5 FUN THINGS TO DO FOR CHRISTMAS FLORIDA STYLE

Hello all,

 There's no place quite like Florida for the holidays We have our own sense of style here. Florida has so much to see and do already, the holidays just add more to it. I've compiled a list of unforgettable amazing holiday things to do in Florida, enjoy:


1. Now Snowing 2017 - This is a monthlong winter wonderland spectacular featuring Charles Dickens carollers, performers, photos with Santa, horse drawn carriage rides, the Celebration Express train, and yes, it has nightly snowfalls at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00. amd 9:00 pm. They also have an ice rink open 4-10 pm till January 1st. This event and parking are free, but there are small fees for the ice skating, carriage rides, Santa photos, and the train. It's located at the Celebration Town Center, 701 Front St. Celebration.

5 FUN THINGS TO DO FOR CHRISTMAS FLORIDA STYLE- NOW SNOWING

2. Santa's Enchanted Forest - The site says it's the world's largest holiday theme park with over 100 rides, games, shows and attractions. It has been a tradition in the area for 35 years.It features south Florida's largest Christmas light show with millions of lights, lasers, themed displays, Christmas music, live shows and carnival rides. It's open now till January 7th, 5:00 pm till midnight. Admission for adults is $33.64, kids $24.30. It's located at 7900 SW 40th St., Miami.

5 FUN THINGS TO DO FOR CHRISTMAS FLORIDA STYLE- SANTA'S ENCHANTED FOREST

3. Christmas at Gaylord Palms - From November 21st to January 7th you can go to Christmas at Gaylord Palms. They have larger than life decorations with over 2 million lights. They have Alpine Rush Snow tubing, which is priced at $19.99. They also have ICE, a walk through attraction kept at 9 degrees. It is an inside winter wonderland with 2 million pounds of ice sculptures, 4 ice slides, ice carving zone, and a nativity scene carved of ice. Price is $29.99 adults, $16.99 kids. And let's not forget about Santa! You can take photos of him for a fee!

5 FUN THINGS TO DO FOR CHRISTMAS FLORIDA STYLE- GAYLORD PALMS

4. Busch Gardens Christmas Town - This event runs for 23 select dates from November 19th to December 31st. The park comes alive with 2 million lights and decorations. You can meet and take photos with Rudolph and Santa. They have special Christmas musicals and ice shows. They also have a Christmas village where they offer treats and Christmas gift shopping. They even have a Christmas Town Express where you climb aboard a train and sing Christmas carols. This event is included with the regular Busch Gardens admission price. Adults are $104.99, and kids are $89.99.

5 FUN THINGS TO DO FOR CHRISTMAS FLORIDA STYLE - CHRISTMAS TOWN

5. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney - The december Christmas parties are December 7,8,10,12,14,15,19.21.  During the parties you can see Mickey's Once Upon a Time Christmas Parade, Holiday Wishes fireworks, 2 Christmas stage shows, dance parties and meet and greets. They also serve complimentary hot cocoa, cookies and apple slices. They even have snow on Main Street! These tickets are popular and hard to come by at adults $99.00, kids $94.00. There is a separate admission cost for this.

5 FUN THINGS TO DO FOR CHRISTMAS FLORIDA STYLE - MICKEY'S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY

MY REVIEW OF MY GRANDDAUGHTER'S FIRST TRIP TO DISNEY

I received compensation in exchange for writing this review. Although this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own.



Hello all,

Living here in Florida I have been to a few of the major theme parks. One in particular, Disney is my favorite. So when Disney offered me free tickets in exchange for my review I was ecstatic. I have a granddaughter now, and taking her to Disney was a dream of mine. So off I was to start planning.

I wanted to get the most out of our trip, so I checked out a few sites for advice to prepare. One of my favorite sites I checked out first was Couponing to Disney. I love this site and I find the author's advice easy to understand and follow. She offers many tips I took note of. I especially paid attention to her information about FastPass. We tried scheduling our FastPass with the Disney app, but it proved to be difficult to use and not very user friendly. We scheduled them through their kiosks instead.

We wanted to do as much as we could, so we used FastPass. With it we chose three rides initially. Then were able to choose more with FastPass, but one at a time. We rode a lot of rides! Even the few we did ride without FastPass, the lines were no longer than a 30 minute wait! We had an awesome time! I thought my granddaughter would be afraid of some of the rides, like the Teacups or Dumbo, but she absolutely loved them! In fact, the Teacups were her favorite! Her next favorite was It's a Small World. She loved being in the boat and watching all the animatronics going on around her! The expression on her face was timeless, something I will never forget! She even got to meet her favorite character, Minnie!

When it was time to eat, there were many eateries to choose from. We chose the Columbia Harbor House. It was perfect for lunch. We easily found seats, and it was very affordable. I definitely would eat there again.

Since it is the holiday season, when it got dark they lit up the front of the park around the castle with Christmas lights. It was such a sight to see! The castle was lit with purple and white lights. My granddaughter loved it! It was so beautiful. Every employee we came across was very knowledgable and pleasant. We had a great time! The only thing we didn't have time to do was shop, we were too tired. They did give my granddaughter a pin saying this was her first time at Disney, a real keepsake! I definitely recommend a trip to Disney for a way to spend quality time with the grandkids!

My review of my granddaughters first trip to Disney

My review of my granddaughters first trip to Disney

My review of my granddaughters first trip to Disney

My review of my granddaughters first trip to Disney

My review of my granddaughters first trip to Disney

My review of my Granddaughters first trip to Disney

IMPORTANT FIRST TIMER FACTS AND LITTLE KNOWN DISNEY SECRETS

LEARN THESE IMPORTANT FIRST TIMER FACTS AND LITTLE KNOWN DISNEY SECRETS

Hello all,

One of my most favorite places to visit in Florida is Disneyworld. In fact I'll be going with my granddaughter on her very first trip there next month! Of course I've done my research and found some important first timer facts to know before you go, and some little known Disney secrets to share!

One thing I feel that's important is Disney has a free app called My Disney Experience that shows you the ride wait times, maps, characters, FastPass reservations and dining info. This is one I definitely will be using. FastPass is something I'll have to try this time. It allows guests to reserve a time  for a ride at their choosing in advance. This way you avoid long lines for the ones you want to ride the most. You can do this the day you visit by going to one of the kiosks or by using the My Disney Experience app on your phone. It lets you schedule 3 FastPass reservations per park per day. Definitely a time saver. 

I've been hearing great things about Disney's MagicBands. Apparently they are only available here in Florida. It's a wristband with an embedded RFID chip that guests wear. It links to their tickets, resort room keys, dining reservations, FastPass info, and can even link to your credit card. It sounds very easy to use and convenient. 

This is an important first timer fact and time saving option for parents, the Rider Switch Pass. This allows one parent to stay with a child who isn't riding a particular ride. When the riding parent is done, the waiting parent can then use the pass and ride by using the fastpass return line. This pass is actually good for 3 people, so some who may have already rode can ride again.

If you are lucky enough to be staying at one of the Walt Disney World resorts, you can take advantage of their Extra Magic Hours. It lets you enter one hour before the official opening time, and stay for two hours after general public closing time. you can do a lot in that amount of time with very little people there.

Now for some little known Disney secrets:

Of the Presidential Seals in this country, one is located in the Hall of Presidents at Disney World. The other two are in the Oval Office and the hall where the Liberty Bell is housed.

Strategically placed devices called smellitizers are dispersed throughout the park and emit certain scents like the smell of cookies and vanilla on Main st. 

 Inside Cinderella Castle is a luxurious suite that can’t be booked and you can only stay there if you win a contest.

Utilidors is the name given to a secret tunnel system under the Magic Kingdom which is used by cast members and other employees to navigate the park unnoticed

 If you look, you’ll notice thousands of hidden Mickey’s through the parks.

 Gum isn’t sold in any of the park to minimize the risk of people disposing their gum on rides and dropping it on the ground.

 When Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride closed, a tombstone for Mr. Toad was placed in the graveyard at The Haunted Mansion.

The same dog is used in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and the Carousel of Progress.

When Pirates of the Caribbean was being built in 1967, Disney Imagineers didn’t like the look of the false skeletons placed around the ride. So, with the help of UCLA medical school, they were able to place actual human skeletons around the ride. Most have been removed, though the skull and crossbones on the headboard are still human.

There are no bathrooms located in the Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square. This is done to keep with the time period of that area.

Look down when in line at The Haunted Mansion, and you might spot a wedding ring embedded into the concrete. It’s believed to belong to the hanging bride who you see on the ride.

 Epcot’s American Pavilion is home to an American flag taken from the rubble of 9/11/2001.

 Guests in Walt Disney World are never more than 30 steps away from a trash can.

Visit The Hat shop on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom and you'll see an old pay phone on the wall. Pick up the receiver and you can eavesdrop on an interesting conversation.

 An imagineer named George was killed during the building of Pirates of the Caribbean.  It is said his ghost haunts the ride to this day. Workers say goodnight George before they shut down the ride each night as a superstition to prevent the attraction from breaking down the next day.

 The lake used for Fantasmic is only about 1 foot deep.

 You never have to pay for water in Disney World. Just go to any quick service restaurant in the park and ask for a cup.

When aboard the Mark Twain River Boat ride ask the pilots if you can visit the captains room. This is a secret code that will grant you access to the room the ship is piloted from.

Main Street USA is a little slice of Americana. Above this idyllic small town setting you’ll find about a dozen American flags. One thing though, none of them have 50 stars.

Columbia Harbor restaurant has two entrances. From the one in Fantasyland, the decor is British. From the one in Liberty Square, the decor is early American. The restaurant symbolizes crossing the Atlantic from Europe to America, from a land of castles and fairy tales to new, thriving colonies.

So enjoy yourself next time visiting Disney and be on the lookout for more secrets to uncover!

Important first timer facts and little known disney secrets

Important first timer facts and little known disney secrets

Important first timer facts and little known Disney secrets

WHAT POPULAR MOVIES WERE FILMED IN FLORIDA

This post may contain affiliate links.



Hello, all

The Florida film industry used to be one of the largest in the US. Our state used to rank third thanks to our year round mild temperatures and being based on the east coast. But no longer. Florida is one of only 16 states that now have no film industry tax credits or rebates in place. We have been losing movies to other states, especially neighboring Georgia. The last time we had approved film tax credits was back in 2010. Some say if we hadn't had available film credits when they filmed Dolphin Tale, it probably would of been filmed somewhere else. That movie was filmed at  the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Before the movie they had 75,000 visitors a year, afterwards it skyrocketed to 800,000.

Even Disney is down sizing. They closed their Orlando feature animation studio in 20014. They say its too expensive and labor intensive. Disney on the other hand has been successful with their live action remakes. They presently have 16 in the works. Some have already been released such as Alice in Wonderland, Alice through the looking Glass( Released May,2016), and Pete's Dragon (Released August 2016). Beauty and the Beast is up next set to be released March 2017.

With that being said, I thought I'd list some popular movies that were made here in the sunshine state:

The Infiltrator(2016)- Tampa

Sisters(2015)- Orlando

 

Transformers Dark of the Moon(2015)- Titusville



Magic Mike XXL(2015)- Tampa



Paper Towns(2015)- Orlando

Dolphin Tale(2014)- Clearwater



I am Number 4(2014)- Islamorada

The Punisher(2004)- Tampa



Out of Time(2003)- Boca Grande

2 Fast 2 Furious(2003)- Miami

Edward Scissorhands(1990)- Tampa

Scarface(1983)- Miami

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT ORLANDO

Hello all,

I have lived all over florida, and have attended events at many of its different cities. I have to say Orlando is my favorite city by far. It has more to offer than just theme parks. It also has a rich history. Orlando was first occupied by the Seminole tribe until the first European settlers arrived in 1837. Its stated that according to tradition it was named after Orlando Reeves, an american soldier who had woke up other soldiers and saved them from great peril against natives. The city was previously named Jernigan after a military office who was later relieved of his duty due to notorious acts.

In 1964, Walt Disney secretly started buying millions of dollars of land in central Florida . The development of Walt Disney World in 1971 started a construction boom. Sea World of Florida came later in 1973 and Universal in 1990. Tourism increased and the city never looked back. Now it welcomes 50 million tourists a year.

Orlando offer much more than theme park options. For outdoor activities it has the Fort Christmas historical park (right outside Orlando in Titusville). Its a lifesize replica of the actual fort and has historical structures to explore and demonstrations. Then there is a 248 acre Orange County park named Kelly Park. It offers camping, trails and a crystal clear spring for swimming , Rock Springs.  The Wekiwa Springs is a Florida state park that offers kayaking, camping, and swimming. In the center of Orlando they have a beautiful 43 acre park named Lake Eola. Its actually a sinkhole, and they have summer concerts at its ampitheatre.

Now if camping is your cup of tea, Orlando has an abundance of those also. You should try the Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort campsite. It is 750 acres with pools, fully equipped campsites, and pools,archery, horse back riding, canoeing, fishing, bonfires and disney entertainment. . Lake Whippoorwill Koa is one of Orlando's best kept secrets. It offers a private boat ramp, fishing,  canoeing, a pool,and hot tubs, all on 355 acres.

Im sure whichever route you choose, you'll have a spectacular fun filled time in Orlando!

LEARN THESE LITTLE KNOWN DISNEY SECRETS

Hello all,

Many tourists flock to Disney parks every year for vacation. I've uncovered some little known Disney facts to share with you:

Of the Presidential Seals in this country, one is located in the Hall of Presidents at Disney World. The other two are in the Oval Office and the hall where the liberty Bell is housed.

Strategically placed devices called smellitizers are dispersed throughout the park and emit certain scents like the smell of cookies and vanilla on Main st. 

 Inside Cinderella Castle is a luxurious suite that can’t be booked and you can only stay there if you win a contest.

Utilidors is the name given to a secret tunnel system under the Magic Kingdom which is used by cast members and other employees to navigate the park unnoticed

 If you look, you’ll notice thousands of hidden Mickey’s through the parks.

 Gum isn’t sold in any of the park to minimize the risk of people disposing their gum on rides and dropping it on the ground.

 When Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride closed, a tombstone for Mr. Toad was placed in the graveyard at The Haunted Mansion.

The same dog is used in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and the Carousel of Progress.

When Pirates of the Caribbean was being built in 1967, Disney Imagineers didn’t like the look of the false skeletons placed around the ride. So, with the help of UCLA medical school, they were able to place actual human skeletons around the ride. Most have been removed, though the skull and crossbones on the headboard are still human.

There are no bathrooms located in the Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square. This is done to keep with the time period of that area.

Look down when in line at The Haunted Mansion, and you might spot a wedding ring embedded into the concrete. It’s believed to belong to the hanging bride who you see on the ride.

 Epcot’s American Pavilion is home to an American flag taken from the rubble of 9/11/2001.

 Guests in Walt Disney World are never more than 30 steps away from a trash can.

Visit The hat shop on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom and you'll see an old pay phone on the wall. Pick up the receiver and you can eavesdrop on an interesting conversation.

 An imagineer named George was killed during the building of Pirates of the Caribbean.  It is said his ghost haunts the ride to this day. Workers say goodnight George before they shut down the ride each night as a superstition to prevent the attraction from breaking down the next day.

 The lake used for Fantasmic is only about 1 foot deep.

 You never have to pay for water in Disney World. Just go to any quick service restaurant in the park and ask for a cup.

When aboard the Mark Twain River Boat ride ask the pilots if you can visit the captains room. This is a secret code that will grant you access to the room the ship is piloted from.

Main Street USA is a little slice of Americana. Above this idyllic small town setting you’ll find about a dozen American flags. One thing though, none of them have 50 stars.

Columbia Harbor restaurant has two entrances. From the one in Fantasyland, the decor is British. From the one in Liberty Square, the decor is early American. The restaurant symbolizes crossing the Atlantic from Europe to America, from a land of castles and fairy tales to new, thriving colonies.

So enjoy yourself next time visiting Disney and be on the lookout for more secrets to uncover!