www.orlandowizard.com http://www.orlandowizard.com Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000 en hourly 1 The Best Of The Magic Kingdom in Orlando http://www.orlandowizard.com/2012/02/05/the-best-of-the-magic-kingdom-in-orlando/ http://www.orlandowizard.com/2012/02/05/the-best-of-the-magic-kingdom-in-orlando/#comments Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.orlandowizard.com/?p=88 The Magic Kingdom is just that – magical. Whether you are traveling there with children or not, the kid in you will come out. To get the best of your day at the Magic Kingdom, be sure to try not to go during peak times. This will ensure that you get to ride the most rides you can. A little insider tip for those who like challenges – if you are the first rider of the day on Splash Mountain, you get a free souvenir picture and certificate, and sometimes get escorted to the front of the line on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, or a free fastpass. It’s definitely worth the hustle.

The kids love the character greets, but they can be crowded. Keep your eyes open for characters that are walking around without a crowd. On less busy days, you may spot them alone.

For avoiding crowds on a busy day, (or during the parade), walk through the shops on Main Street. Since the stores are mostly connected, you can avoid the busy streets.

If you are visiting the Magic Kingdom with children, try to hit Fantasyland first thing, as it tends to get the most crowded faster.

]]> http://www.orlandowizard.com/2012/02/05/the-best-of-the-magic-kingdom-in-orlando/feed/ 0 Where To Go Shopping In Orlando, Florida http://www.orlandowizard.com/2012/01/23/where-to-go-shopping-in-orlando-florida/ http://www.orlandowizard.com/2012/01/23/where-to-go-shopping-in-orlando-florida/#comments Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.orlandowizard.com/?p=87 Orlando is known for its one-of-a-kind shopping centers. Not only does this particular city boast some of the best shopping malls in Florida, but it also features some of the best shopping outlets as well. Here are a few of the best places to go shopping in Orlando, Florida.

Florida Mall

Located a few miles from the Orlando International Airport, the Florida Mall boasts an astonishing 234 stores! The mall’s most popular stores include Sears, Dillard’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Mercado

Unbeknownst to many people, Mercado boasts an approximate 60 stores. Cobblestone streetscapes, an international food court, and live entertainment make Mercado a popular shopping attraction.

Millennia Mall

Few shopping malls in Orlando can compare to Millennia Mall. Besides featuring a great location, the Millennia Mall also features many affordable restaurants.

Festival Bay at International Drive

If you want to shop at a gorgeous shopping center, look no further than Festival Bay at International Drive. Besides featuring an indoor water lagoon, this shopping center also features an approximate 65 restaurants and retail stores.

The Loop

The Loop is a relatively new shopping attraction in Orlando. Even so, it’s well worth a visit! Popular stores include American Eagle, Petco, and Kohl’s.

]]> http://www.orlandowizard.com/2012/01/23/where-to-go-shopping-in-orlando-florida/feed/ 0 Where To Swim With Dolphins In Orlando, Florida http://www.orlandowizard.com/2012/01/11/where-to-swim-with-dolphins-in-orlando-florida/ http://www.orlandowizard.com/2012/01/11/where-to-swim-with-dolphins-in-orlando-florida/#comments Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.orlandowizard.com/?p=83 Dolphins are considered to be the ocean’s most beautiful creatures. In Orlando there are a few places to experience dolphins close up, so jump in head first. Dolphins are at home in three places in Orlando.
Discovery Cove
Epcot
Sea World Orlando

Discovery Cove provides visitors a chance to interact with dolphins and have a day’s respite. The highlight of the dolphin experience is the deep water tow back to shallow water. The fun is about 30 minutes. The rest of the day, wind down a moving river or snorkel with tropical fish. Meals and equipment are included in the price.

Epcot houses the dolphin encounter in “The Seas with Nemo and Friends”. Visitors are not required to purchase a park pass, but must be 13. The up-close and personal meeting lasts about three hours. Trainers present information, assist with the in-water experience and allow photographs.

Sea World is designed to give visitors an interaction with varieties of sea mammals. Visitors tag along with a keeper assisting with tasks. Along the way there is a water encounter and sessions to learn more about animal diet and behavior. This is a day-long program for visitors 13 and older.

]]> http://www.orlandowizard.com/2012/01/11/where-to-swim-with-dolphins-in-orlando-florida/feed/ 0 Orlando Must-See Attractions http://www.orlandowizard.com/2012/01/10/orlando-must-see-attractions/ http://www.orlandowizard.com/2012/01/10/orlando-must-see-attractions/#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 www.orlandowizard.com http://www.orlandowizard.com/?p=81 Living in Orlando is great but if you’re just visiting you don’t have to worry about looking for school districts or checking out Security choice Orlando. Whether you’re coming in for a week or a weekend, here are a few things not to miss in Mickey’s hometown
Universal Studios: The most underrated of all the theme parks, Universal is a nod to movies throughout the ages and has some of the best rides in the biz. It’s more adult friendly than its counterparts so don’t forget to buy tickets upfront.
Orlando Museum of Art: One of the premier art museums in the state, OMA is something you don’t expect to find in the city that centers around cartoons and theme parks. Check out the modern art as well as the classics when the weather’s off.
Gatorland: If you’re into kitsch but the idea of screaming kids makes you nauseous, try Gatorland. See real live alligators in action and even watch a trained handler “wrestle” with one and don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for teeth and whatnot to take home.

]]> http://www.orlandowizard.com/2012/01/10/orlando-must-see-attractions/feed/ 0 Nightlife In Orlando Beyond Pleasure Island And CityWalk http://www.orlandowizard.com/2011/07/18/nightlife-in-orlando-beyond-pleasure-island-and-citywalk/ http://www.orlandowizard.com/2011/07/18/nightlife-in-orlando-beyond-pleasure-island-and-citywalk/#comments Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.orlandowizard.com/?p=9 Many people know of the fun night life of CityWalk and Pleasure Island, but there is a nightlife in Orlando, Florida besides these two hot spots. One other place for great night life is on International Drive. There is a little something for everyone here. There are karaoke bars, restaurants, shopping, putt-putt golf, and other fun activities for people of all ages. They even have helicopter rides! And if you don’t feel like walking there is a trolley to get to all the best locations. You can even purchase a pass to save money on trolley rides. There are many hotels situated on International Drive, so there is always somewhere close to stay. The International Drive area offers many other coupons for activities here.
Another great place to enjoy the great nightlife of Orlando is the Orange Avenue area in downtown Orlando. Here you will find martini bars, dance clubs, roof top bars, and even piano bars. World class dining can also be found here.
Church Avenue is another great hotspot for Orlando, Florida nightlife. Here you will find more restaruants, clubs, and dance spots. No matter where you choose to go in Orlando, you won’t have a bad time!

]]> http://www.orlandowizard.com/2011/07/18/nightlife-in-orlando-beyond-pleasure-island-and-citywalk/feed/ 0 Best Dinner Shows In Orlando For The Entire Family http://www.orlandowizard.com/2011/07/15/best-dinner-shows-in-orlando-for-the-entire-family/ http://www.orlandowizard.com/2011/07/15/best-dinner-shows-in-orlando-for-the-entire-family/#comments Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000 www.orlandowizard.com http://www.orlandowizard.com/?p=8 The next time that you are in Orlando, take your family to one of the many exciting dinner shows. The dinner shows not only offer a great meal, but provide hours of entertainment that your whole family will love.

The Arabian Nights dinner show offers steak, chicken and vegetarian entrees as well as chicken tenders for the kids. The show is an action packed adventure filled with horseback riders and dancers.

If you are looking for swashbuckling experience, try the Pirate Dinner Adventure. The meals feature chicken and pork. Vegetarian and kids meals are available too. Want more? Click here. The shows have plenty of pirate acrobatics and action, along with a little humor.

During the Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show, you will be part of the show as you try to unravel the night’s mystery. The performance features a comedy improv show with characters from the audience, so you never know what will happen. Their menu is a little more posh and features Cornish game hen, prime rib and lasagna. Kid’s meals include chicken tenders and macaroni and cheese.

No matter which dinner show you choose, be sure to check online for coupons before you book the show, as discounts are almost always available for these venues.

]]> http://www.orlandowizard.com/2011/07/15/best-dinner-shows-in-orlando-for-the-entire-family/feed/ 0 Top Ten Atttractions To Visit in Orlando, Florida http://www.orlandowizard.com/2011/07/14/top-ten-atttractions-to-visit-in-orlando-florida/ http://www.orlandowizard.com/2011/07/14/top-ten-atttractions-to-visit-in-orlando-florida/#comments Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.orlandowizard.com/?p=7 Orlando, Florida is one of the most exciting places in all of the United States. Orlando is also one of the best places to take your family on vacation.

If you are interested in the best family vacation ever in Orlando, the first place you will want to start, of course, is the historic Disney World. Disney World is home to all of the most enchanting Disney Characters. You can take your family to see the magic of Walt Disney and meet characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Cinderella, Belle and the Beast, to name a few. Not only can you meet these magical characters, but you can also ride all of the rides. There are kids rides such as the tea cups to enjoy, and there are other rides such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Splash Mountain for the whole family to enjoy. If you are a little more daring, you can go on some of the more intense roller coasters, but make sure to wear shoes that are appropriate for a roller coaster.

Disney World is a great place to start, but you might want to cool off at one of the local water parks as well. There are many water parks in Orlando. Regardless of where you go, Orlando is great fun for everyone!

]]> http://www.orlandowizard.com/2011/07/14/top-ten-atttractions-to-visit-in-orlando-florida/feed/ 0 Where To Stay And Save Money In Orlando, Florida http://www.orlandowizard.com/2011/07/10/where-to-stay-and-save-money-in-orlando-florida/ http://www.orlandowizard.com/2011/07/10/where-to-stay-and-save-money-in-orlando-florida/#comments Sun, 10 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.orlandowizard.com/?p=6 You may want to stay in the heart of Orlando, or on theme park property, but the cost for these hotels can be prohibitive for many families. There are many ways that you can cut the costs of Orlando lodging and still stay in a nice place.

Check online travel deal websites for coupon codes and discounts. Many times these sites will have deals that are not advertised to the general public. If you are a member of a special travel club, such as AAA, be sure to check their website for discounts as well. If you are a Florida resident, visit the hotel website directly to see if they offer a Florida resident discount.

If you will have a car on your vacation, don’t be afraid to stay outside of Orlando and drive to the theme parks. Hotel prices may be cheaper outside of Orlando and the drive is quick and easy on the highway.

If you have a large family, look into renting a condo. Condo rentals can be very inexpensive and can give your family a lot more room to move around in than a hotel. Also, a condo would save you the cost of having to pay for two hotel rooms.

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