The Enchanted Oak restaurant located in the Islands of Adventure across from the Duelling Dragons roller coaster has been demolished to make way for part of the Harry Potter theme park. Rumour has it it may still be a restaurant but with a wizardy theme.

It is a shame as I used to enjoy going to thisd restaurant to eat, we used to sit out the back which had an overlook of the lake and the other islands. If you looked over the side and and dropped some food into the lake you would see masses of fish appear and even some huge Catfish.

Universal have released a preview of what to expect when the build the new 20 acre "theme park within a theme park" It will be built in the Islands of Adventure part of the Orlando theme parks. It is not expected to be finished until 2010. Here is the link for the Harry Potter preview.

So you have decided to rent an Orlando villa for this year's vacation. So what do you do next? First visit a site such as Orlando Villas by Perfect Florida Villas or Florida Villas Elite and take a look at what is on offer. Browse or search the villas to find the perfect villa for your trip. Check to see the distances from the theme parks if this is one of your reasons to visit. Most all of the villas listed are within 10 -15 mins of Walt Disney World. If you have any questions you can ask the owner directly and they will only be too happy to help. Once you have selected the villa or villas you are interested in send out your enquiry. Be sure to list any preferences that you would like, such as, games room or South facing pool etc.

Next you will receive replies form owners meeting your requirements. They will confirm that they have availability and give you a total price for the period. You will see just what good value it represents especially for larger families and groups. Once again, if you have any questions feel free to ask. Once your mind is made up and you have chosen your dream villa contact the owner and let them know. They will ask you to send a deposit to secure the booking. There will be nothing else to pay until the final balance is due. This could be anywhere from 8 - 12 weeks prior to you arriving in Orlando. With the final balance a security deposit is normally required, some owners take a swipe of a credit card to cover this. The security deposit is like a damage bond and if there is no damage the owner will return it shortly after your departure from the villa. The security deposit amount is around $300/£200 for the stay. 

Shortly before you arrive at your chosen villa you will be given the details of how to get to it and how to gain access. Almost all of the villas have a lock box on the outside or an electronic door lock that has a code to allow access. Inside the lock box you will find the door keys after entering a code. This eliminates the need to have to travel to a central point to pick up keys which is great especially after a long flight.

I'm sure you will be sad to leave your new found home and will not be able to wait till you can return. If you do wish to come back in future years contact the owner and ask if they would give you a discount, most owners do give a discount to repeat visitors.

 That's about all there is to it. If you would like to rent the property above visit Orlando Villas.

If you are like me and have fond memories of Pleasure Island in Orlando. You will no doubt be sad to hear the news of its demise. Disney has annonuced that they will be closing the entertainment theme park as from 27th September this year.

They have not come out directly and said what will be there in place of it but it sounds like it will be much more retail outlets along the lines of the West Side area.

I have had some great times there over the years including some real New Years Eve's! I have seen artists such as Little Richard, Robert Palmer, Blondie, the B52's and many more. I don't see the chance to do that anymore in such a relaxed venue.

It appears that Sea Worlds Aquatica Water Park has been a victim of its own success. Many days now the park has closed its gates at 11am once it is full. They have received another 1000 sun loungers and have more on order after people complaining of not being able to find one.

This may still be the "Honeymoon Period" for the park and no doubt it will settle down a bit once visitors to Orlando have seen what it is all about. So the advice here is get there early!

Halloween Horror Nighst have become very popular over the years and is now a well and trully major event at Universal Studios. It has been held at both Univesal Studios and Islands of Adventure in the past.

One thing I can sayis, it is definately not for kids! Or those of a nervous disposition. Many people don't like it and would not go again others, love it and can't wait till they get to go once again.

They dim down the lights and in some places it is very dark. There are people with chainsaws jumping out at you through the dark and smoke, others creep up on you and whisper in your ear.

The haunted houses, there are about 7 of them, have long lines most of the time but you can by a fast pass for around $70!! Called a front of line pass. If you don't have something like this you can expect to wait up to 2hrs to get it some of the houses. Many people complain that there are groups of younger guests that are drunk and a bit out of control too. 

I myself thought it was a good laugh and worth doing but wouldn't go again unless it was with someone that hadn't been and wanted to go. The dates this year are:

Sept 26 - 27
Oct 2 - 5, 9 -12, 16 - 19, 22 - 26, & 29 -31
Nov 1

Normal ticket price $69.99 plus tax. Or you can go for the Frequent Fear Pass at the same price and go as many times as you wish except for a few selected dates and the 31st Oct.

Here is a front seat view of the Hulk roller coaster at Universal studios Islands of Adventure Orlando.

 

I dare ya!

Here is a Riders Tye View from Sheikra at Busch Gardens Florida.

 

You are welcome to download this free eBook containing around 80 pages of information on Orlando and Florida.

 

Here is the link. Orlando & Florida Guide Book.

 

Enjoy!!

From the Orlando Sentinel 29th May 2008

For its next big attraction, "Manta," SeaWorld Orlando intends to mix 184,000 gallons of water, 3,000 sea animals and a roller coaster that puts riders in a prone position, then takes them through four inversions and as high as 140 feet and as fast as 56 mph.

"You say, 'Hey, you're putting as much emphasis on the animals as on the ride.' Absolutely. That's who we are. This is uniquely SeaWorld. We don't want to just put in a ride," said Joseph Couceiro, chief marketing officer for SeaWorld's parent company, Busch Entertainment Corporation.

SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Entertainment officials today announced details today for the new Manta roller coaster, which they said will seamlessly take guests from the awe of encountering rays in underwater flight into the sensation of actually being one.

Swooping over water and sky, Manta will show riders underwater animal habitats, then soar them face-down aboard a manta-inspired flying coaster, donned in hues of dark purple, ultramarine blue and cobalt.