Showing posts with label Disney. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Disney. Show all posts

Monday, December 28, 2009

Orlando - The Perfect Vacation Destination!

Author: Joe A Laing

Source: ezinearticles.com



M-I-C-K-E-Y...is that what comes to mind when you think of Orlando? You're right, Disney's theme parks are a great part of our vacation appeal, but there are dozens of other adventures waiting in Orlando!

Orlando Family Fun Ideas

The first time you come to Orlando, it may be for Disney-with six Disney parks to experience, there's something for every member of your family. But did you know Orlando boasts plenty of family fun outside Walt Disney World? For example, the kids will love Wonder Works, a crazy upside-down lab packed with interactive science exhibits.

For up-close encounters with alligators, visit Gator Land on the edge of the Everglades. This nature preserve, theme and water park hosts one of the largest collections of alligators in the world.

At Sea World Orlando, deep-sea creatures and fantastic rides will vie for your kid's imaginations. Here's one more thrilling way to get back to nature-take the family on an air boat ride through the Everglades. Imagine the excitement of watching wildlife just a few feet away!

Families with teens are sure to find boredom-proof attractions here, too. Why not let them experience skydiving, without the risk, at Sky Venture? An actual (safe) two-minute freefall is sure to get their attention!

Orlando's Romantic Side

We recommend all couples take the time to visit Orlando. The romance of the tropics strikes a spark all by itself, but there's also a marvelous array of intimate excursions for two. The Kraft Azalea Gardens, for starters, provide a lush backdrop for romantic strolls. Don't miss thousands of late winter azaleas in this gem along Lake Maitland.

For duos who love to dance, Orlando's the perfect nightspot! From salsa clubs to The Roxy, you'll find plenty of dance floor action while you're here. Head for International Drive to find just the right rhythm, and don't forget the seven dance clubs right on the Disney properties!

Here's another idea; candlelit dinners beckon from many of Orlando's restaurants. You can even take an evening trip on the Rivership Romance. This cruise winds for more than three hours along the St. John's River. Enjoy their great cuisine, entertainment and dancing as well as scenic views by moonlight.

One last tip for Orlando romance-check out the city's numerous day spas, including the Disney venues. Many offer luxurious packages for couples; the perfect way to relax with someone special.

Orlando for "Seasoned" Travelers

There's one more group that's going to love Orlando. Seasoned "senior" vacationers will find plenty to enjoy in Central Florida. Definitely explore the beaches-you'll find some great ones within an hour's drive, including Cocoa Beach, Siesta Key and Clearwater.

And why not enjoy Disney as adults? Imagine getting to choose what you'd like to do, all day long, without having to humor the kids! The shows, including Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba, are just part of the multi-sensory experience.

You'll find plenty of fascinating shops, restaurants and entertainment in Orlando and its suburbs, too. Uptown Altamonte in Altamonte Springs features street entertainers and lots of shopping possibilities. Here's another hint: Old Town in Kissimmee is a great place to take the grand kids. Whether it's fine dining, people watching or outdoor adventure, older travelers can enjoy it all in Orlando.

The Orlando experience can be unique for every traveler. Don't settle for a cookie cutter vacation! Plan the trip you want, then head for the pleasures of Central Florida.





This article was written by Joe Laing of El Monte RV, your source for RV rentals. An RV is an excellent way to start off on your next vacation in the Orlando area. Be sure to check out the El Monte RV website for more information about Orlando RV Vacations and Orlando RV Rentals.




Monday, September 21, 2009

Disney's Animal Kingdom - Review of Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

Author: Jim Ranieri

Source: ezinearticles.com



Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain. This may be the greatest title of a ride Disney has ever imagineered. The elaborately themed roller coaster at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida, opened April 7, 2006 (has it really been that long!).



While the ride has occasionally been compared to Disneyland's Matterhorn Bobsleds, the comparison is quite off. Yes, a quick glance at the ride does bring memories of Anaheim's famous attraction, but in reality the two rides have less in common than Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck.



For starters, Everest features a traditional coaster train with a capacity of 34 individuals. The Matterhorn has only two cars seating up to eight individuals. In addition, Everest trains travel both forward and backward! The speed of Everest also nearly doubles that of the Matterhorn. Both rides do feature "monsters" - the Yeti of Everest and the Abominable Snowman (which also is a Yeti). However, Disney claims the Everest Yeti is one of the largest and most complex figures it has ever built and experience shows it is extremely lifelike. It was based on extensive research into the legend of the Yeti famous in Himalayan cultures of Nepal and Tibet.



Everest is a true thrill ride. I would say that adventurous children ages 7 and up would love the ride. If your children are easily scared then you may want to wait until 8 or 9 years of age. However, while it is fast it is not really scary. It is quite fun. In fact it won the 2006 Theme Park Insider Award for "World's Best New Theme Park Attraction" which was a well-deserved award. The height of the ride reaches 112 feet. This does not sound like much but is roughly the size of an 11 story building (it seems higher when you are looking out from the peak!). The maximum speed is 50 miles per hour (80 kph). As comparison Space Mountain only reaches 28 mph. The ride is fairly long, nearly 4 minutes.



Unfortunately I cannot comment on the queue of the ride as I've only ridden with Fast Pass.



Tip: If you are interested in seeing how the coaster manages to head in a different direction once it reverses from forward to backward motion, bring a camcorder with night vision capability and try to sit in either the first row or last row. If you are in the first row, when you are stopped in the dark tunnel to engage your night vision and watch the track change. If you are in the last row, you will need to turn around in your seat 180 degrees when stopped at the very top of the mountain and film the track change behind you.







Jim Ranieri is the owner of http://www.cooldisneytrips.com with videos, forums, photos and articles about Disney vacations.