It's hard to imagine a Florida without Walt Disney World, but, there was such a place, not so long ago.  Before WDW, the weekends were a time to load up the family in the station wagon, along with a picnic basket full of homemade goodness, a cooler full of beverages, lawn chairs, towels and first aid kit because you know, there's always that one kid!  Most adventures took place at the beach, a state park or one of the beautiful, natural springs. 

But, on  rare occasion, that weekend outing might have been a trip to Cypress Gardens, located in Winter Haven, Florida.  It wasn't an easy drive, especially with a backseat full of impatient little ones. As parents, you had to be all in; totally committed to the outing.  There were only two lane roads and at that time, Winter Haven was literally in the middle of nowhere! 

Cypress Gardens is considered Florida's first attraction opening its doors on January 2, 1936.  It didn't have a resounding first day; due to the rather cold weather. But soon, word spread and the gardens thrived. Gracious Southern Belles strolled the park, which added to the theming but the main attraction was the incredible water ski show.  The ski show was world famous and to this day, Winter Haven is known as the Water Ski Capital of the World.

The ski show was known for doing the pyramid formation, which thrilled and mesmerized the crowds! Perusing old family photos, I found these classic Cypress Garden pictures, well, actually slides.  These photos are from the 1950's. 

​Although jointly owned by Polk County and the State of Florida, Cypress Gardens is now under the care of Legoland Florida. It is also listed on the National Register of Historical places.  

Planning a trip to Legoland doesn't usually include enthusiasm for a hike through the botanical gardens, splendid with azaleas and home to one very, enormous banyan tree, which by the way, is really cool to see- Just sayin' - but worth the effort, if only for the historic nature of the attraction.  The botanical gardens are not as glorious now as they were in their heyday, but they still hold the charm of a by-gone era.  Have you heard about the pool in the shape of the state of Florida? No, you say? Well, you will just have to visit and Instagram it!  

#cypressgardens #legoland #floridaroadtrip #florida #winterhaven #attraction #thingstodo #floridatravel #ilivewhereyouvacation #roadtrip

Looking for a unique Valentine's Day/weekend adventure that finds you outside? Look no further, because, Gatorland has you covered! As if spending the day on a gator adventure with the ones you love isn't wonderful enough, Gatorland has extended their Florida Resident special through February 15, 2021. That means, you can experience Gatorland for $9.99- a single day admission.  Just show your Florida ID at the ticket window for this special pricing.

*Skunk Ape will make special appearances with photo opportunities throughout the park - all at a social distance, of course!
*Want an awesome off-road adventure? The Stompin' Gator is a must-do!
*Fly above the gators on the Screamin' Gator Zip Line to amp up the adrenaline! 
*Have you caught a glimpse of the Rare White Alligator? The White Gator Swamp is where you need to be!
*During Adventure Hour, you can feed giant alligators!
*All aboard The Gatorland Express for a ride around the park!
*Over in the Alligator Breeding Marsh, take time for a photo safari and capture gorgeous images of exotic wild birds and hundreds of alligators!
*In Jungle Crocs of the World, meet the newest member of Team Gatorland, Marshall the Kookaburra!
*The Petting Zoo is home to Ben and Jerry, two adorable Capybaras!
*And, have you even been to Gatorland if you didn't take your picture inside the historic, and Florida famous, Gatorland gator mouth entrance? I think not, so make sure you take a snap!

Gatorland is truly one of Florida's original attractions; standing the test of time since 1949!

For more information, visit Gatorland online at gatorland.com or call 800-393-JAWS.
#gatorlandglobal  #gatorlandisawesome  #wearealligators #gatorland #orlando
#afloridaadventure #visitfl #thingstodo #valentinesday #floridaattraction #floridatravel

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