Walt Disney originally envisioned the idea for Space Mountain (originally referred to as “Space Port” or “Space Voyage”) in 1964 to be built at Disneyland. However, Disneyland’s version did not open until 1977, two years after the opening of Disney World’s Space Mountain). Space Mountain construction began on December 15, 1972, and cost approximately $20…
A summer vacation at Walt Disney World Resort brings to mind massive crowds and waiting in long lines in the sweltering heat, right? Fortunately, by making preparations, creating a plan of attack and following the Disney World time-saving tips below, you and your family can enjoy the ultimate Disney World vacation getaway. Arrive at Disney…
Beat the heat this summer and cool off at one of the Orlando area’s state-of-the-art water parks, where you can barrel down a thrilling waterslide, take a whitewater rafting adventure, snorkel through a colorful reef full of exotic fish, body surf in one of the world’s largest wave pools and interact with dolphins, sharks and…
In addition to world-class theme parks such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando, the Orlando area offers a variety of festivals, events and fairs in 2013 that are sure to please visitors and residents alike. On most weekends throughout 2013, but especially during spring, you’ll discover lively festivals and events…
Although Central Florida has never quite lived up to its reputation as “Hollywood East,” many classic – and some extremely medicore – movies have been shot in the Orlando, Florida area over the years. The brief list below highlights some of the more notable films that were partly or wholly shot in Central Florida, as…
Take a safari adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, watch killer whales perform at SeaWorld Orlando, swim with bottlenose dolphins at Discovery Cove and witness the world-famous “Gator Jumparoo” at Gatorland. All of these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and much more are available in Orlando – “The Vacation Capital of the World.” Make Disney’s Animal Kingdom…
12 O’Clock High (1944) – Eglin Air Force Base A Flash of Green (1984) – Fort Myers A Guy Named Joe (1943) – Tampa Absence of Malice (1981) – Matheson Hammock Park, MIami Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1993) – Miami, Orange Bowl Adaptation (2002) – Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, Homestead Any Given Sunday (1999)…
Below are the top 10 most popular U.S. theme parks based on 2011 attendance figures: 1. Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park – 17.1 million visitors 2. Disneyland – 16.1 million visitors 3. Epcot – 10.8 million visitors 4. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – 9.8 million visitors 5. Disney’s Hollywood Studios – 9.7 million visitors 6. Universal’s Islands of Adventure – 7.7 million visitors 7. Disney California…
From 1971 to 1982, Disney’s Magic Kingdom offered ticket books that categorized attractions based on an “A” to “E” scale. E tickets were used for the eight most popular Magic Kingdom attractions: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Country Bear Jamboree, Hall of Presidents, Haunted Mansion, It’s a Small World, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean…
Big Shoals State Park in White Springs features the largest whitewater rapids in Florida. Wakulla Springs Lodge at Wakulla Springs State Park was built in 1937 by financier Edward Ball. Royal Palm State Park was created in 1916 as the first protected area in the Everglades. The Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park features one…