling ziplines.

Visit the ZOOm Air Treetop Adventure Park website for prices and further details here.

The Central Florida Zoo is about 60-90 minutes away from most of our Orlando rental villas and is located just off junction 104 of Interstate 4 (I4) and is a very easy drive.

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