Celebration Florida Christmas Snow Fall
Celebration in Orlando Florida is kicking off the holiday season with there nightly snow fall from Saturday 26th November. On opening night Santa Claus will be there so you still have time to sit on his knee and ask for a present. There will also be strolling carollers, christmas tree lighting at 5.55pm, festive treats and all the local restaurants are open as normal so why not take the kids to enjoy the snow and grab some dinner afterward.
Highly recommended, is the clam chowder at the Boston Market restaurant, but make sure you get extra crackers (mine always get stolen by Claire!).
The Celebration Snow Fall runs daily from the 26th November to 31st December at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm and 9pm.
Below is a video from last year to give you an idea of what it’s like, sorry about the music but this was the best video I could find on youtube. If you have your own video that is better please let me know and I will add it.
Fantasy Surf – Indoor Surfing on the Ultimate Wave in Kissimmee Florida
Fancy an adrenaline rush but want a change from the theme parks? This week I went over to Fantasy Surf in Kissimmee for some aquatic adventure fun and I really enjoyed it! Fantasy Surf hosts a great indoor water sport activity termed flowriding – fun for all ages you can slide, ride and surf the ultimate waves – and its a safe and controlled environment so good for those new to surfing and want to try it out – but also great for practising tricks if you’re an accomplished surfer.
The impressive indoor FlowRider surf system is a real experience – like surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding rolled into one – set up on an artificial beach setting, the machine size is 32 ft wide and 49 ft in length and can allows 25-30 riders each hour. There are cushioned surfaces all around for safety and for those in your group opting out it’s still a lot of fun watching others develop their new or expert surfing skills!
Whilst you’re there you can visit ‘The Lull’ cafe for casual dining and shop for surf-style retail at the ‘Offshore’ store.
Fantasy Surf offers 30 minute sessions on the FlowRider waves for adults and children – minimum height requirements are 42″ – for bodyboard, 52″ for Flowboard. Its $25 for one adult session and $20 for one child session – but there are multiple session savings so check out Fantasy Surf – Ticket Prices for more details.
You’ll find Fantasy Surf located off Poinciana Boulevard between US HWY 192 and State HWY 535, open 7 days a week – Venue and cafe open from 7:30am and FlowRider from 9am – all closing 10pm
If you’re thinking about booking your vacation in Orlando – we have over 570 Orlando Villas available to rent for your perfect holiday – many with 360 degree virtual tours and all homes 15-20 minutes away from Disney and the main Orlando attractions. You can also keep up to date on Things To Do in Orlando here on this blog.
Great deal at Fun Spot Orlando – $13 for unlimited Go-Kart and Thrill Rides!
Had to let you know about a really good discount deal on 11th June at Fun Spot amusement park next to Old Town – for ONE DAY only – $13 armbands for ALL DAY riding privileges on 4 Go-Kart tracks, 7 Thrill Rides and 7 Kid Spot Rides (normally priced $34.95!!!) Tickets must be purchased on that day between 10am and noon to get the deal.
I went there this week and have some pictures and video for you to take a look at which I will be adding shortly but check out the video below to give you an idea of what to expect.
Downtown Disney Orlando
Downtown Disney equals lots of entertainment and nightlife all in one Disney hotspot. Situated on Buena Vista Drive, follow the signs for Walt Disney World and then you’ll see signs for Downtown Disney, taking you to the free parking lots. The majority of our Florida villas to rent are within a 20 minute drive away. You can stroll along the scenic walkway of the 3 distinct sections, all bordering the village waterfront and experience the dining, shopping and entertainment on offer. On the West side – you can take in a live theatrical show of breathtaking acrobatics at the Cirque du Soleil theatre – tickets can be purchased at the box office in the theatre or by calling 407-WDW-SEAT. Or perhaps see the latest Hollywood movie at the AMC Pleasure Island 24 screen cinema – we have a handy post on our Florida Villas blog for film showtimes. Soak up the party atmosphere on Pleasure Island with the bars, discos and eateries. You’ll also find the very best Disney souvenirs and gifts for friends and family at the World of Disney store (largest Disney character store in the world) in the shopping hub of Downtown Disney Marketplace on the East side. Featured in the store is the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique salon for girls and boys who want the ultimate princess and knight fairytale makeovers. This is extremely popular with young children over 3 years and we would advise calling in advance to make reservations. Makeover package prices vary. The marketplace also has a fine art gallery which is fun to browse called The Art of Disney. There are an abundance of themed restaurants for the family – the Rainforest Cafe has casual dining in an amazing tropical rainforest setting. For an unforgettable experience, try the T-Rex Cafe – a prehistoric adventure where you can eat, shop and gaze at the moving T-Rex dinosaur.
For music lovers, back on the west side, the House of Blues offers southern-inspired food along with live music from Rock ‘n’ Roll to R&B in their Music Hall adjacent to the diner. Once you visit, you’ll be coming back again and again. Check out Leona Lewis below…..
Why not try a 400ft balloon ride in the Characters in Flight open everyday.
Florida Mall Shopping, Orlando
As well as visiting all the theme parks and attractions, you won’t want to miss out on the shopping in Orlando. The Florida Mall, Central Florida’s largest mall at a whopping 1.9 million square feet of shopping, features 260 speciality stores and will provide you with an unforgettable shopping experience. Stores include Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, M&M World, Hollister Co, Apple, Abercrombie & Fitch, MAC, Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Bodyworks to name a few. Florida Mall is located at 8001 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando FL 32809. Regular Mall hours are Mon-Sat 10am – 9pm, and sun 12pm – 6pm.
Handy tips for you: For the easiest route to the Florida Mall and avoiding the toll booth charges, take the 528 Toll Road, exit 72 off the I-4. Take the Orange Blossom Trail junction (exit 4), turn left onto the OBT, Florida Mall is on your right.
And another tip…Macy’s department store are offering special travellers’ savings and international visitors can receive the Welcome Savings Card valid for 30 days, giving a 10% discount on your purchases. Domestic visitors can receive the Welcome Savings Pass, offering 10% discount valid for 3 days. Just ask at a register before you start shopping and they can assist you in getting your discount card. For international visitors, take along proof of your international status ie driver’s licence or passport.
The Florida Mall is located about 20 minutes from most of our Florida holiday villas and is a great way to spend a day!!!
Crazy / Mini Golf Courses in Orlando
Although classed as a smaller attraction compared with the major theme parks, the mini adventure golf courses in Orlando are really popular. Very different to anything you might experience in the UK, these courses are spectacularly designed and are lots of fun for all the family – challenging mini golfers with putt-through’s designed in logs, hills, waterfalls, caves and tunnels. Great if you want to play a game in the sun, or as your evening’s entertainment under the stars. We’ve put together a list of the good ones and links to their website so you can have all the info on prices, opening times and directions. Pick up your putter and away you play!
Congo River mini golf on International Drive and Kissimmee hosts an African explorer themed adventure golf course in a tropical rainforest setting with waterfalls and caves. Look out for the live gator feeding exhibits here too.
Pirates Cove mini golf on International Drive takes you back to the 18th Century on a pirates adventure while you play amongst cascading waterfalls, sunken ships and dreaded pirate dungeons!
Hawaiian Rumble mini golf on International Drive and Lake Buena Vista both sites feature a Hawaiian themed 50 foot volcano with fire and lava, lush tropical palms setting and rhythmic calypso beats to entertain you during your game.
Disney Fantasia Gardens mini golf – Disney’s own take on miniature golf located at Epcot has 2 courses: Fantasia Gardens and Fantasia Fairways. These are inspired by the animated Fantasia film and during your 36 hole game you’ll see characters from the movie like the dancing hippos and the marching broomsticks!
Disney Winter Summerland mini golf – another Disney offering of miniature golf outside Blizzard Beach, these are Santa Claus themed courses: the ‘Snow’ course – put your way to the 18th ‘North Hole’!! and in contrast the ‘Sand’ course, is beach-themed with 18 holes to play amongst sandcastles and surfboards.
Discount vouchers are available for most of the mini golf courses (excluding Disney) in the local coupon/tourist/attraction books that you can get in entrance to most supermarkets, restaurants and tourist information booths.
Nearly all of the mini golf courses are located less than 15-20 minutes from all our Orlando vacation rentals on HWY192, International Drive or just off Interstate 4 (I4) in the main tourist areas.
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Windsor Hills Resort – Villas to Rent in Orlando Florida
Windsor Hills Resort is one of the newer short term rental communities located in Orlando Florida, built over the last few years. Located only 3 miles from Disney’s main gate it is the perfect place for your dream holiday, with it’s large selection of accommodation from 3 bedroom Windsor Hills townhome through to 6 bedroom 4 bath Windsor Hills villas.
Florida Snowbird Vacation Rentals
To all you Florida snowbirds out there looking for some winter sun in 2012 we have a selection of over 570 privately owned Florida rental villas. All our Orlando villas are close to the main attractions and lots of golf courses, restaurants and shops. Most are located in Kissimmee, Davenport, Clermont and surrounding areas.
Most of our villa owners offer weekly rates but will give you a good discount to snowbird vacation rental guests if you are renting over 4 weeks so please contact them with your dates to get a quote.
Please visit our web sites to see photos and a 360 Virtual Tour of every Florida vacation rentals and save money by booking direct with the owners.
Orlando Villas to Rent – VR360floridavillas.co.uk
Florida Snowbird Rentals – VR360homes.co.uk
Hot Air Balloon Rides – Orlando Florida
Early Morning over Kissimmee
On a recent trip to Orlando we decided to take a hot air balloon flight, there are a number of companies offering this but we booked with Thompson Aire run by Jeff Thompson as they had been highly recommended.
At the time of writing this the cost was $185 per adult + tax and if you have more than 4 or 6 in your group you get an extra discount (this does include breakfast after the flight). They have balloon flights everyday which start at around 6am but you do need to book in advance as they get full up quickly especially around the holidays.
We met them the next morning at 6am up on HWY192, they then decide which way the wind is going so they can plan a route for the flight. We started down HWY192 by Old Town with a route that would take us over the 192, Celebration, Reunion and end up near Champions Gate. Read more 
Segway Tours
Segway Tours - Orlando Florida
On our last trip to Orlando Florida we were having dinner down in Celebration and came across a new company called Zetours offering tours of Celebration on Segway’s.
