Florida Updates

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www.kidslovetravel.com

Updates to Kids Love Florida

Changes:

SE – PACIFIC TIME RESTAURANT (pg. 172), Miami. Moved to: 35 NE 40th Street, Miami, FL 33137. (exit I-195 east to exit 2a. North on Miami. Right on 40th) (305) 722-7369.

SE – LOXAHATCHEE, ARM WILDLIFE REFUGE (pg. 147) River adventure tours doubled in price.

SE – WANNADO (pg. 154), Fort Lauderdale. Admission is now $40.00 child, $10.00 adult and covers everything. Best to plan to spend the whole day there to get most value.

EASTERN – FLORIDA STATE PARKS. Several state parks now charge vehicle entrance fees or have increased their entrance fees by $3.00 per vehicle. Fees range from $3.00 to $8.00 per vehicle. Some parks are still FREE.

SE – JUNGLE QUEEN RIVERBOATS (pg. 152), Fort Lauderdale has increased admission to: Admission: $39.95 adult/$21.75 child evenings, $13.00-$18.00 daytime.

SE – ISLAND QUEEN CRUISES (pg. 159), Miami has increased admission to: Admission: $25.00 adult, $17.00 child (4-12).

SE – MIAMI DUCK TOURS (pg. 167) has increased their adult rates by $4.00-6.00: Admission: $32.00 adult, $26.00 senior (65+), $18.00 child (4-12).

SE – most every museum has increased admission costs by 40-50% over the last few years. Most every major attraction (Ex. Miami Seaquarium, Jungle Island, Butterfly World) has increased child fees by $5.00 and adult fees by ~$7.00 per guest. Be sure you look for online specials and coupons (locals, BOGO, etc).

CE – most every attraction in this area has only increased adult admission by $2.00 and $1.00 more per child – on average! This is over a 4 year period.

NE – most every attraction in this area has only increased adult admission by $2.00 and $1.00 more per child – on average! This is over a 4-year period.

CE – CLOSED - TEAUILA’S HAWAII DINNER SHOW (pg. 45), TROLLEYBOATS (Daytona, pg. 45) and SPACE COAST NATURE TOURS (pg. 57) are lost on the radar and their websites and phone numbers no longer function.

C - Cypress Gardens and Splash Island Waterpark NOW CLOSED - Closed (The following is updated from their website www.cypressgardens.com) WINTER HAVEN, FL, SEPTEMBER 23, 2009: From the earliest moment that our firm purchased Cypress Gardens and Splash Island Waterpark, our highest priority has always been to maintain the park’s beauty and protect its proud traditions as a mainstay of the State’s history and natural treasures. It is with these ideals in mind that we must announce that the park will be closed for business as of Wednesday, September 23, 2009. During the last two years, Land South Adventures, LLC, has explored numerous management frameworks and exhausted every possible approach to keep the park running in its traditional form. Now, we are in the process of negotiating with several potential purchasers and lessees for all or part of the property, and do not feel it is fair to our employees, the guests, or the public to continue operations heading into the fall with the future of the property in flux. We are optimistic that the outcome will be in the best interests of both the park and the residents of Polk County and the State of Florida.

CW & SW Florida attractions (over $10.00 general admission) admission prices have generally increased $2.00-$4.00 per person this year. When planning, budget for that and save $ by printing off online coupons.

C – BUNDLES OF FREE SMILES PROMO: Kids eat free. Kids stay free. Adults at kid’s prices. Now through June 30, 2009 visitors can take advantage of free admission to attractions, free room nights, free perks and free events throughout Orlando. The “Bundles of Free Smiles” promotion groups together more than 100 deals from throughout central Florida’s attractions and hotels under the theme of “free.” More information is available at www.bundlesoffreesmiles.com.

C - NEW ORLANDO ATTRACTIONS IN 2009

2009 brings new adventure activities and theme park thrill rides to Orlando. WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT opened the Indy Racing Experience, where race fans and adrenaline junkies have the chance to drive and ride in actual cars used in the Indianapolis 500. FLORIDA ECO-SAFARIS opened the first and only Zipline experience in Florida, letting guests soar above the treetops reaching heights of 55 feet (16.8 meters) and speeds up to 20 mph (32.3 kph). DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS now lets wanna-be singers hit the stage with its new American Idol attraction, where guests can watch, vote and perform just like on the television series.

SW – PELICAN MAN’S BIRD SANCTUARY (Pg. 221) is closed. Pelican Man Sanctuary is now Save our Seabirds. On November 1, 2008, Save our Seabirds opened to the public in the same location where Pelican Man Sanctuary was located. After being abandoned for four years, it took a crew of volunteers 6 months to remove the lush overgrowth that had consumed and buried the old sanctuary. Now it is open to the public with no admission charge. It is up and running as a seabird rehab facility, accepting injured/sick birds on a daily basis.

CW – KID CITY – THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF TAMPA (pg. 74) is now closed (Summer 2008) but will reopen in spring 2010 as the new Glazer Children's Museum. In January, they'll break ground in downtown Tampa. The new museum will pack loads of learning into three stories and one of the galleries will mimic Kid City, so the next crop of youngsters can build their own memories.

SW – Fort Myers - ECHO (pg. 210). They have begun to charge for guided tours of the global farm. Tours are now $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for children ages 6-12. Under 6 are free.

Additions:

NE – Jacksonville. - Downtown Jacksonville’s Kids Kampus, located in Metropolitan Park in the city’s Sports Complex, allows children to indulge their natural curiosity while enjoying its engaging playscapes and miniature Jacksonville landscapes. The 10-acre playground area features a mini-water park with “Three Friends,” a large boat play structure accompanied and surrounded by water cannons. A non-skid, rubberized surface called “Bayou, Bogs & Frogs” depicting Florida’s wetlands includes benches and water jets for wet and wild fun! Admission is free and open to the public. Take the family out to the ballgame. Everyone, from your toddler to your husband can get into the cheers for the Jacksonville Suns Double-A Southern League baseball team, affiliated with the Florida Marlins. There are inflatables and a playground behind the outfield for additional family entertainment. Admission is inexpensive – less than $6 for seats and “Family Feast Night” on Tuesday nights with ice cream, hot dogs and peanuts for 50 cents. Check out a spectacle in the sky on Fridays which are“ Family Fireworks Night.” The Suns play April through September. Visit www.Jax4Kids.com for your gateway to family fun in Jacksonville. The site offers a comprehensive and current listing of events, places to go, fun things to do, group outings and discounts, where kids eat free and much more.

CW – GREAT EXPLORATIONS! Children’s Museum. St. Petersburg. 1925 Fourth Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33704. (I-275, take Exit #24 (that’s 22nd Avenue North). Go East on 22nd Avenue North. Go 1 mile and turn right (South) on to 4th Street North. Drive South on 4th Street North until you see a large sign for Great Explorations and Sunken Gardens on the left-hand side of the street) Hours: Monday — Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday Noon to 4:30 p.m. Open 361 days per year. Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Admission: Includes all exhibits and unlimited shows (20 minute educational stage shows) - All Members and Children 11 months and under Free Admission. Seniors $8.00, Everyone Else $9.00. Construct, go to Market, climb aboard a fire truck, be a veterinary or a pizza maker, play with puppets, touch sound, be magnetic, I Spy, Strobe out, race or sail or launch, and splash play in water science. (note from a travel friend: BTW, the official St. Pete's parks page does a terrible job of selling this park to the public, but it's very beautiful, and packed with parrots and other kid-friendly eye candy like a butterfly garden.

C - In 2008, Orlando will see a rise in new attractions and changes at Orlando's major theme parks. SeaWorld Orlando will unveil a brand new water park, Aquatica, in March. Universal Orlando Resort will showcase America's favorite television cartoon family, "The Simpsons," in a simulator ride this spring. And, fresh attractions and shows abound at newly renamed Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly Disney-MGM Studios). The park kicks off its celebration with Toy Story Mania!, a 3-D ride; "Block Party Bash," an interactive Disney parade; and "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!," introducing a whole new cast.

KEYS - Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, Key West. 35 East Quay Road, across the street from Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. http://floridakeys.noaa.gov/eco_discovery.html. Operating Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas). Admission is free! For more information: 305-809-4750. The free visitor center offers visitors and residents alike the opportunity to spend an afternoon learning about the significance of south Florida’s natural and historic resources and how they can both enjoy and protect them. Visitors can also peer through an underwater camera to watch the spectacle of coral spawning, learn about the armaments that once defended remote Fort Jefferson, or take a journey through the natural habitats of south Florida, from the Everglades to teeming coral reefs. Highlights also include a simulation of the Aquarius underwater research habitat, complete with sights and sounds experienced by the “aquanauts”, and a high-definition theater screening a 17-minute video about Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

More Fun Information About:

SW – MYAKKA RIVER STATE PARK (page 221) - Canopy walkway leading to observation tower. Travelers can get a real feel for nature up in the canopy walking amongst the branches of ancient oaks and enjoying views looking out over more than three miles of Upper Myakka Lake. It takes It takes about 30 to 40 minutes to complete the canopy walkway loop at a very leisurely pace. If you prefer not to do the entire loop, walk five minutes to the spur trail and then to the walkway. There is parking at the trail head. After trekking through the treetops, visitors can stop by the Myakka Outpost for their specialty – gator stew – before heading out on the world’s largest airboat, the “Gator Gal.”

C - New Attractions - In 2007, Orlando will see a rise in new attractions, making it the perfect year for families to plan a vacation to the destination. Cypress Gardens Adventure Park opens a new children's area called Bugsville in late May. Discovery Cove launched a new "Trainer for a Day" program and SeaWorld Orlando opened three new children's rides and an Elmo show. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will open the Shuttle Launch Experience in May and Gatorland added a water attraction to the park. Blue Man Group will take up permanent residence at Universal Orlando in June. Walt Disney World just opened The Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor (inspired by Disney-Pixar's "Monsters, Inc.") at Disney's Magic Kingdom, "Finding Nemo – The Musical" at Disney's Animal Kingdom and The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot. Disney parks also launched a year-long celebration called "Year of a Million Dreams," which bestows random complimentary gifts such as an all-day FASTPASS or free ice cream to unsuspecting guests.

Seasonal & Special Events:

C- Winter Park. Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival. The festival is one of the nation's most prestigious outdoor arts events, rated sixth best by Sunshine Artists. Some 1,400 artists from around the world apply for entry and an independent panel of judges selects approximately 275 to participate in the show. The three-day event also features show-stopping jazz, children's activities and great eats. Admission: Free. www.wpsaf.org 407-672-6390 (mid-March weekend)

C – Lake Wales. Annual Easter Sunrise Service. Historic Bok Sanctuary invites Easter morning worshippers to greet the dawn of this special day by watching the sun rise while listening to a 60-bell carillon and brass ensemble with the Lake Wales Chorale. Admission is free from 6-8 a.m. boksanctuary.org 863-676-1408 (Easter Sunday)

C - Orlando (Celebration). The Great American Pie Festival. Enjoy endless samples of pies with close family and friends. Held in Celebration, the Pie Festival includes demonstrations, bake-offs, pie tastings and pie-eating contests. Admission: Free. Buffet tickets: Adults $10, Children ages 5-10 $5. www.piecouncil.org 407-566-1200 (third weekend in April)

C – Orlando. Independence Day at Universal Orlando Resort. Enjoy fireworks at CityWalk with activities for families and a preferred viewing area on the lagoon stage (fee required). Admission: Free for regular viewing area at CityWalk, $10 for preferred viewing area. universalorlando.com 407-224-2691 (July 4^th)

C – Orlando. Independence Day at Walt Disney World Resort. All four theme parks come alive with special shows celebrating the Fourth of July. Downtown Disney Pleasure Island also celebrates with a street party and patriotic music by live bands. Admission: Included in regular park admission. Adults $71, Children ages 3-9 $60, Children ages 2 and under free. Admission to Pleasure Island is free, $20.95 nightclub admission charge for adults 21 and older. www.disneyworld.com 407-824-4321 (July 4^th)

C – Orlando. Pirate's Dinner Adventure – A shipload of yuletide surprises are in store for guests of the Pirate's Christmas Dinner Adventure. Choreographed swordplay, aerial artistry and dynamic duals combine as the cast of pirates engage in a thrilling, heroic effort to save Christmas. All youngsters are invited to participate in the show's March of the Toy Soldiers and more than 150 guests each night find themselves in the middle of the show action. A pre-show Nativity Scene with live barnyard animals and a post-show Buccaneer Bash Dance Party with a live DJ complete the high-seas holiday festivities. The swashbuckling holiday adventure is $55.95 for adults, $35.95 for children ages 3 to 11, and free for children ages 2 and under. Group rates are offered for parties of 15 or more. www.piratesdinneradventure.com.

C - Universal Orlando Resort July 4 Enjoy fireworks at CityWalk with activities for families and a preferred viewing area on the lagoon stage (fee required). Admission: TBD. universalorlando.com 407-363-8000

C - Fireworks Over the Fountain July 4 Celebrate U.S. independence at the free fireworks display and laser show around Lake Eola in downtown Orlando. Residents and visitors alike pack their picnic baskets, comfy blankets and fun-loving kids and head out to Lake Eola for an old-fashioned summertime picnic. Admission: Free. cityoforlando.net 407-246-2827

C - Kissimmee Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration July 4 Kissimmee puts on a large fireworks display, accompanied by a variety of entertainment at Lakefront Park. Admission: Free. kissimmeeparksandrec.com 407-847-2388

NE – Fernandina Beach. ISLE OF EIGHT FLAGS SHRIMP FESTIVAL. www.shrimpfestival.com. Celebrate the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry with the annual pirate parade, a crafts show, delicious shrimp dishes and live entertainment. (first weekend in May)

Suggested Lodging & Dining:

C - ROSEN SHINGLE CREEK RESORT 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando. (866) 996-9939 or www.rosenshinglecreek.com. Group or meeting discounts start around $150.00 per night. Mom or Dad at a conference here? Why not stay, work and play together and maybe never have to leave the property. The history of Shingle Creek tells the tale of cypress trees along the banks of the creek and the cypress shingles once used to cover settlers homes. But this resort is no shingle shack – it’s relaxed elegance, for sure. Here’s a rundown of all the family-friendly amenities we explored during a recent visit: (we never needed to leave the property for three days): · Kids Nite Out at the Swamp Camp (weekend evenings for ages 4-14 with extra hourly fee) offering a variety of supervised activities…play areas, group games, computers, arts and crafts, movies, board games, treasure hunts. · Guest Rooms – include high-speed internet connection, 32-inch flat screen TVs, mini-frig and spacious, high fluff “Creek Sleeper” beds. · Full service Spa · 18-hole golf course (golf camps for kids) · Fishing dock and lake · Four pools, including a lap pool, family pool, adult quiet pool and kiddie wading pool plus two jacuzzis · Birding and a one-mile hiking trail with interpretive signs (nice touch, not found too often at private resorts) · Two lighted tennis courts · Sand volleyball, bocce ball · Video game room · Horseshoes, ping pong · Complimentary equipment available for some sports, by reservation thru the fitness spa area. · Complimentary bus shuttle to Universal area · Loads of restaurants on premises. The Café Osceola was our favorite because the store is open 24 hours (late night or early morning eaters) and the café serves absolutely wonderful, freshly made in front of you, salads and sandwiches. They even have homestyle soups and entrees like roast turkey or meatloaf with mashed potatoes! The guys loved the pizza and pasta entrees. All entrees around $11, individuals and specials around $6.00 – all big portions. If you still have room, try one of the amazing decorative desserts!

NE - Stay at the beach at the very family-friendly, right on the waterfront/boardwalk, lodging of the QUALITY SUITES OCEANFRONT (11 North 1st Street, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250) (904) 435-3535 or www.qualitysuitesjacksonvillebeach.com. Every suite has a bedroom, bathroom and living space with a sofa bed. Better yet, they have a micro/frig and sink kitchenette in between so you can prepare a simple entree or reheat leftovers. The rooms were spacious and clean and after a day on the sand and water, retreat to a light snacks and sodas reception around dinnertime or a dip in the outdoor pool and hot tub.

Suggested Day/Weekend Trips:

NE - A DAY TRIP AROUND JAX AND ITS BEACHES Want to please the whole family in one 20 mile radius? Try Jacksonville and its Beaches. We started our day at JACKSONVILLE ZOO & GARDENS (pg. 110). The kids actually got to feed a live giraffe ($2.00 fee) at the overlook area! In the Range of the Jaguars, find out how one jaguar learned to swim. Can you find the black jaguar's spots? In the Aviary, we noticed the birds of flight really enjoy winging right over your head! Loved the spoonbills and the funky looking Harpy Eagle (1/2 owl, 1/2 eagle)? Climb, jump, and get wet in the Splash Ground and Plaza. Find your way through two mazes and discover and create in the Discovery Bldg. In Forest Play, climb like a squirrel or nest like an eagle. Crawl like a spider or swing like a monkey. Brush AND pet pygmy goats in the Animal Care area or enjoy snacks in the Play Park Cafe. Several cafe areas actually overlook animals roaming their habitats. From animals to some culture. The CUMMER MUSEUM OF ART (pg. 108) is the second largest in Florida but your kids will gravitate to Art Connections where art IS actual touching and making vs. looking and pointing. Just over the bridge, follow your nose to PETERBROOKE CHOCOLATIER PRODUCTION CENTER (1470 San Marco Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207. (904) 398-2489 or www.peterbrooke.com. You can literally smell the chocolate in the air as you approach and park. Peterbrooke has been a fixture in NE Florida since 1983. Its visionary, Phyllis Geiger, named her businesss after her children Peter and Brooke. Pre-arrange a short group tour (takes about 20 minutes with a video and live demo of chocolate tempering and dipping. Anytime they're open, you can watch the ladies through the viewing windows as they coat or drench yummy Oreos, Graham Crackers, Lays Potato Chips or Popcorn - all great by themselves, but better in Chocolate! Be sure to try a sample of their signature item, chocolate-covered popcorn - it will clinch you wanting to buy some to take home. That evening, especially if it's a special event (anniversary, birthday), try a family show at ALHAMBRA DINNER THEATRE (pg. 113) where special people get recognized in the pre-show and the atmosphere is festive. Just down the street (Beach Blvd.) is another diversion: ADVENTURE LANDING. We choose to go a little each day - doing the waterpark thing during the hottest part of the day. They have a bowl and halfpipe and very long-g-g waterslides for the tweens and teens plus a special kiddie area and another Shipwreck Island slide and waterplay area for kids. A wavepool, lazy river and plenty of lifeguards gave this a "thumbs up" from the kids and parents who want a small "adventure" waterpark that is clean and manageable. Every so often they have Character Days where someone like Curious George may visit for breakfast and mornings. Dry off at their wide offering of "land" activities such as: go-karts, amusement rides, laser tag, miniature golf and batting cages. Every area was so clean. Hours run seasonally so check web for current season. Waterpark runs $22.00-$26.00 or nitesplash $16.00. Dry play is $2.00-$6.50 per play or a Quest Pass for $16.00. Wet/Dry packages run around $40.00.