Port Canaveral is the perfect day trip from the Orlando area! Whether you are headed out on a cruise (in the future), looking to go on a deep sea fishing excursion, spend the afternoon at one of the three parks, enjoy Exploration Tower or one of the many restaurants or bars, Port Canaveral is a very Florida way to spend time outside!

The Cove, located inside Port Canaveral, is your waterfront destination to enjoy shore side fishing, restaurants, Exploration Tower, parks and a great viewing spot to boat/ship watch.
Exploration Tower has 7 floors of exhibits and interactive games, café, and gift shop. There are also indoor and outdoor observation decks that look over the port.

An afternoon at the port would not be complete without enjoying some fresh from Florida seafood -seafood that comes directly from dock to the restaurant kitchen to your table! We stopped by Rusty's Seafood and Oyster Bar, located right on the water in The Cove.

The Fischer family, which owns Rusty's, has been in the restaurant business since 1948 - opening one of the first restaurants in Cocoa Beach.  

I have no ties to Rusty's so believe me when I say, Oh my goodness!  This was the best shrimp! So fresh, and so much of it!  This is definitely on my list of favorites! If you are looking for fancy, this is not the place but if you love fresh, delicious seafood, then I would highly recommend!
​
Pro Tip: Go for the shrimp or fish basket, both were awesome!

Located on the northeast side of the Port, is the home of the U.S. Space Force, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.  You can only go as far as the sign, but, how cool is this? History in the making, for sure!

Spotted from the waterside deck of Rusty's, the Disney Dream - the lone ship in port! There was black smoke coming out of one of the smoke stacks, so, it's alive!!!

Pro Tip:  Eat an early dinner so you can catch one of Florida's gorgeous sunsets!

​Have you been to Port Canaveral? Leave me a comment and let me know what your adventure was like!
​
#afloridaadventure #portcanaveral #florida #sunset #cocoabeach #rustysseafood #disneydream
Follow me on Instagram @afloridaadventure 

Gatorland has brought its most popular Florida Resident Special back from extinction.  Not seen since 2014, Florida Residents can visit for just $9.99 for single day admission, now through January 31st.  Tickets must be purchased at the admission’s gate with Valid Florida ID.   
 
Florida residents will enjoy their favorite rides, shows, and exhibits such as the Alligator Breeding Marsh, White Gator Swamp, Petting Zoo, Bird Aviary, Jungle Crocs of the World, the Alligators – Legends of the Swamp and Up Close Encounters shows, and of course, Social Distancing Skunk Ape.  Guests won’t want to miss Gatorland’s newest residents, Ben and Jerry, the Capybaras.
 
Did you know?
Gatorland originally opened as a roadside attraction in 1949. In 2019, the park celebrated its 70th Anniversary and continues the tradition of providing affordably-priced family fun.   

​As a Florida resident, the time could not be any better to visit Gatorland!

For more Gatorland information -
Online at www.gatorland.com or call 800-393-JAWS
Facebook at www.facebook.com/gatorland
YouTube at Gatorland Vlogs  and Gatorland_Orlando
Twitter @gatorland.com
Instagram: gatorland_orlando

#florida #attractions #experiencekissimmee
#gatorland #wearealligators  #gatorlandglobal
 

It doesn't matter which Walt Disney World theme park you love the most, each offers a holiday celebration with festive decorations, themed merchandise, seasonal food and beverage and entertainment. Although this year looks different due to social distancing and health protocols in place, there is no shortage of holiday merriment throughout the resort. And we can't forget about Santa Claus who will be making pop-up appearances at each park.

 

Each park has their own unique character appearances.  Be on the lookout at Disney Animal Kingdom for their character festive flotillas; at Epcot with their holiday promenades; Hollywood Studios will have their Merry Motorcades and at the Magic Kingdom, character cavalcades!  

The holidays at Walt Disney World run until December 30, 2020!  Make sure you have purchased you park ticket, linked it to your My Disney Experience App and made your park reservation before you go! Merry Christmas everyone!

​ ORLANDO, Florida (Nov. 2, 2020) 

Gatorland, The “Alligator Capital of the World,™” is so over 2020 and ready to move on to 2021 with its new $20.21 Greater Gator Package for the entire month of November. Valued at $44.99, this package gives guests a chance to experience Gatorland in a whole new way, with an unbeatable discount of over 50 percent off!
 
Greater Gator Package November 2020

• Single day admission into the park
• Train rides on the Gatorland Express train
• Gator Chow to feed the alligators
• The Meet-A-Gator Experience (photo not included)

Guests can also purchase a special upgraded version of this package online that includes a 5 x 7 photo from the Meet-A-Gator experience for $30.21.
For more information, visit https://www.gatorland.com/specials/greatergator/
 
Face masks are required per Orange County Executive Order #2020-23 regarding COVID 19 and must be visible at all times.  Please check our updated in park safety procedures at: https://www.gatorland.com/plan-your-visit/re-opening-safety/
 
For more Gatorland information, visit www.gatorland.com, or call 800-393-JAWS.  
 
Facebook at www.facebook.com/gatorland
YouTube at Gatorland Vlogs  and Gatorland_Orlando
Twitter @gatorland.com
Instagram: gatorland_orlando
 
#gatorlandglobal   #gatorlandisawesome   #wearealligators

​Great Offer from Gatorland!
 
In honor of Veteran's Day, Wednesday, November 11, Gatorland®, the "Alligator Capital of the World," is offering free admission from November 11 - 30, 2020 for all veterans, active and retired military personnel with ID presented at the admission gate. This offer also includes a 20 percent discount for up to four family members.  Discounted Gatorland and Screamin' Gator Zip Line tickets are available for purchase at your local Info Tickets & Tours (ITT) office on base.
 
While enjoying Gatorland,, face masks are required to be worn, per Orange County Executive Order, regarding COVID 19.   Masks must fit securely over nose and mouth. Please check Gatorland's updated policy in park safety procedures at: https://www.gatorland.com/plan-your-visit/re-opening-safety/
 
Originally opened as a roadside attraction in 1949, the park recently celebrated its 70th Anniversary.  Today, it provides affordably-priced family fun featuring thousands of alligators and crocodiles, breeding marsh with observation tower, free-flight aviary, nature walk, petting zoo, educational wildlife programs, award-winning gift shop, Florida's best train ride, Gator Gully Splash Park, on-site restaurant and one-of-a-kind shows including Gator Jumparoo, Alligators-Legends of the Swamp, and Up-close Encounters.  Popular adventure experiences inside the park include the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line and Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure.
 
For more Gatorland information, visit www.gatorland.com, or call 800-393-JAWS.  
Facebook at www.facebook.com/gatorland
YouTube at Gatorland Vlogs  and Gatorland_Orlando
Twitter @gatorland.com
Instagram: gatorland_orlando
 
#gatorlandglobal   #gatorlandisawesome   #wearealligators

As our Florida theme parks begin to reopen, operating procedures have been scrutinized, adjusted and fine tuned to meet the health and safety concerns of protecting staff and visitors alike. Much of what a visitor is used to has remained, but guidelines and additional procedures have been added to comply with CDC recommendations. This, of course, changes our theme park normal. Universal Orlando Resort will be the first major theme park to open their gates. Let's take a look at what guests can expect in regards to new safety and health guidelines, social distancing and touchless transactions.

​Changes begin right at the beginning, in the parking garages.  In order to create distance between travel groups, parking is being staggered. This is an easy way to social distance groups which also naturally staggers the arrival to the first checkpoint which is temperature check and instructions to put on your face covering, if you haven't already done so.

Signage is clear and present!

At the entrance to each park and CityWalk, spieling team members bring a little levity to brighten the mood and remind guests of the required face coverings while visiting, social distancing guidelines within the parks and attractions, hand washing and the use of hand sanitizer. By the time guests have reached the entrance plaza of either park, they are fully aware of  the new expectations and guidelines. 

In case you might have missed it, a face covering is REQUIRED! Not going to sugar-coat this one - it's annoying, it adds nothing to any fashion statement one might be trying to make, there is a whole new biosphere going on between the nose and chin (think rain forest), it adds a new level of discomfort with the summer heat and humidity and darn it, how many times will you go to take a sip from your water bottle only to have your attempt thwarted. For now, this is what is needed to have the parks open.  Embrace it, work with it, figure out what is best for you and your family and enjoy.  

What about character greetings, you ask? They are still happening, but have a different approach, so to speak.

When it comes to meeting a favorite character, changes have been made to comply with social distancing guidelines.

Guests will interact with their favorite character from a healthy distance.

Characters are positioned on a raised platform, which is cordon off by at least 6 feet from guests.  This allows for interaction and an awesome photo op, but at a safe distance.

Staggered car parking.

Temperature check.

​Face covering is required, except when 
​eating and drinking.
​
Social distancing throughout the parks.

At select locations, guests will be required to use
hand sanitizer prior to boarding ride vehicles. 
​
Capacity will be limited throughout all attractions, restaurants and shops.

You will utilize the Official Universal Orlando Resort App
 for mobile food and drink ordering,
purchasing park tickets for touchless entry,
and setting up TapTu Pay for Volcano Bay.

#universalorlandoresort #universalstudios #islandsofadventure #florida #blogger #universal #lovefl #visitflorida #harrypotter 

Looking to add a little adventure to your visit?  Florida residents may upgrade to the Gatorland Grunt package for just $11.99 plus tax.  This combo ticket features three of our most popular attractions:
 Meet-A-Gator, Gator Chow to feed the Gators and a day pass on the Gatorland Express! 
 
More details on all of these experiences, including pricing and availability, are available at www.Gatorland.com

Ride The Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure
Fly Above Alligators on the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line
                      Come face to face with rare white gators in the White Alligators Swamp
Feed giant alligators at Adventure Hour
Gator Jumparoo and Up-Close Encounters are two shows you don't want to miss!
                                            Touch and feed three of the Largest Tortoise Species in the world
Meet giant crocodiles in Jungle Crocs of the World or for a more exclusive experience, that’s not for the faint of heart, take advantage of the Trainer-For-A-Day Experience
                                                  Photograph exotic wild birds nesting in the Alligator Breeding Marsh
 Do you dare venture out after hours with the Gator Night Shine experience?
                  Take your picture inside the historic Gatorland Gator Mouth entrance

Gatorland is a 100-acre theme park combining Old Florida charm with exciting experiences, exhibits, and entertainment. Originally opened as a roadside attraction in 1949, the park recently celebrated its 70th Anniversary.  Today, it provides affordably-priced family fun featuring thousands of alligators and crocodiles, breeding marsh with observation tower, free-flight aviary, nature walk, petting zoo, educational wildlife programs, award-winning gift shop, Florida's best train ride, Gator Gully Splash Park, on-site restaurant and one-of-a-kind shows including Gator Jumparoo and Up-close Encounters.  Popular adventure experiences inside the park include the Screamin’ Gator Zipline and Stompin’ Gator Off-Road adventure.
 

For more Gatorland information, visit www.gatorland.com or call 800-393-JAWS. 
Facebook - www.facebook.com/gatorland
Twitter -@gatorland.com
Instagram - gatorland_orlando https://www.instagram.com/gatorland_orlando/ 
 ​

​#gatorlandglobal  #gatorlandisawesome  #wearealligators #afloridaadventure

Three new films are debuting at Epcot today;  Awesome Planet, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along and Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360. Although they all add a sense of refreshing and revitalization to their host attraction, there is one that stands out, one that brings a touch of nostalgia and one that brings a sense of urgency for action.

Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, located in France, will share the screen with Impressions de France, alternating show times throughout the day. The film, a twist on a tale as old as time, was well received by the audience and by virtue of it being a "sing-along", provided an opportunity for audience participation.  There was no need to prod here, the audience was fully "all in" and embraced the experience.  I don't want to give anything away, you will need to see for yourself, but, be on the look-out for zinger lines, which had the audience belly-laughing and one quick nod to Mickey himself. There might be others, I just caught the one. For the light-hearted, fun experience, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along is my pick for the film that "stands out".

For a touch of nostalgia, Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360  brings back all the wonderful feelings the original film brought out. This new version gives us some new scenes, mixed in with the familiar, like the awesome Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the audience loved it.  Kudos to the genius who gave us back the original song.  Loved it the first time around and still do. It definitely brings back all emotion! I loved the audience reaction when it began to play, there was this collective awwww.  Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360  is definitely the feel good film of Epcot!

From beginning to end, this new film, Awesome Planet, showcases the diverse biomes of our beautiful planet through stunning imagery. To just say stunning, really doesn't seem like a powerful enough statement. The photos are truly awesome which is fitting considering the title. Awesome Planet, which is presented in The Harvest Theatre within The Land pavilion, reflects the message presented in the original film Symbiosis, which ran from 1982-1995. We are reminded of how diverse our Earth is, how working together to keep her healthy is imperative and the importance of conservation endeavors. This film drives those points home, so to speak, and finishes with a directive to seek out more information through the Disney Conservation Fund.  All good things!




Let's Talk!  Leave a comment about your reactions to the new films! See you around the World!

#epcotawesomeplanet #beautyandthebeastsingalong #canadafarandwide #waltdisneyworld #epcot #epcotfilms

For many families, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a yearly Christmas tradition. It just wouldn't be the holidays without experiencing all the magical, festive fun!

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a separate ticketed event.  A regular one-park base ticket or park hopper ticket will not get you into the party! 

The Christmas merriment begins at 7 pm, but you may enter the Magic Kingdom at 4 pm.  You will receive a special, Very Merry wristband to identify you as a party guest.  From 4 to 7 pm, you may enjoy all the Magic Kingdom has to offer and at 7 pm the park flips to Christmas party mode! 

Don't forget to pick up a Very Merry guide so you can plan your evening.  You do not want to miss -Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration at Castle Forecourt Stage,
Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, and Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show!

Cinderella Castle is always gorgeous during the holiday season; especially when Elsa works her Frozen magic on it!

All your favorite characters join in on the fun and holiday spirit in Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade!  

The attention to detail comes out, throughout the park, in the Christmas decorations.  Be sure to notice the changes from one area to the next! I love the Mickey shaped wreaths on Main Street, U.S.A.

​Spy the giant candy cane stick and you know you have found a special holiday treat location! Peppermint, ginger molasses and snickerdoodle cookies are handed out throughout the park at specific locations.  You might also find a snowman pretzel and don't forget your special Welcome Holiday Treat on Market Street! Dancing when you find the candy cane stick is optional!

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is on select dates through December 22.  Make sure you buy tickets in advance because some dates are sold out!

I would love to hear your thoughts - have you attended a party this season?  What did you think?  #verymerry #waltdisneyworld #magickingdom #mickeysverymerrychristmasparty

The wait is over for Walt Disney World's newest transportation system to take flight. Disney Skyliner  connects four resorts - Disney's Pop Century, Disney's Art of Animation, Disney Caribbean Beach and Disney's newest DVC Resort, the Riviera, to Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot. (The Rivera Resort will open in December.)

Although the Skyliner is touted as a transportation system, in my book, it is definitely an attraction.  The views are amazing, with a bird's eye look at the four featured resorts, Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

You will notice a couple of things when you ride.

1. Unlike the gondola rides of the past, this system is smooth and quiet.  No hard rumbles when you pass over the towers.

2. No air-conditioning you say?  The gondolas are designed with louvers that allow the air to past through quite nicely.  My hair was actually blowing in the breeze!  The stations have industrial strength fans going keeping the breeze moving within the stations as your gondola begins to slow down for exiting.

3. Each gondola is equipped with a 2-way communication system allowing quests to receive information or contact a cast member in case of an emergency.

The gondolas are painted in whimsical shades of purple, yellow, tangerine, green, orange, teal, blue, and red. Not all the gondolas are character themed but I think you will spot some of  your favorites! The designs also incorporate  themes from Disney films and attractions.  

The Disney Skyliner Station located at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is the main hub and transfer station. From this location you can transfer from any incoming line to another.  If you want to go to Epcot from Disney's Hollywood Studios, you just hop the Skyliner back to the hub and transfer to the Epcot line.  Important to note:  you may NOT park at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort to ride the Skyliner.  Only guests staying at the resort and those guests with confirmed reservations at Sebastian's Bistro will be allowed to park.  

Would love to hear your comments and answer any questions you might have! Let's talk!