Go Beyond the Amusement Park! 3 Must-Visit Orlando Areas for Families

June 22, 2016 by Kathryn 29 Comments

If there’s one city that’s really perfected the art of family fun, it’s Orlando, Florida. From its many amusement parks to its top-notch attractions and entertainment, there’s no shortage of things to do when you’re visiting this sunny Florida metropolis.

But because its amusement parks are such a big part of its appeal, some of Orlando’s other areas tend to get overlooked. And that’s a shame, because there are so many places in the city worthy of a visit! Wondering what areas you should check out? These three locations are my top picks for must-visit Orlando hotspots!

ICON Orlando 360

This brand new complex on International Drive is home to a ton of fun-filled attractions, including the hugely popular ICON Orlando, a 400 ft. observation wheel that opened just last year. In addition to ICON Orlando, the indoor complex also holds Madam Tussauds Wax Museum and the SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium. A ticket for any one of the attractions is $25, while tickets for all three are $49, making this a great bargain choice.

I have to admit that I was impressed by just how much fun the wax museum was. In large part, Madam Tussauds is a place for photos, and I loved the fact that it included props and costumes so that visitors could pose in style as they snapped their pictures. But many of the displays also included fun facts about the famous figures and entertaining mini games to keep even the youngest visitors entertained.

Whether I was shooting hoops with Shaquille O’Neal, busting a move with Michael Jackson or taking an intelligence quiz beside Einstein, I was constantly entertained during my experience. And of course, getting a few pictures with my favourite wax celebrities was tons of fun too! [Read more…]

Don’t Miss These Top 3 Orlando, Florida Activities for Adults

February 26, 2015 by Kathryn 30 Comments

Orlando is a favourite family destination for good reason. With a variety of fun-filled theme parks perfect for kids of all ages, from Universal Orlando to Walt Disney World, it’s easy to spend a full week in the area just checking out all the rides, attractions and entertainment available.

But there’s a lot more to Orlando, Florida than just amusement parks and activities for kids! These three adventures are fantastic things to do in Orlando for adults that want to enjoy some time in the area.

Orlando Balloon Rides

In front of the Orlando Balloon Rides hot air balloon basket, ready to head to the sky!

Sailing through the sky in a hot air balloon is something everyone should try at least once. There is nothing more peaceful than drifting on the breeze and looking down on the world below, especially in an area as picturesque as the Orlando region. Orlando Balloon Rides is one of the top companies offering hot air balloon adventures and provides an experience that you’re sure to remember for a lifetime. Just be prepared to get up early!

balloon assembly — Filling the balloon with air. I love how small the men holding the sides look!

For me, one of the highlights of the ride was watching and participating in the set-up and takedown of the balloon. I’d never realized just how big these balloons were until one was being filled right in front of me! And while filling the balloon with air was a job that could be done by just a handful of staff, packing it away after was a task that required everyone, participants included, to lend a hand! [Read more…]

Everyone Should Try These 7 Unique Experiences at Universal Orlando Resort

February 17, 2015 by Kathryn 37 Comments

While there is plenty to do in Orlando, Florida, there are a few destinations that are special favourites with visitors and one of those is Universal Orlando Resort. Movie fans are sure to fall in love with the parks immediately, and the rides will put smiles on the faces of any thrill-seeker.

If you’re heading to the park and looking for things to do at Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure, these are seven experiences you won’t want to miss.

Riding a Broomstick on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

This ride is the main attraction when visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure. Waiting in line is a highlight in itself, as visitors are able to wind through Hogwarts Castle and experience the magic of the movie brought to life. Even the famous talking pictures are there!

But it’s at the end of the ride that the fun really starts. Riders soar through the air on a broomstick with Harry and his friends in a combination of real sets, animatronics and wrap-around projection screens that had me convinced I’d actually been flying.

Having a Duff at Moe’s Tavern in Springfield

There are a few fun-filled rides in Springfield that are well worth visiting, but for me the true highlight of this area was simply walking down the streets of Springfield itself.

And of course, no visit to the Simpsons’ hometown would be complete without stopping at Moe’s Tavern for a Duff or a world famous Flaming Moe. The authenticity of the bar is sure to bring back memories of all those favourite episodes of The Simpsons. [Read more…]