For 2011, we have installed a games room. This is available for use by our guests at no extra charge.
We have an eight-foot slate pool table to give you a professional feel, with both billiard and snooker balls provided and cues of 3 lengths (58”, 48” and 40”) for all ages/sizes of guest.
What if you don’t know the rules? Well, we’ve put the rules for eight-ball and nine-ball billiards/pool up on the wall.
The ESPN air hockey table has glow in the dark features so you can – if you really want to – play in the dark, although we’d recommend keeping the light on (it’s hard enough that way!)
We have a table football (foosball) game with players that actually look like footballers, unlike the recent trend for “robots” – call us traditionalists, but we prefer it this way.
We also have a soft-tipped dartboard.
And don't think we forgot our younger guests!
We've added a Bullseye rocking horse from the Disney Toy Story movies.
We've added a box of Lego for the more creative amongst you.
We have a toy box, packed with cars, dolls, soft toys and several dressing up outfits.
We also have a Toy Story table and chairs for colouring or just sitting to watch.
We have now upgraded our crib from the standard ‘pack and play’ type - which we still have - to a wooden portable folding crib.
The crib has wheels for easy mobility, but has brakes on the front wheels to keep it steady.
The crib has two levels - a bed or play pen, depending on your needs.
We have new Disney Winnie the Pooh bedding too.
Here’s TourGuideTed modelling the new crib for you.
FANTASY OF FLIGHT
In December we took a trip out to Fantasy of Flight – a half hour from Villa Southern Dunes, at exit 44 on the I-4 West.
There are vintage aircraft, many still airworthy, with tours, and the opportunity to fly in a biplane. The Sunderland seaplane has a bi-level layout like today’s 747. You can also climb all over a B-17 Flying Fortress.
If you want a go, there are a couple of simulators. There is also a restaurant and gift shop.
We also took our first visit to Gatorland in December. It was sunny, but a little cold, so they weren’t as active as they might be.
There are a number of shows to entertain, and a train ride ($2) that goes around the perimeter. A boardwalk takes you through the breeding grounds. You’ll also see a variety of reptiles, birds and other animals.
Feeling adventurous? Try out the rookie Gator wrestling!
Check out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, exit 75A of the I-4.
Enter Hogsmeade to try a Butterbeer, ride the Dragon Challenge rollercoaster, take lunch in the Three Broomsticks or ride the Flight of the Hippogriff. Enter Hogwarts to encounter Dumbledore’s office, before flying alongside Harry, Ron & Hermione on their broomsticks. Buy a wand of your own at Olivanders or Every Flavour Beans at Honeydukes.
We’ve never been on an airboat and thought the time had come. Our friends recommended Captain Dave, having ridden with him in the summer.
He took us out onto Lake Tohopekaliga and our first stop was to look for some ‘gators. We found some little ones, before moving on to see a bald eagle and all kinds of water birds. I’m still not sure the water rabbits are real, though. A great ride, and we’re hoping to go back in the warmer months to see some more.
If you’ve seen those float planes overhead while in Florida, or even at the museums, did you know you can also take a flight in one yourself?
We tried Florida Seaplanes and were thrilled to have several splash and dash opportunities. The main difference to a land-based light aircraft is the floats – you can set down almost anywhere there’s a body of water. Having two planes for six of us meant we could also photograph each other.
You may, or may not, know that Southern Dunes Golf Course laid new greens over the summer.
This has led to an improved golfing experience, as you’ll find out if you take the time to play the Southern Dunes course.
Green fees include loan of an electric golf cart, and there are five tees so players of all skill levels can have a game.
Check out the website at www.southerndunes.com to get deals on advance bookings – the earlier you book, the cheaper the rate!
Where should you eat when staying at Villa Southern Dunes? Here’s where we tried this December...
No time to eat in, but we did have time to grab some cheesecake to eat at home – many flavours, all great! Regular vanilla bean, Godiva chocolate, Snickers, Dulce du Leche, Pineapple Upside-down Cake, who knew there was so much cheesecake?
This visit we tried the restaurant in Winter Haven, Olive Garden offers Italian family dining with a good wine list, bottomless salad – we never get to dessert so can’t comment about that! Looks good!
Just across the US27 from Southern Dunes, call ahead to get yourself on the list – this is a popular place for dinner
Dine alongside the shark aquarium within the SeaWorld park – reservations must be made at the restaurant in the park on the day
