Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Orlando Florida Hotels

Orlando is regarded as the world’s largest entertainment destination for all ages. This includes children and senior citizens. It is all about fun and thrills – adventures. Apart from Disney World, it also houses one of the largest film studios in the world – Universal Studios. This tourist destination requires one to spend at least a week to enjoy it fully, and the Orlando hotels are known for their hospitality and generosity.

lodging hotels. For temporary stays there are rental condos, too. But then while on vacation one generally prefers to stay at a hotel that serves, rather get into the need of self-service.

Visiting Orlando can be confusing. Going through the enticing brochures adds to the tourists’ confusion. However, Orlando hotels deal with such situations by offering tourist packages, depending on the stay and budget. They have bus services, as well as private transport facilities to and from tourist destinations. There are tourist guides to enable one to experience the maximum during their vacation and waste the least amount of time.

When visiting a holiday destination the usual problem one faces is that of food. People might get tired of burgers and sandwiches. However, most hotels generally house a couple of restaurants, and apart from that they also have an exhaustive list of restaurants offering a variety of cuisine.

You need not worry about missing a show at the amusement and adventure parks, as the Orlando hotels organize tour trips to the best in the city. Some of the hotels also make bulk bookings, to offer their guests discount coupons at varied destinations. The service and hospitality offered by each one of the hotels leaves the visitor completely at ease.

Florida Hotels provides detailed information on Florida Hotels, Orlando Florida Hotels, Jacksonville Florida Hotels, Destin Florida Hotels and more. Florida Hotels is affiliated with South Beach Condo Hotels.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Orlando Rollercoaster Attractions

Orlando, in Florida the sunshine state, is the ideal place for a family holiday. It is the gateway to Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World and so you would be hard pushed not to have fun. You can visit pretty much all year round thanks to its enviable climate and flight prices into Orlando International Airport have been decreasing considerably in the last few years.

America really knows how to build a theme park and the parks in Orlando are best example of this. The best place to start is Walt Disney World's The Magic Kingdom. Opened in 1971 this park is now one of four Disney parks that are spread over more than 28,000 acres. In the Magic Kingdom you will see Cinderella's castle, cruise around the park on the Liberty Square Riverboat, get big trills from Space Mountain and get spooked on the Pirates of the Caribbean boat ride.

Disney's Hollywood Studios has even more for the thrill seeker in us. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror will drop you a massive 13 stories not once, but twice, so don't eat right before you get on this one. The Star Tours simulator will send you right into the path of the Death Star and Jim Henson's Muppet 3D vision is hilarious.

Epcot, another of the Disney parks is where you can see the world in one day, with themed areas from many parts of the globe offering food, attractions and performances. This park is great for little children as they can have fun on things like the Seas with Nemo and Friends and Honey I Shrunk the Audience.

The fourth Disney theme park is a little different. At Disney's Animal Kingdom you can see real life animals, go on safaris, ride rapids as well as enjoy a good selection of rides and shows.

Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, 'where blockbusters come to life' has some very famous movie-themed rides, from the Jaws ride in Amity to the Terminator 2 3D movie. You will re-live your favorite movie moments and have a complete blast doing so.

The newer Islands of Adventure section has scarier rides spread out over five distinct islands, and is the most technically advanced theme park in the world. Popular attractions are the Jurassic Park River Adventure, The Dr Seuss roller coaster, Spiderman 3D movie and the Incredible Hulk roller coaster.

Whether it's a friendly dolphin or a powerful killer whale, Sea World and Discovery Cove let you get up close and personal with their residents. You'll have the opportunity to swim with dolphins, interact with killer whales and admire the ferocious power of sharks. You can also watch your new friends show off their tricks at the myriad live shows, and then check out the water roller coaster or relax on a sun-kissed beach. A day here often isn't enough.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Budget Priced Hotels in Orlando

Orlando is one of the chief cities of Florida, United States of America and is the county seat of Orange County and the center of the Greater Orlando metropolitan region. This city is famous all around the world for its exotic beaches, Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, great universities and entertainment venues.

Orlando has various hotels which can fulfill the needs of different travelers. Various cheap hotels are located here for budget travelers and luxury hotel are located for rich tycoons. So, now let me tell you about some of the budget hotels located here.

1. Orlando Continental Plaza Hotel
This amazing hotel is located on the International Drive just opposite the Wet'n Wild Water Theme Park. This hotel is the ultimate destination for all those people who want to enjoy their vacations to the fullest. Some of the facilities that are available for the guests are deluxe complimentary breakfast, finely decorated rooms with in-room safe, flat screen television and a mini-television, a large and spacious sundeck, cool refreshing swimming pool, an electronic Game Room, free wireless internet service, a beautiful gift shop and a Discount Lobby Ticket Booth.

2. Marriott Grande Vista
This is on of the best cheap hotels located in Orlando providing various facilities to the customers at extremely reasonable rates. This hotel is located very near to the SeaWorld on International Drive. The rooms here are available for $110 per night which has a microwave and a refrigerator. Grande Vista also has three bedroom apartment accommodations for those people who want to stay here for a longer period. The hotel has six pools with hot tubs and a man made lake for fishing. During the night time you get delicious buffet dinner and some music bands also come here to play every weekend.

3. Imperial Grand Hotel and Suites
This is a full service resort which provides you world class facilities and services at very affordable prices. The hotel is one block away from the International drive and just a few minutes from popular locations like The Walt Disney World Resort and the Universal Studios and Sea World Orlando. Visitors can enjoy theme park tours, on-site dining facility, comfortable accommodations and outdoor pools. The Resort cover an area of 10 acres of lush green land and has 365 rooms, large meeting rooms and catering services. Some of the facilities that you are provided here include shopping, dining and recreation center, movie room and a golf course for kids.

So, next time you some to Orlando you must stay in one of the above mentioned hotels. I am really sure that here you would get all the facilities that would make your stay pleasurable and enjoyable.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Orlando - Attractions For Kids And Grown-Ups

Orlando is located in Florida. This is the most «summery» city in the USA, known for its excellent weather, beautiful and lush nature and well-developed infrastructure. Travelers from all around the planet head for Orlando in search of fun. The name of the city derives from the name of a soldier Orlando Reeves, who died here during the war against the Seminole Indian tribe.

Few people would know of Orlando if the Walt Disney World - the unique theme park - was not constructed here. That is why one can say that the year 1965 has changed the city's history. This was the year when Walter Disney, a famous American film producer, started to implement his plans of turning this deserted land into the world of fantasy. The giant Disney World occupies a 113 sq.m. territory. Its the place where children and kids alike dip into the magical fairytale world, the world where dreams come true. The park's territory is divided into several areas, each with its own name and its own attractions.

If you've never been here you can't even imagine how great the park is. Altogether «Disneylands» of Los Angeles, Paris, Spain and Tokyo are only a half of that in Orlando. But don't think that the park was built for children only. In addition to kids areas, there are golf courts, night clubs and what not.

Each area has its attractions. For instance, Magic Kingdom contains an Adventureland, with rides such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Jungle Cruise, a Liberty Square has the Hall of Presidents and other democratic attributes. Fantasyland is filled with the Peter Pan's Flight, Dumbo the Flying Elephant and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh spirit. There is also a Tomorrowland with such attractions as the Starcade, Astro Orbitor, Disneyland Railroad and others. Names of the parks speak for themselves and describing their advantages would take too long. But one of the park's most visited attractions is Disney-MGM Studios where visitors can meet their favourite cartoon characters.

Inhabitants of the sea - from polar bears of the Arctic to inhabtitants of the tropic waters - can be observed at the "Sea World" - one of the most popular marine mammal parks of the USA. You can even stay at one of the Walt Disney World's hotels - rates are a bit higher than that in Orlando (the resort is located 20 miles from the city), but each hotel is a true sight: imagine you live in a Polynesian hut, or in a Wild-Western style hotel, or even a music-themed hotel called Disney%s All Star Music.

The only drawback is that there are no natural reservoirs close by, and it takes 1,5 hours to reach the ocean by car. But there is another attraction - Disney's Vero Beach Resort - located on Atlantic coast.

Both children and grown-ups will like Universal Studios Florida where one can «jump into the action of the movies», and entertain oneself at one of its attractions like «Terminator 2:3-D», «The Simpsons Ride», «Revenge of the Mummy», «Animal Actors On» and many others.

These are just a few of Orlando's attractions and parks. The city of course has numerous galleries, museums and scientific centres. But that's the subject for another story.

Hotels in the USA - United States. Hotel reservation.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Orlando Attractions - Seaworld Adventure Park

As you already probably know, Orlando is a terrific place to go for a vacation. There are so many things to do in this city that you can hardly list them all in an article. One attraction stands out in my mind as a place that you should definitely fit into your schedule on your next Orlando Florida trip. That place is Sea World. It is a great attraction that you and your family will love. Read this article to learn something about this great Florida destination.

Sea World is the nations best marine life adventure park covering over 200 acres. It is a place where you can learn about marine animals and have a lot of fun at the same time. There is so much to do there that I can not mention it all in one article. For starters you have the shows like "Believe". You will be amazed at what sea lions, dolphins and whales can be trained to do. "Believe" is one of the most popular shows and features the parks favorite marine animal Shamu so be sure to catch it. Besides the great shows you also have plenty of rides to check out. There are rides like "Kraken" and "Journey To Atlantis" which will thrill you with its twists, turns and dips. There is also an extensive selection of food to choose from so that you can spend all day at the park and never have to leave. You have shows, rides and great food, what else is there? So if you will be in the Orlando area be sure to check out Sea World. You will not regret it.

If you would like to visit the park you can find it at 7007 Sea World Drive in Orlando Florida. For more information call the information line at 407-351-3600 .

Find out about carpet cleaners in Orlando FL at the authors website on carpet cleaning services of Florida

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Orlando Honeymoon Vacations

A honeymoon vacation is a unique and special period that allows newlyweds to spend quality time together after their wedding celebration. Romance and love have long been celebrated and what better way to do it than going on a honeymoon vacation. When deciding upon a perfect destination, Orlando stands out as a perfect choice.

Orlando honeymoon vacations offer newlyweds an ideal option to understand each other and discover the beauty of the place. Back in the 1970's, it was a farming town but has developed considerably and attracts a large number of American and foreign tourists. The intention of a holiday of this sort is more often than not a time by newlyweds to understand each other. These vacations provide breathing space from relatives and the stress of life, allowing for the renewal of the couple's commitment in privacy.

Without any distractions, couples are able to talk about everything that needs to be discussed in the stress-free environment. While selecting Orlando as a vacation spot, utmost importance is given to choosing suitable accommodation. This is always expected, as most honeymooners prefer staying indoors than outdoors. Apart from this newly weds need to find choices that fit their budget and are well organized.

Orlando offers honeymooners a wide choice of beaches, mountains, shopping centers, theme parks and other less frequently visited locations. Along with enjoying their honeymoon, couples may visit Discovery Cove, the cool water parks, Sea World, Universal Studios and the legendary Walt Disney World. Couples may choose to live at star rated hotels, suites, honeymoon apartments, cottages or motels. They may inquire about honeymoon packages from online tour companies or local travel agencies. It is possible to opt for a tailor-made honeymoon deal in Orlando that is aimed at providing privacy for the couples. Newlyweds should opt for advance bookings to prevent unpleasant ordeals on reaching Orlando.

Orlando Vacations provides detailed information on Orlando Vacations, Orlando Discount Vacations, Orlando Family Vacations, All Inclusive Orlando Vacations and more. Orlando Vacations is affiliated with Orlando Vacation Home Books.

Friday, July 3, 2009

Orlando Vacation Villas - The Best Way to Enjoy a Disney Vacation

If you want to enjoy your Disney vacation to its maximum, consider Orlando vacation villas as your choice of accommodation rather than a hotel. This is particularly true if you have a few children with you and you would like a bit of peace and quiet now and again.

In order to explain that, just consider a hotel for a while. You have booked yourself, your partner and the kids into a lovely hotel for a couple of weeks, and are looking forward to a great holiday in Orlando, visiting Disney and also many of the other attractions that this part of Florida has to offer.

After checking in comes the first problem. Who sleeps where? Unless you have booked a family room, with everybody spending the vacation in the same room, either the children have to be given their own room, or you and your partner have to split, each sharing the children between you. A lot depends upon how many you have.

However, in the final analysis it doesn't matter if you have two children or four or even six. You either enjoy your vacation with just the two of you in your own room, and the children in theirs or you don't. Even now, you can see where Orlando vacation villas are suddenly beginning to look attractive.

No matter how well behaved your kids are, you will always be wondering what they are getting up to, and that isn't your only problem with a hotel. If your children have reached that age when they must have their own bedrooms, particularly if you have boys and girls, then the hotel costs are going to be pretty steep.

There are more problems, but let's forget them all, because Disney vacation should not involve problems of any kind. Let's stop for a minute and look at how a Disney vacation villa can solve all of these problems.

First the rooms: you can rent an Orlando vacation villa with up to six bedrooms, and you need to have an awful lot of kids to fill that. Likely a three bedroom villa would suit you, where two children can have their own rooms, or up to two boys and two girls can share, each of the four having their own bed. They share rooms, but no need to share beds.

Each has its own TV and DVD player and is also en suite. Some even have a games console in the rooms, so nobody is going to get bored. A family of six can live in one of these vacation villas in Orlando vary comfortably, with its own pool for just a little extra, spa, games room and even the kitchen where you can rustle up some breakfast or supper, and still eat out for lunch and dinner if your prefer - you can't cook in a hotel!

But that must cost a fortune, mustn't it! No way can you afford that. Well, yes, there is way you can do that. Consider the relative costs. First the hotel. What do you need? A room for you two, one for the boys and one for the girls. Three hotel rooms close to Disney World. Cheap? Absolutely - not!!

Now check the three-bedroom Orlando villa rental. Set in a great resort with a private pool and spa, you pay $160 a night. That's for all of you! That equates to three double hotel rooms at $54 a night. It's a no-brainer. It's £27 a person! You won't find a hotel anywhere for that price unless you take your own bedbug catcher. But that's not all: you can get a four bedroom villa with more amenities for just under $200 a night - that's $50 a room. There is nothing a hotel can offer that you won't get either in your own villa or offered in one of the many restaurants and amenity centers that are everywhere in Orlando. And you are only 15 minutes from Disney! You have your own DVD player to play your own videos, or rent one for the night. That will be a lot less expensive that watching hotel movies!

Your kids can go to bed any time they like, and watch the movies they want to watch, or view their own TV programs. Perhaps play with the Playstation, but the main thing is that you know they are safe in the same house as you.

Compare that to a hotel: you are continually worried about your children in the rooms next door - are they slipping out without you knowing, are they breaking anything, are the movies suitable. In fact, how much are they running up on the bill by watching these late-night TV movies?

If it has a pool it is shared with the entire hotel, you can't cook your own food if you feel like it and your drinks will be at hotel bar prices compared to drinking your own home-made cocktails by your own private pool while you cook up some steaks and mushrooms. That's a vacation!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Orlando Airport Travel - Finding Your Way to Mickey and More With Less Stress

If you're traveling to Orlando, there are probably many things running through your mind. You might be a little concerned about getting to where you need to go, and doing so at the best price. There are no two ways about it -- Orlando airport travel can certainly be frustrating.

One of the main reasons this is true is that it is such a hot destination. There are many families traveling here to visit Disney World, Sea world, and Universal Studios. Even though the Orlando airport is generally quite crowded, that doesn't mean you have to be frustrated or feel flustered if you take the time to plan ahead and follow these steps.

The first thing you need to do to make sure your airport travel experience goes smoothly is pay attention to your flight arrival time as well as where the gates are. Also, be careful to leave some wiggle room for delays, or at least maintain a flexible attitude and plan activities ahead of time if you are traveling with family. Orlando is famous for accommodating families, so a little planning ahead should make this easy to do.

When you do arrive, it's not a good idea to just plan on hailing a taxi cab outside. Once again, this is especially true if you have a family with you. It is a much better idea as to know exactly how you are going to leave from the airport to your hotel or other destination. In addition to hailing a taxicab, you can also hire a town car sedan or limo to wait there for you. This is a good thing because you don't have to wait for a taxi to become available, but they are similar in price. You probably be more comfortable as well!

You might also check with your hotel to see if they offer shuttle transportation service. Just be sure to plan ahead so you know you won't be frustrated trying to find a taxi or another way to get to your hotel. After you reach your destination, you need to make sure you have time to rest up. Depending on where you came from, you might be quite tired. Remember that Orlando is on the East Coast of the United States, which makes it Eastern Standard Time. Get in some resting time for an hour or two after you get in one show you have enough energy to explore the wonderful city that is Orlando!

Beyond that, it's a good idea to create an itinerary. This sort of forces you to look through the brochures and see what you want to do. You'll be less likely to forget to see something you wanted to see, and to be able to leave out things that your family isn't thrilled about. Once you arrive at your hotel, the chances are very good that they will have brochures available so you can make some final plans. Even though you're planning, it doesn't mean you can't be flexible.

Orlando airport travel doesn't have to be hard. You just need to plan ahead and you'll be good to go. Disney World and Mickey Mouse await you!

Since you need reliable transportation for your Disney Travel, it's best to go with a dependable company with great rates and luxurious vehicles. Elegance Limo has been in the business long enough to know exactly how to make your Orlando Airport Travel the best you've experienced! Contact us today for our lowest rates and with any special requests you might have.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Orlando Vacation Tips - Choosing Florida Short Term Rentals

Have you looked into the different types of accommodation that Orlando has to offer when you're planning your vacation, and in particular have you researched all of the options for Florida short term rentals? Single family homes and condos are available to rent on a weekly (or even shorter) basis, so you can enjoy the luxury of staying in your own home-way-from-home, with all the convenience that brings, for little more than the price of a single hotel room.

This is because Orlando in particular is one area where absentee owners have purchased homes and adopted the short term rental approach as a way to recover some or all of their running costs. Intense competition has held back prices. Now more and more families and groups are building this type of accommodation into their Orlando vacation package to make the most of their time away from home.

But can you have confidence that the short term rental property you see on the Internet will live up to expectations? The last thing you want is for all those weeks and months of anticipation to be wrecked because your accommodation is below standard. So how can you make sure you get what you're looking for?

The simple answer is to be just as rigorous in researching Florida short term rentals as you would any hotel or motel. And to apply just the same sort of thought process as you would with a hotel/motel. So plan your Florida short term rental, particularly if you want to be close to Disney World, Sea World and Universal, around the following guidance:

* It is very easy to think that price doesn't matter when it comes to choosing a short term rental property for your vacation package. But if you wouldn't book into a motel offering rooms for $35 per night then you should certainly stay away from the lowest priced rental home. The cheaper a home is there is more chance that it is poorly maintained, lacking facilities and likely to be of poor quality.

* Quality: Hotels and motels are increasingly showing room photos and virtual tours of the room you'll be renting so you can check the quality. And so too are vacation home owners. Ask for pictures and an on-line tour and limit yourself to those owners and companies who commit to allocating your home at the time of booking. Obviously if you're dealing directly with a home owner who only has one house, this problem is solved!

* To find the location of the property you are renting, ask the owner or booking company for the address then check it out on Google. If they won't give you the full address ask for the zip code. Don't rely on descriptions that state that the home is only "5 minutes from Disney World" because most of the rental homes are two to ten miles away from Disney. Travel times to the parks will obviously vary depending on time of day, season and traffic conditions.

* It's a good idea to ask in advance how the owner or management company would deal with issues such as the pool not getting hot enough, the air conditioning breaking down or the television not working. If the problem cannot be fixed straight away do they have another property you can move to?

* Most hotel rooms have a guest book to help you find the services you need and the facilities the hotel has to offer. But there is always some service or need these books don't cover. In a hotel you can ask at the front desk but in a rental home you have to find the solutions for yourself. To find the nearest shopping mall or restaurant you can look on the internet and for anything else ask the management company.

Whenever you venture out of your own home to stay in rented accommodation you are accepting some sort of risk that it won't live up to your expectations. The last thing you want for that dream vacation is to find that you're booked into a place that spoils the entire break. But up-front research and an understanding of how things work, whether you're choosing hotels or Florida short term rentals, should mean that you get exactly what you need for a great vacation.

Sue built and ran a Central Florida property management company so she has a lot of inside experience on choosing Orlando holiday villas and helping her guests with Orlando vacation tips.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Planning a Trip to Orlando? What to Do in Orlando Florida

Well it's that time of the year. No, not back-to-school time although it is that too, but what I mean is it's time for the super spectacular weather to begin in Florida. So now is the time to plan your trip, and here are a few ideas of what to do in Orlando Florida.

Disney World is probably the first thing on everyone's list, especially if you have kids. When we first moved here my relatives came every year without fail and headed out to Disney. Unfortunately they tended to come during the hot summer months which was not so fun. Actually sort of miserable. But I just walked outside now and it is the end of September and the weather has gone from icky hot yesterday to very nice, breezy, and pleasant today. So it's time to head to the theme parks! So yes, Disney is one of the fun things to do here and should be on everyone's list. It's not just for kids and it brings out the kid in all of us.

But what else? Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are two other really nice parks to visit. They are right together, all part of Universal along with City Walk (which you can check out at night for the restaurants and clubs). I prefer Islands of Adventure but if you have not ever seen either one that you should see both of them.

Sea World should be on your list too. I haven't been in several years but it never fails to entertain me when I visit.

If you want to drive an hour and a half or so out of Orlando you can visit Busch Gardens. It's well worth the time.

What else is there to do in Orlando Florida other than theme parks? Lots! There are many lakes, and you can rent a ski boat or a pontoon and spend the day on the lake. The St Johns River is also nearby and this river is huge, goes on for about 300 miles. I definitely recommend a pontoon for the river. There is nothing like meandering down the river on a nice day on a comfortable boat with snacks and fishing poles. Or don't bother with the fishing poles, just enjoy the scenery. You're sure to see some wildlife, mainly gators and a lot of birds and turtles. Don't worry, the gators will just get out of your way.

There are also a lot of state parks and quaint downtown areas on the outskirts of Orlando. One downtown area I recommend is Mount Dora which is located in Lake County. It's only about 30 minutes away and you will really enjoy the shops and the lake. There are some really nice restaurants too.

Speaking of restaurants, go online and check out some message boards to find some good ones where the locals go. There are many! If you are looking for casual, there is one that I have discovered lately, Backyard Boys, which has awesome barbecue. And if you want some great southern-style seafood then you might want to drive a bit out of Orlando (not far) to Apopka and try out The Catfish Place. Great food and a secret of the locals. So don't tell!

So as you can see, if you are wondering what to do in Orlando Florida, there is more than enough to keep you occupied during your visit.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Cheap Hotels Near Universal Studios Orlando

Staying at cheap hotels near Universal Studios Orlando is sometimes a suggestion that is frowned upon. Sometimes when people hear cheap, they immediately think disgusting, dirty, and bad service. That's not always true. I can guarantee you that Orlando hotels near Universal Studios are very well-maintained, especially because of the strict competition that increases every year due to the number or tourists.

There are number of discount hotels near Universal Studios you can visit including Days Inn, Quality Inns and Suites, La Quinta Inn Orlando, and Holiday Inn Universal Studios. They offer great discounts, freebies, and even coupons to Universal Orlando. You can check out the hotel lobbies too if you really want to get coupons because they have them printed on the magazines or they have them hidden in the reception area. Sometimes they offer you straight up if you want to get some coupons, but sometimes you still have to inquire about them.

Getting discounts to hotels near Universal Studios Orlando work a little different from getting discounts to the the park. You can get discounts through booking your flights from a certain travel agency because some are affiliated to some of the hotels near Universal Orlando so they are entitled to give out the discounts. If you can, find out about the different packages, they usually contain what you're going to get and a breakdown of the expenses. Go ahead now and inquire about the mentioned cheap but really elegant and nice hotels near Universal Studios Orlando.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

12 Free Things to Do in Orlando, Florida and Still Have Fun

Orlando, Florida is a top vacation destination for families all across America. There are amazing things to do in Orlando, such as Disney World and Gatorland, but there are also plenty of freethings to do in Orlando that are great ways to spend your vacation time.

Orlando is known for its first class attractions, but there are also plenty of natural attractions for visitors to explore. Directly located in central Florida, Orlando has the great advantage of being immersed in both beautiful natural surroundings as well as fantastic waters on each side. Orlando’s great setting provides plenty of Free things to do too!

  1. Lake Eola Park: This downtown Orlando centerpiece offers 43 acres for exploration and recreation, including fountains, a walking path, playgrounds, swans to feed and swan shaped paddle boats and gondolas (for a slight fee.)
  2. Harry P. Leu Gardens: Admission is free on Mondays. Guests can enjoy three miles of walkways, rose gardens, a butterfly garden, ancient oak trees, and more.
  3. Ocala National Forest: A great place to experience natural Florida. The Florida Trail is a popular hike, where you can view hardwood forests, swamps, springs, and prairies. You can also canoe, picnic, hike and more.
  4. Kelly Park: This park offers over 248 acres of outdoor fun and excitement! A crystal clear spring is the focus of this park, with water sports, including tubing, and rock climbing available!

    Orlando’s rich history also makes its museums a can’t miss experience. Plus, they’re open Free to the public
  5. Cornell Fine Arts Museum: This museum showcases over 6,000 art pieces ranging from the Renaissance to the Baroque period. Art lovers of all ages will not want to miss one of the oldest collections in all of Florida.
  6. Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art: Home to the most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany. There is also an extensive American Pottery collection, as well as 19th and 20th century paintings collection. Admission is free on Fridays.
  7. Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Central Florida: An informative center dedicated to remembering the millions if people that were lost during the rule of Nazi Germany.
  8. Fort Christmas Historical Museum & Park: Visit the full size replica of Fort Christmas, including seven restored pioneer homes and showing pioneer life from the 1870s through the 1930s. Key themes are homesteading, cattle, citrus, hunting, fishing and trapping.

    There are even more free things to do in Orlando, Florida!
  9. Downtown Disney Marketplace: Explore the World of Disney store, which is an experience in and of itself. Also visit the Lego Imagination Center, where your kids can enjoy the free Lego building stations and nearby playground.
  10. Disney’s Boardwalk: Stroll along Disney’s boardwalk for a charming step back in time, complete with water views and street entertainers.
  11. The Town of Celebration: Visit this Disney-made town where you can adrmire the gorgeous houses, well-groomed yards and magic of Disney living. Depending on when you visit, you may see machine generated snow or falling leaves.
  12. Old Town: On Saturday nights a free rock-n-roll concert and a parade of 300 vintage cars are offered.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Orlando Resort Hotels

Orlando, Florida is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the US. Orlando attracts close to 50 million people every year. That is why Orlando resorts have been thriving and are vying with each other to provide more and more attractions to tourists.

There are more than a hundred major resorts in Orlando. Orlando resorts contain a wide range of facilities like golf courses, spas, heated swimming pools, theme parks, gourmet restaurant and appealing hotels. Each resort contains one or more than one hotels for accommodating guests. Some resorts like the Walt Disney World contain even 20 hotels.

Patrons staying at any of the Orlando resort hotels can treat themselves to several recreational amenities, like: fitness centers, hot tubs, Jacuzzi, barbecue grills, bicycle rentals, pool side activities like dive-in movies, face painting, hair braiding, etc, whirlpools, volleyball courts, tennis courts, basketball courts, miniature golf greens, game rooms, live entertainment, children play areas, video arcades, theme parks, fishing, canoeing, parasailing, shopping, cultural activities, gourmet dining, and activity centers.

Orlando resort hotels are designed to suit different kinds of people and budgets. Some resorts hotels have superb luxury facilities that house all the grandeur of exquisite rooms, exotic cuisine, and lavish comforts. Orlando resort hotel host several convenience features like air conditionings, fully equipped kitchen, cable TV, telephone, and even dishwashers and microwave ovens. Guests can cook their own meals or can go out to any of the several restaurants that are located within the resort.

Prices of Orlando resort hotel rooms range from $75 per person to $1200 or even higher, depending upon the amenities available. There are also special offers and discounts like 4 days and five nights for $250 and so on. Most resorts do not allow pets but there are some which do.

The Internet is the best source of information for Orlando resort hotels. There are several sites that provide facts about these resorts. You can also compare offers and prices and choose the best ones. These sites are also updated regularly with latest offers.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Discover Things To Do In Orlando Florida

For many people one of their favorite vacation destinations is Orlando Florida. Needless to say, that there are so many things to do in Orlando Florida. Most people know the Orlando area as a world famous destination for its theme parks such as Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World. However, there are a number of other Orlando tourist attractions to enjoy on your holidays. Orlando Florida is a booming destination of about 200,000 people located in central Florida full of that famous sun that draws tourists from all walks of life and from around the globe. It is an absolute highlight for tourists and whatever type of holiday you want, it will be right there for you in Orlando. It absolutely doesn't matter what your interests, you are able to find many things to do in Orlando that fits them.

It doesn't matter how surfeited you are, it is an absolute must to see the Orlando theme parks. And they are really worth visiting. It is simply fact that some of the theme parks in Orlando are among the best parks in the whole world. Orlando vacations are a great option to spend with your entire family. However, if you don't travel with kids, you should only plan on spending a day or two at Disney World. It absolutely offers a lot of fun, but it isn't really arranged for grown-ups. You may enjoy the beautiful fireworks and a few of the rides can be fun for people of all ages, however for grown ups there is so much more to experience in the city.

The activities in downtown Orlando are full of life and pretty different. Sport enthusiasts can visit an All Star football game, or catch a baseball or basketball match. Orlando is home to several of the best sports teams of America. It doesn't matter what your sport, probably you are able to catch it as long as you stay there. People that less interested in sports can do a lot of other things. Music lover can visit quite a few clubs in Orlando, and some exciting acts get through on a really regular basis. You are able to listen to rock 'n roll, jazz, hip hop, or whatever you want, you can probably discover it in Orlando. The city also features an eclectic mix of comedy clubs, sports bars, pubs, ambitious lounges, martini bars, and dance clubs.

No Orlando trip would be exhaustive without a fair bit of rest and relaxation. There is a wide range of hotels in the Orlando area that fit every type of budget, you can choose from. You can also find some of America's most stunning and luxury hotels and resorts. Some of these establishments can be pretty expensive, but they are absolutely worth it. Steam rooms, Jacuzzis, spa and an on-site massage are standard amenities. They do not only provide extravagant accommodations, they also offer state of the art tennis facilities, championship golf courses, and a lot more.

Occasionally, the best activities you can do in Orlando involve just taking time to relax. If you are less interested in being taken care of, an Orlando time share could be a great option. It is really easy to rent a house in Orlando Florida, due to the popular tourist industry. If you do some research, you can even find an affordable house on the beach. There is really nothing better than having a house on the beach. After all, for most visitors swimming and tanning in the sun are actually the most favored things to do in Orlando Florida.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Orlando Hotels

Orlando is considered as one of the main holiday destinations and is situated in Central Florida. This city has a number of tourist attractions but the presence of Disney World theme park is the main reason that draws people towards this city every year. Though Orlando is mainly a trade and processing center, its largest revenues come from the tourism industry. Since this city is said to welcome around 52 million tourists every year, the hotel industry is also one of its many flourishing businesses. There are various luxury hotels and restaurants found all around the city of Orlando in order to provide tourists with all the possible facilities and comfort. Orlando offers all kinds of hotels ranging from low cost and budget oriented to luxury hotels. Walt Disney World itself consists of approximately 20 hotels along with the vast choice of hotels offered by the surrounded area of Lake Buena Vista.

Most of the tourists prefer to have their accommodation close to the theme parks at the Walt Disney World and hence they choose one of the many Disney resort hotels. Most of the Orlando hotels cover acres of land. For instance, some of the hotels such as Hilton Walt Disney World Hotel Orlando are located on 23 acres of land whereas hotels like Wyndham Palace Resort is located on a separate island of 110 acres. Most of this city's hotels offer extraordinary amenities such as heated pools, Jacuzzis, health spas and saunas, playgrounds, tennis and volleyball courts, hair salons and fitness centers. Orlando hotels also offer some of the most luxurious and elegant restaurants and bars. Most of the hotel rooms in Orlando consist of a security safe and coffee.

While selecting an Orlando hotel, it is advisable to keep in mind the location of that particular hotel. Tourists generally prefer hotels that are in close proximity to major attractions of the city. Tariffs keep changing and hence it is important to regularly check for suitable discounts on offer.

Orlando provides detailed information on Orlando, Orlando Hotels, Orlando Vacations, Orlando Restaurants and more. Orlando is affiliated with Orlando Golf Resorts.

Six Free Things to Do in Orlando, Florida

Perhaps best known for Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, Orlando has much more to offer than just theme parks, and many of its attractions are free for visitors to enjoy. Here are just six things you can do on vacation which won't cost you a penny.

1 Take a stroll along Disney's Boardwalk

The 45-acre waterfront district that fronts Disney's Boardwalk Resort is a recreation of a 1930's-style Atlantic coastal village. Visitors can enjoy a stroll while taking in the entertainment provided by the many street performers, musicians and magicians.

You can access the Boardwalk by walking along the International Gateway from Epcot, or via the hotel itself.

2 Admire the old-fashioned appeal of Celebration

Located just off the 192, the town of Celebration is packed full of historic-themed architecture fused with modern technology. This picture-perfect town was conceived by Disney and is the perfect place to go if you want to kick back and relax. There's a farmers' market on a Sunday morning and Reading Trout books offers many free events, including author readings and book signings. They also have an excellent selection of Disney themed books.

3 Check out the Downtown Disney Marketplace

The Marketplace is open to all visitors; you don't need a Walt Disney World ticket to enjoy the wide array of themed shops and entertainment. There are boutiques and eateries to suit all budgets. The kids will love exploring the massive World of Disney store, or playing with Lego at the Lego Imagination Center.

4 Experience a vintage car parade

Old Town, a unique shopping and entertainment area, sits on the 192 just south of Walt Disney World. Take a leisurely stroll along the main street browsing the stores, or for a more eventful visit check out the drag racing, go karting track or reverse bungee jumping. Every Saturday night Old Town comes to life as 300 cars, polished and gleaming, drive up and down the main street. The parade is followed up with live entertainment featuring '50s and '60s rock 'n' roll music.

Admission to Old Town is free, including the car shows and concerts, but tickets are required for the amusement rides.

5 Picnic among the orchids

A World of Orchids is a 22,500 square-foot conservatory featuring orchids as well as other exotic flowers. The natural exhibits feature flowers and plants from Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Australia, Central and South America.

Take a stroll along the boardwalk, marvel at the Senator, one of America's oldest bald cypress trees or just enjoy a picnic at one of the many picnic tables.

A World of Orchids is located in Kissimmee and is open Monday through Saturday.

6 End the day with a bang

You don't need a ticket to enjoy Walt Disney World's fantastic firework spectacular Wishes. Resort guests can enjoy the show from the Transportation and Ticket Center, or catch the free ferry or monorail over to the Magic Kingdom park entrance for an up-close view.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Orlando Holiday Villas - The Right Choice For Your Florida Vacation?

Every year, millions of tourists visit Central Florida and most of them opt for traditional hotel accommodation - but many are increasingly choosing the alternative of Orlando holiday villas. Whether one is better than another for your vacation all depends on your preferences, so this article aims to give you the pros and cons of each so that you can decide for yourself.

First of all, hotels, and perhaps the best known of these are the resort hotels in Disney World - these may be your best option if you have a small group or if you intend to use almost all of your vacation in Orlando out and about in Walt Disney's theme parks. Check out the vacation package deals that give you park passes as part of the total cost and compare this to your expenses if you had to buy tickets separately. Factor in the benefits of free transportation (although some local hotels offer free shuttle buses) and extended park hours (if applicable) and this could be the best option for your budget.

One cost to factor into your planning is any car hire expense. If you plan to fly down to Florida and stay at a hotel offering park transportation, you may not need to hire a car. Even if you're driving down so you have no car hire cost, you can still avoid parking and gas charges if the hotel can provide you with the transportation you need.

Another benefit that some families value in a hotel is the ability to meet friends for their children in the pool or the exercise room. Many families find that their children need some additional distraction when they're thrown together for an extended period and the hotel diversions such as a video games room or a pool table may help to diffuse family tensions and arguments - essential if the vacation is to provide the required relaxation and benefit.

To conclude the examination of hotels, also factor in the quality and security benefits you get. Security: you can pay by credit card and take comfort from the protection that the card company provides if anything goes wrong. Quality: leading hotel chains promote their brand by standardizing the style, size and extras that they supply across the board.

Compared to all of this, does an Orlando holiday villa offer any advantages?

One big advantage in using Orlando holiday villas is the cost benefit if your family or group is large. The majority of vacation home owners or management companies price their homes independently of the party size. So a 5 bedroom 4 bathroom home that sleeps up to 12 people could be far more economical than the equivalent number of hotel rooms. In addition, children sleep in their own bedrooms, leaving parents to get a good night's sleep in private just as they do in their own home.

The flexibility a vacation home offers, especially not having to eat all your meals in a restaurant, is something many people find appealing. All vacation homes in Orlando have a fully equipped kitchen so you can have a snack or a drink any time you want without getting ready and going to the nearest restaurant or fast food place.

For those days when you're not at the theme park, families like the fact that most holiday rental homes have their own private pool to relax by and no need to carry all the towels, pool toys and snacks down to a communal pool. They also like the fact that they can relax by the pool at night once the kids are in bed. As well as TVs, and DVDs more and more single family homes are now adding games rooms with ping pong, foosball and electronic dart games to ensure that their guests don't get bored!.

So the choice is clearly yours, and whether you go for Orlando holiday villas or hotel rooms, you will surely enjoy the Disney and Florida magic.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Orlando Vacation - The Hottest Top Ten Things to Do

There are two limiting factors on what to do in Orlando-time and money: chances are pretty good you won't have enough of either.

Of the top ten amusement parks in the country only seven of them are in Orlando. Here's my list of the top ten things to do on your Orlando Fun Vacation. I dare you to try all ten on one trip. Walt Disney World by itself is 47 square miles of fun and adventure.

1. DISNEY-MAGIC KINGDOM. It is the most popular theme park in the world with nearly 15 million visitors. Rides such as Pirates of the Caribbean", "Splash Mountain", and "Space Mountain" are at the top of the all time best list. "It's a Small World After All" leaves you singing the song for a week. All seven themed parks are difficult to do in a day.

2. DISNEY –MGM STUDIOS Here we have some of the best rides including the Twilight Zone "Tower of Terror". An absolutely fascinating look at how the movies are made plus lots of fun too. Can be a one day adventure.

3. DISNEY-ANIMAL KINGDOM "Expedition Everest" is the highlight of the rides in this one day or less trip thru the Kingdom of Animals featuring "Festival of the Lion King"-a must see.

4. SEA WORLD Beautiful gardens are the backdrop for this educational and fun experience. Definitely worth a visit yet very different from the other Orlando attractions.
One ride worth the trip is "Kraken" a floorless roller coaster.

5. EPCOT CENTER Definitely a two day journey but in my opinion not for everyone. It is more of an educational experience and a little on the heavy side compared to the lightness of the other theme parks. It is very well done and very educational but again not everyone's cup of tea.

6. BUSCH GARDENS Oh okay it is not in Orlando it's in Tampa. It is one of the biggest zoos in the world and has some great thrill rides like "Kumba" and "Python". Oh and the beer-did someone mention free beer!! Well worth the trip.

7. UNIVERSAL STUDIOS A working TV and motion picture studio with some great rides thrown in. Check out" Men in Black Alien Attack" and "Revenge of The Mummy" rides that will get your heart rate up in a hurry. There is a stiff competition between WDW and Universal for your dollar. The consumer is the winner as attractions at both places get better all the time.

8. ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE This slightly younger brother to Universal studios is made up of six islands that feature some of the best maybe the best thrill rides in Orlando. It is mostly for the 54" and up crowd (the height restriction). "The amazing Adventures of Spider-Man", "Dueling Dragons", and "The Incredible Hulk" coaster are some of the best rides in the world.

9. DISNEY WATER PARKS You guessed it-a water theme park that is occasionally closed so check ahead. If water is your game-this is it!!

10. CIRQUE DE SOLEIL. I have seen at least a half a dozen of these shows in three different cities in the last 6-7 years or so and watched them on numerous TV specials. I am still amazed at the athleticism of the performers. But that is only the obvious. The choreography, set design, music, and the creativity of everything they do. Unbelievable. Not a circus in the American sense because there are no animals but spectacular nonetheless and not to be missed.

The only negative is it can be pricey. For a family of four it will set you back $180-300.
If you've never seen Cirque du Soleil, this may be the best opportunity for the family.

Jack Krohn is a free lance writer and the #1 author of Home Security Articles in the country according to EzineArticles. He has traveled extensively to Europe, throughout the southwest and Hawaii. He has had Diabetes, Pre-diabetes and Syndrome X for nearly fifteen years. He speaks from the experiences he has had during that time.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Cheap Orlando Hotels - The Truth About Discount Hotels In Orlando, FL

Are you looking for cheap Orlando hotels? Orlando Florida is a popular vacation destination. There are many different activities and tourist destinations in the area. Many families spend weeks or months planning the activities they will be taking part in while visiting Orlando. Have you spent weeks searching out the best deals on airfare and tickets for your vacation activities but you forget about where you are going to stay. This article will give you the facts about cheap discount hotels in Orlando.

Finding a cheap Orlando discount hotels does not mean you should take risks with your safety or your family's vacation. To have a great vacation in Orlando you are going to need a lot of energy, so a good nights rest is vital. Most of the activities in Orlando require a lot of walking and with a little pre-planning and determination you can find a great deal at your favorite hotels.

Start your Orlando discount hotel search on the Internet. Search for discount hotel rooms on the major travel planning websites. Many of these websites purchase excess rooms from the hotels and resell them to the customer at a great discount. If you find a great deal on a travel planning website make sure you read all the rules and requirements for the deal. You should also be aware that sometimes a pre-payment will be required to purchase the room, this pre-payment can work for your advantage. You can pay for a portion of your vacation prior to leaving home and not have to worry about the amount of money you spend while out and about.

Another great way to find cheap discount Orlando hotels, is to make a list of all the hotel locations you are interested in renting and calling the locations directly. This method usually works best when you have about one or two weeks before you planned vacation. Ask the location if they have any special discount rates available. You may need to call several times because hotel rates change quite often and you do not want to miss out on a discount room because you called once and were told no. Many times hotels will hold rooms for groups that cancel at the last minute; the hotel will offer the rooms at a great discount at the last minute because they need to make up the lost revenue.

If you are more of a do-it-yourself type person forget about cheap Orlando hotels, you may be interested in staying at a camping area or rental home. The prices for these locations will vary greatly but you can find some great discount prices on the Internet. Wherever you decide to stay during your vacation in Orlando, make sure that you have through information about the location and also that you feel safe while staying there. Get a good nights rest each evening and your plans for fun in Orlando will be more memorable than you may expect.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Things to Do in Orlando - That Are Not Theme Parks

You don't have to just think Disney when you think of things to do in Orlando. A short trip up the I4 Highway from Disney, Universal, Sea World and all the other attractions is Seminole County. In Seminole County you get everything you would in Orlando but at a lower price and with a lot less traffic. They even have the same hotels you would get in the Orlando area here but at a fraction of the price.

Here are some things to do in Orlando without actually being in Orlando.

You can take a cruise down one of the many rivers in Seminole County, the St. Johns River is located here, and it is the longest river in Florida. You can hike or bike one of the wilderness trails and do some bird watching, study the natural wildlife or just take some photos.

There are more that thirty state parks and preserves for you to explore. Most have wooden bridges to take you over wetlands and near natural springs so you can see a small fraction of this ancient side of Florida and maybe catch a glimpse of an Alligator or Turtle sunbathing themselves. If you want to see more of the wetlands you can rent a canoe or kayak and take a trip out into the wild on your own.

While you're visiting; you have to see Big Tree Park which features "The Senator" a Bald Cypress that is over 3,500 years old and Wekiwa (Pronounced Wik-I-Va) Springs State Park and rent a Canoe to explore this lush natural spring.

If nature isn't your thing Seminole County offers "other things to do in Orlando". It has over twelve 18-hole courses for you to play or you can take a leisurely walk through the historic areas of Sanford or Longwood. Walking through one of these small towns will give you an idea of what life was like here a hundred years ago.

You'll see small Antique Shops, Victorian houses and cultural museums. You'll find history in a fully restored vaudeville theater, the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, where you can stop for a minute and catch a play or other show. There are many public art galleries there for your enjoyment, and Seminole County also features "Art in Public Places" which showcases local artists in public buildings.

Seminole County features some of the newest Hotels and other accommodations in Central Florida with the best part being you'll pay up to a third of what you'd be paying to stay closer to Disney and the other attractions and you're still just a short drive from downtown Orlando. So while you're thinking of things to do in Orlando remember Central Florida is more than just Orlando.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

DisneyLand, orlando for Kids ... kids... kids

Some nice photos I saw on Trip Advisor. Orlando is for kids... Disney Land is giving so mcuh fun for all. orlando is more popular as a Family destination, but still, young crowd also slecting orlando to have more fun there. Themeparks are the main attraction there.










Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Orlando Vacation Package - Choosing Your Vacation Rental Home

When you're putting together your Orlando vacation package, there are many benefits in deciding to go for a vacation home rental instead of a motel or hotel room - they include better value for money, more space and greater flexibility. You should think about the following before deciding which home to choose, though.

1. How will you pay the bill?

Some of the nicest homes are owned by families with no credit card facilities, so they can only accept payment by cash, check or bank transfer. However, using a credit card gives you some protection in case of problems. It's the option I would choose, even if it limits your choice of homes.

2. Are you sure you know what you're getting?

Some rental companies will only allocate your home as you arrive. I recommend renting from a company that specifies your home and provides you with online photos of it at the time of booking so that you avoid any last-minutes unpleasant surprises.

3. How big a party size can the home accommodate?

Florida State limits Orlando vacation home rentals via a license. The maximum party size per property is controlled (for example, most 3 bed properties are allowed to sleep up to 8, most 4 bed 10, etc.). It is important to match your party to the right home size very carefully.

4. What type of community do you want to be in?

There are simple residential communities that have few additional facilities and there are "resort" communities. Resort communities frequently have additional facilities e.g. club house, gym, community pool. If you don't' need those, consider one of the smaller, quieter residential-style communities

5. What type of property do you want?

Both types of property, single family homes and condos, have pros and cons. Single family homes are great but may be too large for a couple or a small family. Condos can be less expensive than a single family home, but sound insulation can be poor - as you may find out when people in the condo next to you are partying at 3 in the morning!

6. How will you get the key?

Some companies or owners send you directions that enable you to go straight to the home you're staying in to gain access (for example, a lot of vacation home owners fit coded lock boxes to the property and provide lock box access instructions once you've paid). Other companies insist that you visit a central check-in office. After a long flight, driving all over town to get the key from the landlord's office may not be a great start to the vacation!

7. How far from the theme parks is ok?

Most people like to be within ten or fifteen minutes of the theme parks to minimize travel times (assuming your visit will include the parks!). But be skeptical of all claims about travel times: "5 minutes to Disney from our home" may be true at 3 a.m., but it could be 30 minutes at Easter when the roads are full!

8. How much parking space do you need?

Most Orlando vacation home rental properties have very short driveways. If you will have more than one vehicle, check out parking arrangements before booking!

9. How important to you is getting the absolutely lowest price?

We all love a bargain, but beware of going too far. Competition has led some Orlando vacation home rental companies/owners to offer uneconomic, tempting low prices. Eventually they go out of business. Every year, some families arrive for their dream holiday only to find the home unavailable. So balance the natural desire for low price with some caution.

Orlando - A Golfer's Paradise

Orange County National Golf Centre and Lodge

Golfing enthusiasts please take note! Orange County National Golf Centre and Lodge has two of the finest golf courses, with challenging and manicured layout, top class facilities, on-site lodge accommodation and much more, a great golfing holiday is assured here.

Falcon's Fire Golf Club

Come and experience this Rees Jones signature designed championship golf course. With a wonderful setting and the very best in facilities and standards you and your golf clubs must check out the Falcon's Fire Golf Club.

Shingle Creek Golf and Country Club

The Shingle Creek Golf and Country Club has in the past been voted "One of America's Top 100 Pro Shops in 2006" by Golf Shop magazine, and was voted one of the "Top 40 Best New Golf Courses in the U.S." by Golfweek Magazine. It's also ranked as "one of the toughest courses you can play" by the Orlando Business Journal. Need I say more!

Southern Dunes Orlando

With over 180 bunkers, lush green fairways as well as top-class features including long high grasses and ornaments you cannot help but admire, the Southern Dunes Golf Course, and it's a must when in Orlando. This is an award-winning golf course that has captured the hearts of golfers throughout the world. It's outstandingly maintained and challenges the very skilled and advanced golfer.

Remington Golf Kissimmee Florida Club

Remington Golf Club is an 18-hole championship golf course. It's a public course for all ages and includes a practice area and a unique water driving range. Remington offers exceptional value for money with "All you can" offers!

Mairead writes for Novacarhire.com - an independent car hire reservation website where you can book low cost car hire at over 5000 locations worldwide

Visit Novacarhire.com's Car hire Orlando page and get an instant quote which will offer you the best deals from top car rental providers

Dining Out in Orlando - From Budget to Fine Dining

One of the pleasures of any vacation is trying out the cuisine of a particular locality. If Orlando is your vacation destination then you will have a wide choice of restaurants to choose from. It would never be possible to give a complete survey of the dining possibilities in Orlando or any city in only one article but here is a sampling of low budget and high budget restaurants that have proven popular with visitors to Orlando.

Since I am writing this during a time of economic recession let me start with the low budget restaurants. These are places where you can get a good meal but not dent your wallet too much.

Bubbalou's Bodacious Bar-B-Cue Ribs

Bubbalou's Bodacious Bar-B-Cue Ribs are the main dish here, and this restaurant has been voted as Central Florida's best barbecue restaurant by readers of the Orlando Sentinel. The food is cooked on an open pit and there is more than just spare ribs on the menu. You can also get barbecued chicken, lamb and smoked turkey. Beware of the special hot sauce that is served here, it is really hot! You can find this barbecue restaurant at: 5818 Conroy Rd., Orlando, FL 32819

Thai Thani

The food here is not native to Central Florida, but it is authentic Thai food served up in an atmosphere that will transport you to Thailand. If you are already a fan of Thai food then you will want to dine at this restaurant, and if you would like to try out Thai food to see what it is all about, then this is a great place to do it.

Hard Rock Cafe Orlando

If you have been to the other Hard Rock Cafes around the world then you will know what to expect here, reasonably priced food in a rock 'n' roll themed environment. Orlando's Hard Rock Café is located in the Universal Studios CityWalk area and it is the biggest café of this worldwide chain and also has the largest collection of rock memorabilia in the entire chain. If you like munching on a hamburger and gazing at an original guitar from one of your rock heroes, then be sure to visit Orlando's Hard Rock Café.

Now let's look at some of the higher-end restaurants that are popular with local residents and visitors alike.

Hemingways

As long as you are in Florida then you might as well get into the magic of one of Key West's most famous residents, the writer Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway's is decorated with the rods and reels, stuffed trophy fish and nautical trinkets of the writer who gave us the classic "The Old Man and the Sea." The cuisine is regional and includes coconut shrimp and paella. A typical meal will cost you about $40. The restaurant is located at Lake Buena Vista 1 Grand Cypress Blvd

California Grill

If you want to go to a restaurant voted as Orlando's most popular, then this is the place for you. You can find it on the 15th floor of Disney's Contemporary Resort. The cuisine is supervised by a famous chef, Cliffor Pleau, who is constantly at work creating new dishes. In addition to fine dining you also get a bird's eye view of the entire Disney theme park. The attire is strictly informal and you can dine in your shorts and Disney tee shirts. The price of a typical meal is $40.

Christini's

As long as we are talking about high-end dining let's finish with a restaurant where the prices are high even by expense-account standards. This restaurant is known for elaborate meals and its huge wine list. The dining takes place in an extremely romantic setting with musicians strolling about. You will think that you having a night out in Italy. If you want to impress someone and can afford to spend around $50 for a meal, then head on out to South Orlando 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd.

Take note of these restaurants and give them a try when you visit Orlando, choosing according to the ones that best fit your taste and your budget

The Wonder That is Disney World, Orlando

Visiting Disney World, Orlando, is many children's fantasy. It is also the fantasy of many adults. Disney World stretches over 25,000 acres, and boasts 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, 24 hotels and several golf courses. The variety of this amazing park brings something for everyone, which is why millions of families visit Disney World each year. Here are a few reasons why the resort is so popular...

• The Magic Kingdom. This was the resorts first and original theme park. It opened in 1971 and quickly became world famous. The park is split into seven parts- all of which represent different countries of the world. The Magic Kingdom is known for its spectacular firework displays and parades, which are daily features of the park's culture.

• Epcot. This park is divided into two sub-parks. Future world has attractions which focus on the environment, space and industry. The other half, World Showcase, focuses on attractions involving entertainment, food and leisure. The park is most famous for its huge geoshpere, better known as 'Spaceship Earth'. This iconic dome has become the unofficial symbol of the park.

• Disney's Hollywood Studios. This park was previously known as MGM studios. The park is a tribute to the movie world, and bases its attractions on popular Disney movies. One of its most famous attractions is Toy Story Mania, an attraction which millions of Toy Story fans flock to each year.

• Water Parks. The Disney resort is not only famous for it's theme parks, but also for its water parks. Typhoon Lagoon is a relaxed water park which offers a snorkelling attraction where you can swim with tropical fish and sharks. Typhoon Lagoon is also home to a pool which boasts one of the worlds largest artificially generated wave machines, which is sure to cause a splash with it's visitors. Blizzard beach is Disney's other water park, a replica ski resort where all of it's snow has melted. Blizzard Beach is for the more adventurous water slide fanatic, whereas Typhoon Lagoon is for a more relaxing day.

Disney World isn't the only attraction that is worth seeing in Orlando. When visiting Florida, make sure you are able to travel easily to get the most out of the Sunshine State. Car hire in Orlando is extremely common. Orlando car hire can come at fantastic prices and is probably the best way will be able to see the country. Compare car hire in Florida online to make sure you are getting the best value for your money