Funtastica Florida
Florida Places !!
Florida (esp: Flowered Land) indeed is one of the most scenic and beautiful states located in South Eastern USA. With its warm weather and hundreds of miles of beaches attract about 60 million visitors every year The top three tourist locations in Florida are Miami for its blissful beaches, urbanized skyline & hottest nightlife, Orlando the home of Walt Disney with largest vacation resorts and theme parks and beautiful Key West island in the Straits of Florida famous for its scenic drive with oceans on both sides and toasting at sunset
1. Orlando: Top Places to Share a Smile
The world always looks brighter from behind a smile. As Mark Twain said, “wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.” Put a smile on your family’s faces with these surefire Orlando landmarks that are known as both smile inducers, and places where memories are made.
Breakfast with Mickey. Share a smile with Mickey Mouse and his friends at a Walt Disney World® character breakfast.
Journey to Atlantis at SeaWorld® Orlando. Brave twists, turns and watery falls of mythical proportions as you explore the mysterious lost city of Atlantis aboard this thrilling water coaster ride at SeaWorld Orlando.
Dinner for Two at Hemingway’s. It’s just the two of you, enjoying a sumptuous and romantic meal in an authentic Key West setting at Hemingway’s.
Find the Perfect Gift. Discover the perfect item for a loved one, something you know they’ll treasure forever, and buy it for a song at an area outlet mall.
Finally Relaxing. Let all your cares melt away while getting a massage at the Mandara Spa at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel.
Discover a New Favorite. Feel yourself unwind as you dance the night away to your favorite song, and find a few new ones at upscale lounge Blue Martini.
Lose Yourself on the Green. Play 18 holes at Eagle Creek Golf Club, and finally lose your handicap.
Get Cultured at the Orlando Ballet. Buy a ticket, take a seat and let yourself be transported from the grace of Swan Lake to the romance of fair Verona at the Orlando Ballet.
Get Animated at Universal Studios Florida®. Brace yourself for a wild ride with Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson, stars of TV’s longest running series, The Simpson’s at Universal Studios Florida.
Reconnect with the Ones You Love. After a long day of activities, sit down for a much-needed family meal prepared in the comfort and convenience of an elegant vacation home.
If your family is visiting Orlando, you’ll have plenty of thrills to experience. The destination is loading up on the new theme-park action, providing parks, rides, shows and parades that are only available in Orlando. Get wet at Aquatica™— SeaWorld’s Waterpark, take a ride withThe Simpsons at Universal Studios Florida® or have a “Block Party Bash” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ Just remember to get some rest, because with all of the new excitement, you’re going to need it.
Worlds of Discovery
The Busch Entertainment Corporation family of adventure parks is now known as Worlds of Discovery. Worlds of Discovery parks include Aquatica – SeaWorld’s Waterpark, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, SeaWorld Orlando and Discovery Cove, as well as the company’s other theme parks throughout the country.
Aquatica — SeaWorld’s Waterpark opened in March 2008. The one-of-a-kind park will include up-close animal experiences, high-speed thrills and wide, sandy beaches. Aquatica is the first new water park to open in Orlando in 12 years. It features 36 water slides; six rivers and lagoons and more than 80,000 square feet (7,432 square meters) of beach area. Guests are immersed with live animals in the park, including Commerson’s dolphins, brilliant macaws and colorful fish.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay unveiled an exotic jungle area in the theme park, called Jungala. The four-acre (1.6-hectare) attraction area is be located in the existing Congo area and includes tiger, orangutan and gibbon habitats mixed with dense landscaping. Two signature rides have been added including a zip line experience with three different flight patterns, and a ride launching guests above a towering waterfall. A three-story family climbing area letting visitors explore different layers of jungle life and a children’s water-play area has also been constructed. Two new restaurants, Bengal Bistro and Orang Café, opened in the themed area.
SeaWorld Orlando introduced the next generation of SeaWorld thrills with Manta — a new mega-attraction which seamlessly transitions guests from the awe of encountering rays in underwater flight into the sensation of actually being one. Swooping over sea and sky, Manta inspires riders with amazing underwater animal habitats, then soars them face-down, in a horizontal position, aboard a manta-inspired flying coaster.
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Studios Florida unveiled a new ride based on FOX’s blockbuster hit series, The Simpsons. Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson —stars of TV’s longest running series — ride along with guests in the new attraction, which takes them on a hysterical, almost unimaginable adventure. And don’t forget about Hollywood Rip Ride RockitSM, a new high-tech, multi-sensory roller coaster, that is anticpated to open this year. On this adrenaline-filled thrill ride, you’ll have the power to create your own unique roller coaster, complete with a soundtrack, lighting scheme and special effects chosen by you. On-board cameras record your pulse-pounding flight in what is surely the world’s most technologically advanced roller caoster. After the actions stops, you’ll have a video of all the fun to take home.
Opening in spring 2010, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ at Universal’s Islands of Adventure® will provide visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience complete with multiple attractions, shops and a signature eating establishment. This completely immersive environment will transcend generations and bring the wonder and magic of the amazingly detailed Harry Potter books and films to life.
Walt Disney World Resort
Disney-MGM Studios theme park has been renamed Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The new name, which reflects how the park has grown from representing the golden age of movies to a celebration of the new entertainment that today’s Hollywood has to offer, debuted in 2008. The park also unveiled the following attractions:
- Toy Story Mania! involves an interactive “Toy Story” competition inspired by the film. 3-D glasses put guests in the middle of the action as they board vehicles and zip into a world of exciting midway-style games hosted by their favorite characters. The ride opened in summer 2008.
- “Block Party Bash” encourages guests to play, party and dance at the new interactive Disney parade, which opened in March 2008.
- “Playhouse Disney — Live on Stage!” introduces a whole new cast of friends engaging children in singing, clapping and dancing. The new show opened in February 2008.
- At “The American Idol Experience,” guests will experience the challenge of auditioning, the rush of performing and the thrill of judging performances live on an interactive set. Guest performers with the highest votes will win a guaranteed reservation for future “American Idol” auditions. The attraction opened in early 2009.
2. KEY WEST
In Key West, you can visit these and a host of other attractions by taking advantage of convenient public transportation, taxis, pedi-cabs, tour trains, trolleys, bicycles or even your own two feet. For a visual introduction to the sights of Key West, please peruse our iPix virtual panoramic tours.
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With its balmy weather and crystal blue skies, the island is famous among the outdoors set for its diving, fishing, watersports andgolfing at the nearby Key West Golf Club, a course designed by Rees Jones.
But only in Key West would the sun shine the brightest when it sets. Everyone gathers for the never planned, always varied Sunset Celebration on the Mallory Dock.
Once the sun is safely tucked away by jugglers, mimes, musicians and street artists, the city moves to a different beat. A night beat. The streets, filled withsidewalk cafes, open-air bars, legendarypubs and world-class restaurants come alive. Gourmets and gourmands alike treat their palates to island specialties. Drama,musicals and comedy flourish on our stages.
| However you choose to see the town, you’ll discover that old town Key West is one of America’s true architectural and botanical treasures. On even the tiniest lanes, the locals have faithfully restored old wooden homes and adorned them with lush tropical trees and flowers. |
Key West’s African cultural heritage is represented by the vibrant Bahama Village neighborhood, founded in the early 1800s by Africans migrating from the Bahamas, and in historic churches, indigenous food and annual festivals.
Among Key West’s most significant African cultural sites is the 1860 African Burial Ground, located on the island’s Atlantic Ocean shore beside a Civil War-era fort. It is believed by experts to be America’s only African refugee cemetery.
A memorial honoring the buried Africans is being constructed at the site.
New restaurants and stores are popping up in the historic Bahama Village neighborhood, which was settled in the 19th Century by Bahamian immigrants. Hemingway loved coming here to mix with the hard-working locals at boxing matches and arm-wrestling contests.
In this city of fascinating contrasts, you could easily find yourself wanting to let go of mainland hassles permanently. Come visit Key West. Like all the Keys, you’ll find it’s rich in history. Interactive Map for the Keys http://www.fla-keys.com/maps/ |
3. Miami
Miami is a major coastal city in southeastern Florida, Miami’s skyline is ranked third most impressive in the U.S., behind New York City and Chicago, and 18th in the world according to the Almanac of Architecture and Design.In 2008, Miami was ranked as “America’s Cleanest City” according to Forbes Magazine for its year-round good air quality, vast green spaces, clean drinking water, clean streets and city-wide recycling programs.
Miami has a true tropical climate, specifically the Tropical monsoon climate (Köppen climate classification Am)[24] with hot & humid summers and warm winters, with a marked dry season in the winter
Downtown Florida (watch video for a flava of Miami)
Miami Beaches
Miami’s beaches offer a great opportunity to get some exercise or just enjoy some time in the sun! In this article, I take a look at a few of my favorite beaches, including a couple of lesser-used spots where you’ll be able to avoid the tourist crowd.
1. South Beach:
Miami Beach has been synonymous with glamour, glitz and non-stop sun. The epicenter of the beach is really on the barrier island’s south end, which is why South Beach is really what people mean when they refer to Miami Beach. At 17 blocks long and 12 blocks wide, South Beach is a perfect place for a walk.
South Beach is the quintessential Miami beach experience. It’s the place to see and be seen and show off the product of months in the gym. South Beach isn’t clothing optional, but topless bathing is permitted. The beach is located on Ocean Drive, across the street from many of Miami Beach’s famous nightclubs
With boutiques, restaurants, bars, clubs, museums and, of course, sandy beaches, you’ll never be bored. The following is a perfect walking tour for an afternoon, or can be split up over a day or two..
2. Virginia Key Beach
Virginia Key Beach is one of the most interesting beaches in South Florida. It’s located right off the Rickenbacker Causeway (on both the north and south sides) near the Miami Seaquarium. The location makes for easy access and some areas become crowded, but there are plenty of secluded spots (such as the one shown in the photo) if you’re willing to explore a bit. Don’t be surprised if you see me when you visit. I love to take my black lab for a walk/swim on the only area beach that allows leashed dogs.
3. Haulover Beach
Haulover Beach, located on Miami Beach between Sunny Isles Beach and Bal Harbour, is known around the world as Miami’s only legal “clothing optional” nude beach. If you’re skittish about shedding your swimsuit, never fear. The beach offers traditional sunbathing as well and the nude beach is clearly marked to avoid accidents! Haulover Beach is a fantastic surfing spot.
4. Bill Baggs State Park
Bill Baggs State Park, located on the south end of Key Biscayne, is home to the famous Cape Florida lighthouse. The park provides sunbathing, swimming and history in the same spot! You can spend some time on the beach and enjoy a guided tour of the lighthouse. Fishing is also allowed from the seawall. The park also hosts Boater’s Grill, a full service restaurant.
5. Homestead Bayfront Park and Marina
Homestead Bayfront Park is a great option if you’re looking to avoid the tourist scene. Located in the southern portion of Miami Dade County, Bayfront Park offers swimming and boating options with a full-service marina. It’s located at 9698 SW North Canal Drive.
Miami Everglades
With 1.5 million acres of swamps, saw-grass prairies and sub-tropical jungles, Everglades National Park is one of the most unusual public parks in the United States. Located on the southern tip of Florida, the park is home to 14 rare and endangered species, including the American Crocodile, the Florida Panther and the West Indian Manatee. A large portion of the park is primitive, explored only by adventurists and researchers – but visitors have ample opportunity to walk, camp and canoe.
Fairchild Tropical Garden
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden provides residents and visitors with a uniquely South Florida garden experience. Dedicated to preserving the diversity of tropical plants, Fairchild features some of the world’s best collections of palms, cycads, flowering trees, vines and fruit trees along with other tropical plants. The garden also contains a 2-acre tropical rainforest, a fruit pavilion and a new exhibit entitled Jewels of the Caribbean.
Miami Nightlife
Miami is home to some famous nightclubs, such as Space, Mansion, Parkwest, Ink, and Cameo. The city is known to be part of clubland, along with places such as Mykonos, Ibiza and Ayia Napa.
Ocean Drive Nightlife
The first place that most visitors flock to is Ocean Drive, the always-packed catwalk that hugs the Atlantic Ocean. While this is a fine place to drink and dine (especially during the day, under a shady umbrella, when the sun is at its peak), there really aren’t many clubs on this 15-block stretch. Two exceptions: the Clevelander, a landmark bar/hotel/poolside hangout. Yes, there is a pool in the middle of the patio, and yes, you can dangle your feet (or other body parts) in the pool. It’s also a perfect example of Art Deco architecture, in case you care enough to rip your eyes away from the beautiful people lounging around.Another fun Ocean Drive hangout is Mango’s Tropical Café. This is a U.S. version of Havana clubs of days past: salsa bands, sexy dancers in tight leopard-print hot pants, frothy tropical drinks. A menu and sidewalk seating is also available.
Arts & Museums
Miami is home to many entertainment venues, theaters, museums, parks and performing arts centers.
The city is home to numerous museums as well, many of which are in Downtown. These include the Bass Museum, Frost Art Museum, Historical Museum of Southern Florida, Jewish Museum of Florida, Lowe Art Museum, Miami Art Museum, Miami Children’s Museum, Miami Science Museum,Museum of Contemporary Art, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Wolfsonian-FIU Museum and the Miami Cultural Center, home of the Main Miami Library. Other popular cultural destinations in the area include Jungle Island, Miami MetroZoo, Miami Seaquarium, Coral Castle, St. Bernard de Clairvaux Church, Charles Deering Estate, and parks and gardens in and around the city; there are over 80 parks in Miami.[34] The largest and most popular parks are Bayfront Park and Bicentennial Park (located in the heart of Downtown and the location of the American Airlines Arena and Bayside Marketplace),Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Tropical Park, Watson Island, Morningside Park and Key Biscayne.
This is too much to cover if you have just few days of Vacation. So be prepared to pick for now and for more later bcoz you are gonna fall in love with it and revisit the Funtastic Florida…Life never misses a beat here..
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