Orlando, FL – World-renowned frozen drink fun spot, Fat Tuesday, debuts at Universal CityWalk, offering guests a party atmosphere along with some of the coolest concoctions east of the Mississippi. Channeling the high-energy, eclectic spirit of Bourbon Street, where the original concept began more than twenty years ago, this popular venue offers a wide variety of colorful frozen daiquiri drinks.

Situated on the upper level between Pat O’Brien’s and the groove, Fat Tuesday guests can enjoy unique concoctions and combinations like the venue’s signature cocktail, the “190 Octane,” known for its orange punch, and “Peachy Senorita,” made with peach nectars and purees, as well as frozen favorites, such as creamy pina coladas and strawberry daiquiris.

“Fat Tuesday’s brings the exciting, dynamic sprit of New Orleans straight to Universal Citywalk,” said Ric Florell, senior vice president and general manager of resort revenue operations and Orlando Attractions. “It adds an entirely new level of fun for our nighttime entertainment guests.”

Fat Tuesday joins a powerful lineup of national brand offerings at CityWalk, including Bubba Gump’s Shrimp Co, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville and Hard Rock Café. This new addition began in 1984 and is a sister concept of New Orleans Original Daiquiris. Fat Tuesday’s popularity has led to more than 20 locations in nine states with stores in cities, including Key West, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Myrtle Beach, Las Vegas and Miami. Universal CityWalk’s location is the only one in Orlando.

Lake Buena Vista, FL – Over the River & Through the Woods! To grandfather’s house we go; The horse knows the way, To carry the sleigh, Thru the white and drifted snow, oh!

The same seasonal magic that brings “snow” flurries to central Florida during Disney Parks holiday events now gives guests the opportunity to experience a horse-drawn “sleigh” ride during Christmas in Florida. And where? Over the river and through the woods, of course!

This year, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground at Walt Disney World in Florida is offering sleigh rides through the secluded beauty of the 700-acre backwoods resort. From Nov. 29-Dec. 30, 2009, four adults – or two adults and three small children – can climb into a shiny, fire engine-red sleigh, decked out with garland and twinkling holiday lights, and take a relaxing, 25-minute sojourn into the lush forest.

And while the resort’s woodland paths may not be blanketed with drifts of driven snow to glide through, the magic-makers at the resort’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch utilize sleighs equipped with tires to insure a smooth sleigh ride behind one of the ranch’s gentle steeds.

Cost is $60 per sleigh. Children ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Sleighs depart from the Blacksmith’s Shop near the Settlement area inside Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Guests driving to the resort can park at the entrance of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground and board a Disney motorcoach to be transported to the Settlement area. For reservations and more information, guests can call 407/WDW-PLAY.

The New Year’s Eve at Disney World will include nine parade performances – including one on water – topped off with five fireworks extravaganzas. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Live performances by in-park band “Mulch, Sweat and Shears,” back-to-back with a DJ at Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat and much more. Disney always throws one of the best Florida New Year’s Parties and this year is no exception. Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be a great way for the kids to celebrate New Year’s eve with a 3:45 pm parade named “Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade”. The Animal Kingdom will be open 9 am – 7 pm New Year’s Eve.

Summer is coming, and the family is getting anxious to get out and about. Well there is not a better time to head down to Orlando, Florida, for some fun in the sun. Orlando is the epicenter for fun, entertainment, theme parks, and the home of Disney! So, when it’s this time of year, the air is very warm and the sun is hot, so you need a place to cool off; what you’re thinking about is a water park! Central Florida has many themed water parks, such as the well known Wet N’ Wild, the two Disney parks of Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, and the famous SeaWorld’s new, Aquatica Waterpark in Orlando, which opened in April of 2008. But if you’re not looking for an entire water park to spend the entire day at, then there is also a Water Resort, ran by Nickelodeon, adeptly named the Nickelodeon Family Suites. Whither you’re a veteran of the Orlando area, the Orlando water parks themselves, or a newbie to the entire shebang, you’re in for a Wet N’ Wild ride, literally!

This brings us to our first stop: Wet ‘N Wild. It is Orlando’s oldest standing Water Park, which is now owned by Universal Studios, with its claims to “Orlando’s most exciting Water Park” and a “must see Water Park”. I must say, from my personal experience, this park is best experienced with a large group of people, but is still enjoyable with family or even just a few friends. Take a trip down one of 10 Trill Rides, or relax on the lazy river. There is also a wake pool, which is designed to recreate the look and feel of a real beach surrounded by rocks. Located all around the park, you will find friendly staff who will supply your every need, such as food, beverage, directions, map orientation, and life guard support. Yes, this place is filled with life guards to assure you of your safety in the event you fall in the water unconscious or get in over your head in places like the Wake Pool. Other attractions, which are the thrill rides mentioned above, include: Brain Wash, a 2-4 person tube ride that vertically drops 53 feet, The Black Hole, which is a 2 person tube that drops through twist and turns in pitch blackness, The Storm, a cyclone style single person drop into fast moving water, and The Blast, which takes you down a ruptured pipeline where water pressure is exploding. Chill out on the Lazy River, where little to no effort is required to enjoy the cool and refreshing water and trees that surround it. Are you a surfer dude? Doesn’t matter; you can ride the waves with your body or simply jump over or under them at the Wake Pool.

Our second stop is a relatively new park, brought to us by the Dolphins at SeaWorld! No, the Dolphins didn’t design it, but it was engineered to their liking, as will it be to yours. Opened in April of 2008, this park has been jam packed with guest since the doors were ajar. Filled with over 10 different thrill rides, a double sided wake pool, two food grills and a Kiddy Play area, it speaks major competition for the original Wet N’ Wild goers. I have to say something about the Wake Pool; which is, did I mention it had two sides? Yes, that’s right, two contrasting wake pools that have different styles of waves. At Cutback Cove, the waves are fierce with high tension for instant action. Over on the other side at Big Surf Shores, the waves are random and can be large or small for a more surprising feel. When I said the Dolphins did not design the park, I was excluding Dolphin Plunge. The ride has two side-by-side tubes that drop down into and below the water; water that is inhabited by the Dolphins, whom love to swim around beside you as you race by. Go down Roa’s Rapids for a white water experience or Whanau Way for a quadruple slide tower race. This is a place even Orlando veterans will probably have missed out on in the past and must not be missed now, so go visit!

Now, a park that can be considered both a theme park and a water park is the famous SeaWorld. Creator of the new Aquatica, SeaWorld has long been Orlando’s home for aquatic and polar animals. From Shamu’s Believe show to Journey to Atlantis, you’re bound to get soaked! This isn’t you’re typical water park, but it is right around the corner from Aquatica and of course is in Orlando. I’d recommend it for the whole family, as there are more than just a few chances to get wet. You can watch Shamu do insane tricks with their trainers or dance to rock music, walk beneath the swimming sharks over at Shark Encounter, swim with the Dolphins, or ride the under water monster of a roller coaster, the Kraken! But as I said before, it’s not your typical swimming style of a water park. But at Florida Water Parks there are plenty of chances to get wet and have a ton of fun even staying dry.

No trip to Orlando, Florida, is complete with out a visit to Disney. Knowing this fact, Disney created many different amusement parks of all sorts in order to serve every need and desire, which includes, but is not limited to, two Water Parks. The first of the two is Typhoon Lagoon; this park is made up of fast water slides, tubular rides, water falls, and includes a surf pool that launches out 6 foot waves.

Orlando, FL – A major birthday, family reunion, high school graduation, a milestone wedding anniversary.  Events like these bring together family and friends from across generations.  Because people are looking to mark these occasions in spectacular and unforgettable ways, Disney Parks provide the perfect setting.  In “What Will You Celebrate?” Disney Parks is poised to address a growing national trend to “celebration vacations” with new entertainment and services that allow guests to turn their personal milestones into magical Disney experiences. 

To put guests in the spirit, anyone visiting a Walt Disney World resort theme park in Orlando on their birthday in 2009 gets in free. Whether on their birthday, Quinceanera or other occasion, guests will find Disney Parks filled with favorite characters, world-class attractions and entertainment and legendary guest services — exactly the “something for everyone” that trend-watchers say families look for in a “celebration vacation.”

SeaWorld, Universal Studios and other places to visit in Orlando and the many smaller attractions such as Gatorland Zoo, Wet n Wild and Aquatica can make for a very special celebration vacation with family and friends.

At Walt Disney World Resort Orlando, guests can personalize their celebration, choosing from more than 200 experiences — from character dining to sunrise safaris, kids’ pirate adventures to diving the depths at Epcot, having a princess-themed day or turning Walt Disney World “wild” with trail riding, water skiing or race car driving.  Making arrangements is effortless thanks to new online planning tools – and when the big day comes, Disney cast members are on hand to bring each celebration to life.

To add to the fun, the “Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It!” street party (mid-February) is a float-filled celebration with acrobatic performers and singing, dancing Disney characters inviting Magic Kingdom guests to mix and mingle down Main Street, U.S.A. For more information about “What Will You Celebrate?” guests can visit disneyparks.com, call 407/W-DISNEY or contact a travel agent.

While the rest of the country will be shivering on New Year’s Eve, I’m spending it in Florida, through out Florida many hotels are throwing parties like the one The Plaza Resort & Spa is planning live music, hors d’oeuvres, and a champagne toast at midnight.

Other parties are going on at the Orlando area theme parks. Universal Studios CityWalk is throwing their annual bash with the Doobie Brothers performing. They always have lots of great food the bars have many different types musical acts. Dazzling fireworks showers, live entertainment and extended park hours throughout the Vacation Kingdom New Year’s Eve at Disney World making it a popular spot to ring in the new year. Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Magic Kingdom and Epcot all have party’s planned. Late-nighters can party at Magic Kingdom until the wee hours with parades and fireworks galore. A Florida New Year’s party to remember can also be found at SeaWorld with live performers till 12:30 with the parks attractions and rides open till midnight.

Three celebrations in New Year’s Eve in Key West, all slated for the night of Wednesday, Dec. 31, are to be staged as very different — though equally lighthearted — takeoffs on the Times Square gala. Visitors and residents who want to start the New Year with a focus on fitness can do so beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 1, when a 5k run, walk or crawl is to depart from Islamorada’s Founders Park, MM 87 bayside.

Big Pine Key, Florida Keys – Sleigh rides and snowball fights aren’t on the menu of holiday amusements in the balmy Lower Florida Keys, but the spirit of the season nonetheless flourishes in subtropical temperatures.

Visitors and Keys residents are invited to ring in the holiday season and celebrate the creative arts at the Big Pine Island Art Festival, themed “Art & Music in a Natural Key.” The event is to be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, on the grounds of the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, mile marker 31 oceanside in Big Pine.

Scheduled highlights include live music, exhibits and booths featuring the original work of artists and craftsmen.

The festival is designed to be fun for the entire family, as well as a place to find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts and artwork, all while enjoying the tranquil natural atmosphere of the Lower Keys. In addition, items are to be raffled throughout the day, providing even more opportunities for attendees to obtain examples of Keys artistry.

Live music is to be provided by favorite local entertainers including Terry Cassidy, a longtime Keys resident and acclaimed singer, guitarist and banjo picker.

Young attendees can sample treats and explore their own creativity with holiday craft activities at the festival’s kids’ corner.

While art and music satisfy the spirit, food and beverages are to be available from on-site vendors to satisfy the taste buds.
Admission and parking are free.

For more information about the Big Pine Island Art Festival, visit www.lowerkeyschamber.com or contact the chamber office at (305) 872-2411 or (800) 872-3722.

For accommodations in the Lower Florida Keys, call the chamber or visit the Florida Keys Web site at www.fla-keys.com.

Is it hot enough for you? Florida is a scorcher in the summer and that’s just the heat, never mind the humidity. Fortunately Orlando has many ways to cool off some of which are the wonderful water parks here. During Wet ‘n Wild Summer Nights, they extend their summer hours and lower the price after 5 o’clock for this special summer event. Sea World also has a brand new water park called Aquatica. Aquatica provides a place where you can get up close and ‘personal’ with sealife. If you’re already planning a trip to Disney, you’ll be happy to hear that they have two water parks Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.

The Orlando waterparks have slides and a lazy river of some sort or another and you can rent towels and lockers there. They provide mats, inner tubes and sometimes even boogie boards, if they have a wave pool. They all have some sort of white sand beaches and a few provide volleyball nets and, of course, all offer refreshments and food.

Daytona Beach is a favorite during the winter for tourist to Florida and for good reason. Daytona visitors are driving on the beach looking at the ocean, sea birds and bikinis while many of their friends are driving in snow. With over 23 miles of beaches to enjoy, wintertime activities are exciting and numerous.

Bike Week
Harley Davidson and other motorcycle fans are looking forward to Bike Week, this event continues to gain in popularity every year. Wet T-shirt contest at Main Street in Daytona are big draws for many of the leather clad bikers. Outside Daytona at the Cabbage Patch, the main event is the Cole Slaw Wrestling, it’s a fairly wild exhibition.

This year a new venue, Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona is the place to be with over 150 acres of space. There is plenty of parking for bikes and cars, trams transported visitors from remote parking areas. Bike Week in Daytona Beach will be February 29 to March 9, 2008.

Races at Daytona
Daytona International Speedway is a race fan favorite. NASCAR fans will have plenty to enjoy with two races. The Daytona 500 is February 17 and the Daytona 200 is March 8. Also popular is the Rolex 24 Hour Race on January 26 and 27 and the Spring Car Show & Swap on March 28 to 30.

Spring Break in Daytona Beach 2008
Daytona Beach is a traditional Spring Break favorite. While Panama City has taken some of the party away, there are still lots of parties taking place in Daytona this year. Spring Break this year is March 9 to 31, 2008.

Nearby Orlando

Daytona Beach is only an hour from Orlando via I-4. Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World are among the most popular Orlando Attractions. There are plenty other smaller theme parks in Central Florida like Gatorland Zoo, Wet n’ Wild, Dixie Stampede and more to keep family entertained.

Ponce Inlet
Nearby Ponce Inlet is a half hour south of Daytona and is the perfect place to get away from the crowds. The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is an excellent way to get a birds-eye view of the surrounding area. Ponce Inlet is also a favorite of fishermen with the inlet offering great fishing as well as charter and head boats.

Daytona Beach Pier
The Daytona Beach Pier is a great place to spend the day. The pier is over 1000 feet long with sky lift the entire length that offers one of the best views of Daytona Beach. There is an excellent restaurant on the pier and a bar that serves tropical drinks. Fishing in winter is good with catches of bluefish, Spanish mackerel, redfish, sheepshead and black drum. There is a small tackle shop offering bait and tackle sales and fishing rod rentals.

A Favorite Vacation Destination
The relatively warm weather Florida is famous for and plenty of activities make Daytona Beach a winter time vacation hotspot for families, groups, couples and singles. In fact, there are so many things to do in Daytona Beach that you’ll want to come back again in the summer.

Kirby Collins is a Florida Web Designer and maintains a web site about Places to go in Florida.