Typhoon Lagoon is another wildly popular themed water park. It is an auspicious place for cooling off and is particularly convenient for those staying in Disney Resort Hotels. Others can gain easy access by riding a free Disney Bus to the site. Scenic picnic areas lend an especially pleasant touch to this park, which otherwise [...]
Typhoon Lagoon is another wildly popular themed water park. It is an auspicious place for cooling off and is particularly convenient for those staying in Disney Resort Hotels. Others can gain easy access by riding a free Disney Bus to the site. Scenic picnic areas lend an especially pleasant touch to this park, which otherwise has a spacious layout and verdant environs.
Typhoon Lagoon is dominated by a sailing vessel stranded by a tidal wave high on a mountain. A 56 acre tropical tanning zone along the lagoon offers proximity to the eruptions of ‘Miss Tilly,’ which sends a four foot high surf wave running the length of the lagoon every few minutes. Visitors may either ride the wave like an experienced surfer or bob around for fun.
The even more tumultuous Humunga Kowabunga is famed for causing participants swimsuits to slip and slide and is therefore popular among the “make fun of ‘em” crowd. The attraction consists of three enclosed speed slides that shoot riders through rocky hollows at 30mph. Castaway Creek is a gentler experience; riders travel the circumference of the park at 2mph atop gentle ripples.
Shark Reef allows guests to snorkel and view live fish and sharks, behind glass walls. Gang Plank Falls, Keelhaul Falls and Mayday Falls are all three simulated white water rafting adventures which provide splashy fun participatory entertainment.
An area of Typhoon Lagoon is dedicated to the under-4-feet-tall set. Called Ketchakiddee Creek, it features small pools and slides.
The latest addition to Typhoon Lagoon is Crush N Gusher. Billed as a water roller coaster, it offers three different ride options from its topmost point. Each of its water nozzles puts out 1350 gallons of water per minute. The ride makes use of the latest water attraction technology to create thrills and spills.
Locker rentals and showers are available at Typhoon Lagoon.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is located on Buena Vista Drive in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The toll free number is 1-800-W-DISNEY.Complete information may be found at www.disney.go.com .
Silver Springs is a 350 acre theme park landscaped around the headwaters of the Silver River. The park is a natural wonderland. Silver Springs is famed for its glass bottom boats which one can ride for close, safe viewing of alligators, shellfish, turtles and fish. The waters are ultra pure. Boat captains are all licensed [...]
Silver Springs is a 350 acre theme park landscaped around the headwaters of the Silver River. The park is a natural wonderland. Silver Springs is famed for its glass bottom boats which one can ride for close, safe viewing of alligators, shellfish, turtles and fish. The waters are ultra pure. Boat captains are all licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard; trips go along all seven major spring formations at the headwaters.
The cruise along the Fort King River includes viewing of an active archaeological dig site, a Seminole Indian village, an Army stockade from the 1830’s and a Florida pioneer homestead as well as interactive exhibits.
The Lost River trip takes visitors along an entirely unspoiled stretch where they can see 500 year old bald cypress trees and osprey, heron, alligators and other wildlife in their natural environs. The cruise stops for a natural history talk given by specialists at a wildlife outpost.
Silver Springs includes diverse animal exhibits, among which is the World of Bears, the Kritter Korral, a petting zoo with sheep, donkeys, goats and rabbits, the Big Gator Lagoon where alligators are viewed from an elevated boardwalk, the Panther Prowl and the Ross Allen Island containing native Florida animals such as snakes, turtles and otters.
The Kids Ahoy! Playland area within Silver Springs includes a carousel, a Ferris wheel and a cargo climb with a net bridge. Separately, The Lighthouse Ride gives patrons a bird’s eye view of the entire park from 80 feet up. There are water fountain shows choreographed to popular music and various presentations involving the birds of the park including The Birds of the Rain Forest Show in which cockatoos, macaws and parrots perform incredible feats. Educational crocodile and alligator feedings are also a park mainstay.
Along the banks of the Silver River within the park are flowering gardens and floral sculptures. Over 138 different kinds of native and exotic plants are to be seen. A winding trail leads through the gardens.
There are food carts and snack bars throughout the park, while other informal eateries and retail outlets are located in the Springside Mall in Silver Springs.
Silver Springs is open year round from 10 AM to 5 PM, and until 8:30 PM during the holiday Festival of Lights. It is located just east of Ocala, Florida, 90 miles north of Orlando. The park has a website at www.silversprings.com.
St. Petersburg’s claim to 360 days of sunshine each year has earned it the nickname of “The Sunshine City.” For that reason, the city is a popular tourist and retirement destination but not for that reason alone. Some other things that attract people to St. Petersburg are that it has the largest city marina in [...]
St. Petersburg’s claim to 360 days of sunshine each year has earned it the nickname of “The Sunshine City.” For that reason, the city is a popular tourist and retirement destination but not for that reason alone. Some other things that attract people to St. Petersburg are that it has the largest city marina in the United States, 234 miles of waterfront property, 35 miles of beachfront and hundreds of resorts, motels, hotels and condos.
Other Attractions and Points of Interest
Aside from world class sunshine, water sports and amenities there is a heck of a lot to see and do in St. Petersburg. Just a small sample:
Salvador Dali Museum, 1000 Third Street South, 1-800-442-3254
http://www.salvadordalimuseum.org/
Hours: 9:30 AM until 5:30 PM; Thursday: Open until 8:00 PM; Sunday: Open at Noon
Admission: Adults: $14.00 (Thursday: $5.00 after 5:00 PM); Seniors (65+), Military and Police Officers: $12.00; Students: $9.00; Children (5 to 9 y/o): $3.50.
St. Petersburg Museum of History, 335 N 2nd Ave., (727) 894-1052
http://www.stpetemuseumofhistory.org/web/
Hours: Sunday: Noon until 5:00 PM; Monday: Noon until 7:00 PM; Tuesday through Saturday: 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM
Admission: Adults: $7.00; Seniors (64+): $5.00; Students: $5.00; Children (7-17 y/o): $3.00
The Pier, 800 Second Ave. Northeast, (727) 821-6443
The St. Petersburg Municipal Pier (“The Pier”) juts out a mile from the waterfront and is the center of shopping, dining and recreation in St. Petersburg.
Inside The Pier’s main mall is the Aquarium, a winery, shops, restaurants, a food court, live music and plenty of fun events for the whole family. The Pier is also the jumping-off point for excursions such as Duck Tours and catamaran trips. Also, frequently docked at the pier is the replica of the HMS Bounty used in the 1962 MGM movie starring Marlon Brando.
The Pier Aquarium , in The Pier Mall, has a great display of local sea life.
Hours: Monday through Saturday: 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM; Sunday: Noon until 6:00 PM
Admission: Adults: $2.00; Children (12 and Under): Free; Sunday: Free admission to everyone.
Catamaran Cruises (at The Pier), call 727-647-1538 for reservations.
http://www.pierdolphincruises.net
Catamaran Cruises are available in The Dolphin Queen, a 38-foot, 70 seat Catamaran. This is a 90 minute sightseeing cruise around Tampa Bay.
Hours: Tours begin at 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, 7-days a week (weather permitting).
Admission: Adults: $17; Seniors (54 y/o+): $14; Military: $14.00; Children (3-12 y/o): $9.50.
Art Gallery Walks
The Downtown Arts Association (DAA) sponsors Gallery Walks through downtown St. Petersburg. Over 20 galleries participate, staying open until 9:00 PM and featuring openings, receptions and special events.
Between The Magic Kingdom and the Epcot Center, Orlando’s Disney World offers a cornucopian selection of rides ranging from the truly wild and scary to the intermediate with a generous helping of rides appropriate for very young children. The more turbulent rides all have guidelines as to required size and weight for potential riders. While [...]
Between The Magic Kingdom and the Epcot Center, Orlando’s Disney World offers a cornucopian selection of rides ranging from the truly wild and scary to the intermediate with a generous helping of rides appropriate for very young children.
The more turbulent rides all have guidelines as to required size and weight for potential riders. While park staff are professional about screening riders, parents are advised to judge in advance which rides are suitable for their children.
Representative of the rides for younger children is Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. Each rider is a pilot of a Star Cruiser, which careens through a humorous universe. Tykes must save the universe from the evil Emperor Zurg. Each child has a personal laser cannon which must be spun and fired with the aim of earning points.
The Tomorrowland Indy Speedway is typical of the intermediate level rides in Disney World. It is a raceway in miniature, through which riders speed in actual gas-powered cars which can be driven by anybody who can reach the pedals. To drive alone, a rider must be at least 52 inches tall.
Disney Rides
Among the more thrilling, advanced rides is Mount Gushmore, a 90 foot high slush-banked mountain gully. Riders are launched down a trail that includes two huge, stomach-in-your-throat bumps.
Epcot Center rides tend to have an educational edge. Characteristic of that is Mission: Space. Constructed at a cost of $100 million, Mission: Space simulates a flight to Mars. Real life astronauts have tried this ride, and they swear the sensations are akin to what is actually experienced in a space flight. Riders aboard a giant centrifuge survive sustained g-forces, blasting off from a pretend Cape Canaveral and flying past the moon before a herky-jerky landing on Mars. The Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station are seen in passing during the ride.
Complete information, including admission pricing and vacation packages, is available at the web site www.disney.go.com .
There are lots of dining choices at Disney, and each is striving to meet different needs. The needs range from on the go, relaxation, fantasy or simply great cuisine. Most dining at Disney fits primarily into five categories: Quick Dining, Casual Dining, Character Dining, Theme Dining and Signature Dining. Quick Dining is fast food with [...]
Dining at Disney
There are lots of dining choices at Disney, and each is striving to meet different needs. The needs range from on the go, relaxation, fantasy or simply great cuisine. Most dining at Disney fits primarily into five categories: Quick Dining, Casual Dining, Character Dining, Theme Dining and Signature Dining.
Quick Dining is fast food with common child friendly items like burgers and fries, hotdogs and ice cream. Pinocchio’s Village Haus in Fantasyland seems to be a favorite. These are usually in the lower priced category. (Quick Dining: $14/person).
Casual Dining restaurants offer typical sit down meals – perfect for the weary after a long day of rides. One place not to miss here is Tony’s Town Square on Main Street – The Italian food is perfect for everyone and the setting will be familiar – it’s where Lady & the Tramp shared spaghetti for two. (Casual Dining: $15-29/person).
Character Dining really tops off any child’s experience in fantasy. Kids meet characters while ordering and eating. Have breakfast in Cinderella’s Castle (getting to meet Cinderella on the way in) or try dining with Pooh and friends at the Crystal Palace. These are certain to be memorable experiences. (Character Dining: $15-29/person).
Theme Dining focuses on food from a specific region: Latin-American cuisine at the Maya Grill, Japanese food at Kimonos, or try African food at Boma – Flavors of Africa. (Prices vary)
Diners with a more advanced palate may want to search out Disney Signature Dining – fine dining with Disney flair. One example of this is the Coral Reef restaurant, which is sunken into “the largest saltwater environment ever built”, so diners can watch through enormous windows while dining on an amazing array of seafood. (Signature Dining: $30-75/person, with some exceeding those prices.)
Hours for all restaurants vary, so call ahead and inquiries: (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463). Reservations are highly recommended whenever possible. For specific restaurant information, go to http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/dining/diningFinder?id=DiningFinderPage .
A curious concept underlies Disney’s Blizzard Beach: A swiftly melting Alpine ski area makes surreal use of chair lifts and Olympic jumps to create a bizarre, unique water park. As in most Disney theme parks, there is an ample selection of rides in categories which will appeal to various age groups. Blizzard Beach has an [...]
Disney Blizzard Beach
A curious concept underlies Disney’s Blizzard Beach: A swiftly melting Alpine ski area makes surreal use of chair lifts and Olympic jumps to create a bizarre, unique water park.
As in most Disney theme parks, there is an ample selection of rides in categories which will appeal to various age groups. Blizzard Beach has an advantage over certain other parts of Disney World in that visitors do not have to decide which rides they wish to experience and purchase tickets for them prior to entering the park area.
The Summit Plummet gives riders a chairlift trip to the summit where one of the world’s highest free fall slides awaits. Swimsuits are appropriate attire for this ride.
Tike’s Peak is intended for younger children; mini icebergs lead to slides for them to play on. Little children accompanied by their parents and older siblings will all enjoy Teamboat Springs, a slide where riders go down on a giant tube.
The Double Dipper is a competitive ride, with one downhill racer speeding against another. For those not enamored of speed, there is Cross Country Creek, which takes riders floating under icy waterfalls and through ice caves.
Mount Gushmore affords an opportunity to ride a toboggan down a steep, multi-humped track.
Blizzard Beach’s eateries are named in harmony with the park’s ski resort theme. Frostbite Freddie’s Frozen Freshments serves frozen specialty drinks while the Avalunch snack bar provides hot dogs and nachos. Frozen specialty drinks and spirits may also be had at the Polar Pub; the Lottawatta Lodge serves lunch and dinner.
Blizzard Beach is located at 1801 West Buena Vista Drive in Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830.
Complete information is available on the web site www.disney.go.com or you can call them toll free at 1-800-W-DISNEY.The most economical admission can be obtained by purchasing a Disney Multi-Day Park Hopper Plus Pass.
Nightlife at Disney World Disney World offers exciting things to do at night, for children and adults alike. The park itself stays open quite late – often as late as 11:00 PM, so families who still have energy left after a long day can enjoy the park. There are also periodic “Extra Magic Hours”, where [...]
Nightlife at Disney World
Disney World offers exciting things to do at night, for children and adults alike. The park itself stays open quite late – often as late as 11:00 PM, so families who still have energy left after a long day can enjoy the park. There are also periodic “Extra Magic Hours”, where the park remains open to guests staying at Disney World up to 3 hours later than to the general public.
Disney at Night
The main event each night in the Magic Kingdom is the “Wishes” extravaganza, narrated by Jiminy Cricket and the Blue Fairy, while hundreds of fireworks explode in the air around Cinderella’s castle. Epcot Center also hosts the nightly “Illuminations”, with a barrage of fireworks and a video projected on a giant sphere in the middle of the World Showcase Lagoon.
If the preference is for more adult based fun, then Disney is surprisingly suited to satisfy. The park has many restaurants, bars, micro-breweries, and lounges. The various hotels and resorts on the property have many options for late night dancing, live music, and romantic encounters as well.
Downtown Disney is the focus of nightlife at Disney World, with concerts at the House of Blues and Cirque Du Soleil performances. The epicenter of nightlife Downtown is at “Pleasure Island”, a group of 7 clubs with one cover charge ($20.95) that allows entry into all. This allows visitors to pick the venue best suited to them, or to wander from one to another until finding the best experience. Clubs and bars in the park are not restricted to the 2:00 AM closing time found outside the park.
Get information on WDW nightlife from the Walt Disney World information hot line (tel. 407/824-2222 or 407/824-4500) or check on-line at www.disney.com.
Southern Florida is a perfect place to study the seasonal migratory patterns of U.S. vacationers. They flock toward Miami’s balmy weather and high-spirited atmosphere in the winter and fly north in droves away from finicky heat streaks, reliable rain showers, and the hurricane season from June to November. When they’re not threatened by high speed [...]
When to go to Miami
Southern Florida is a perfect place to study the seasonal migratory patterns of U.S. vacationers. They flock toward Miami’s balmy weather and high-spirited atmosphere in the winter and fly north in droves away from finicky heat streaks, reliable rain showers, and the hurricane season from June to November. When they’re not threatened by high speed winds, locals take the summer off-season to relax in the overwhelming heat. The small number of visitors determined to brave the UV rays are rewarded with painless restaurant reservations and cheap hotel rooms. Searching for a little tranquility, they’ll be pleased to avoid Miami’s most infamous festivals in favor of more low key events. What could be better than the Lower Keys Underwater Music Fest in July? The desire to see and be seen – or just get in on some world renowned action – draws people into the crowd when the beaches are primed for models, celebrities, and pleasure hungry tourists. The city is packed around winter, from October to March, when the coldest nights are in the low 50s. Special events rouse people in the morning and sing them to sleep at night. Cultural and historical activities are big time bashes, like the Caribbean Carnival and Columbus Day Regatta in October. Festivities spread across the city for the largest gathering of the year, Carnaval Miami. Lasting nine days in early March, some activities include the Miss Carnaval contest, concerts at the Orange Bowl, an inline skating contest, a Latin drag show, and the Calle Ocho finale in Little Havana. For a balance of energetic and practical vacationing, post peak season has it all: smaller crowds to mingle in, less expensive rooms to cool down in, and still plenty of Miami style festivals.
The ArtCenter in South Florida is a unique and vibrant art gallery space located on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach. Originally established in 1984 by a small group of artists, the ArtCenter was built with the help of Federal Community Development Block Grant Funds designated for the reinvigoration of certain neighborhoods and properties. The ArtCenter [...]
The ArtCenter in South Florida is a unique and vibrant art gallery space located on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach. Originally established in 1984 by a small group of artists, the ArtCenter was built with the help of Federal Community Development Block Grant Funds designated for the reinvigoration of certain neighborhoods and properties. The ArtCenter was installed in 21 storefronts along the virtually vacant Lincoln Road and soon became a cultural and economic catalyst for the revitalization of the Lincoln Road neighborhood and South Beach. Today, Lincoln Road is a center of culture and commerce. The success of the ArtCenter has been recognized by the official designation of the three block historic location at 800, 810, and 924 Lincoln Road, as the Lincoln Road Arts District. The ArtCenter has been called the “best gallery in Miami” by the New Times, and has been praised in other national media, such as The Wall Street Journal. ArtCenter South Florida is a not-for-profit organization, and has a stated objective of “advancing the knowledge and practice of contemporary visual arts and culture in South Florida.”
Miami Art Gallery
The ArtCenter is located at 800, 810, and 924 Lincoln Road, in Miami Beach, Florida. The administrative offices are housed at 924 Lincoln Road, Suite 205, and can be reached by telephone at (305) 674-8278. Their hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The artists’ studios are located throughout the complex, and are open from Monday through Sunday, from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, though times for individual studios may vary.
For information about exhibitions or upcoming events, call 305-538-7887 from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM Monday through Wednesday, and 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Thursday through Sunday. Metered parking is available at Meridian, Jefferson and Michigan Avenues. Covered parking is available at the City’s Municipal Parking Garage located at 17th Street and Convention Center Drive.