For summer 2011, we have upgraded our master suites.
In the Mickey Master Suite, we have purchased a new king-size bed, with pillow-top mattress.
The full-size bed in the Donald Master Suite is gone!
As it was still in good condition, we have moved the queen bed from the Mickey Master into the Donald Master.
This bed also has a pillow-top mattress.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
You'll find the longest line at Hogwarts School. Be ready to stash your stuff in a locker, or have a non-rider friend on hand through the lines to hold your stuff. The line passes through Dumbledore's office, past the Sorting Hat before arriving at the fairly rough simulator ride with Harry on a broomstick. There's even time for Quidditch. Worth the wait, even if you don't ride.
Dragon Challenge
We found this line much quicker, sometimes no line. Choose your dragon (coaster) and take the challenge as you take on twists, turns and loops. If you've got time, ride both dragons - the Hungarian Horntail and the Chinese Fireball - as the two coasters are a little different. On the walk into the Hogwarts grounds (or ride start!) you'll pass the flying Ford Anglia from Chamber of Secrets where it has crashed to the ground.
Hogsmeade Village
You'll recognise Hogsmeade. The Three Broomsticks pub has slow fast food (lines often out the door). Ollivanders wand shop is fantastic, but tiny. The owlery is amazing and great for shade. Zonko's magic shop and Honeyduke's Sweet shop are packed with Harry stuff, like chocolate frogs. You can even buy a Butterbeer (be warned though, it tastes horrible!)
The Hogwart's Express
The steam engine is at the Hogsmeade station platform. You'll get a great photo of the train with you and sometimes the Conductor. The problem with The Wizarding World of HP is it's a tiny fraction of the size it should be. Shops are beautiful but inadequate for the crowds and you'll likely be in line 45mins even for the shops. Would be brilliant if 5 times the size. This size it's only great.
If they are operating the timed-ticket system, get there early, as the tickets go quickly and run out hours ahead of time, so you may not be scheduled to get into Hogsmeade until the late afternoon. Have plans for something else to do. Once you are into the Wizarding World - and every Harry Potter fan should go check it out, be prepared for long lines, particularly to get into each of the speciality shops
Be aware, many of the items on sale are in other gift shops around Universal, so you don't have to go to Ollivander's to buy a wand (and they are very nice wands - not toys, they point out, but collection pieces), but, if you don't check out the shops you'll miss out on the full experience. They are small, they are full of fellow tourists and it's often hot. But it is amazing. If only they'd put warehouse style giftshops leading out the back of the beautifully designed stores.
LEGOLAND® Florida opens in fall 2011 and will be a 150-acre interactive theme park dedicated to families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. With more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, LEGOLAND is geared towards family fun. For the most current information, log on to www.LEGOLAND.com.
Opening 15 October 2011
Adult/Child Day Pass $65/$55
Annual Passes also available now!
Standard Pass $129/$99
Plus Pass* $159/$129 *Includes free parking, food and merchandise discounts
What to do if you'd like to go a little further afield?
BUSCH GARDENS
This was a nice surprise. It's a bit of a trek to get out there - took us 70 minutes - but it was great. Considering it was New Years Day there were no lines to get tickets. We were offered full year passes for the price of day ticket ($79.95) which we took as we plan to go again in September. We took a pre-booked Serengeti Safari tour, which was an extra $39.99 and got to see some of the animals up close, including feeding a giraffe. There are a lot of roller coasters at this park, and the lines were short or non-existent. Perfect. So, if you don't mind a slightly longer drive, and just want to hit a variety of coasters, this could be the option for you. I guess there are lines sometimes, but when we were there, on a holiday Sunday, we had no problem.
Clearwater can be found on the Gulf of Mexico, and is about 110 minutes (90 miles) west of Southern Dunes. It's not the easiest beach to find though! Head west on the I-4 towards Tampa, then it gets a little trickier - check out the Clearwater website for directions before you go as the Sat-Nav can be a little vague on a couple of the right/left decisions! Once there there are vast expanses of sandy beach, with a pier and a number of cafes/restaurants. For the more adventurous, there is parascending available on the beach. There's a small harbour where you can catch a boat ride, and even sail on a pirate ship, which can be exciting, particularly for younger guests. On the beach there are volleyball courts, and even a children's play area.
A 'single-day' ticket for Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex actually buys you two days within a 7-day period. This includes a tour, with two more tours available for a fee, subject to availability. The Space Shuttle launch simulator threatens all kind of injuries but isn't that bad and is actually a brilliant simulator ride - they explain the launch process then off you go, all in just a few minutes. There's a mock-up of the Shuttle to walk through and Atlantis will be displayed here in the future. The Saturn-V exhibit shows you how big a rocket must be to put men on the moon. The IMAX theater has different shows, including 3-D. There's usually an astronaut available each day, for a free talk or even lunch (fee applies). The Rocket Garden gives you a view of rocket history. KSCVC is only a 60-90 minute drive from and well worth it!
Our second time here (adult and 10 year old). This time we took an intermediate (walking and trotting) ride - which isn't that comfortable in the non-rising trot world of western riding! The route taken is on private land, no roads. The group was fairly large (about 12 others). Helmets can be provided (or a waiver signed) but are recommended for children. All non-essential items (mobile/cellphones, wallets, cameras) must not be taken on the ride. Check for coupons, or the website offers discounts. For non-riders, there is a small children's playground, shop, vending machines and restroom facilities. HorseWorld will offer you a photo, if you choose, but there's no pressure. It's a nice way to spend an hour (longer, faster or slower rides are available - see the website). While it can be hot, much of the ride is in shaded woodland.
In April, we were lucky enough to see the penultimate launch of the Space Shuttle - STS-134 Endeavour.
Viewed from the Causeway, at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, we had the most amazing view of the Shuttle, first on the launch pad overnight and then we watched as light dawned. Then we got to watch as it rose from the launch pad but low cloud meant the experience was over far too quickly. Out of sight, the rumble and vibration of the air was stunning.
Where should you eat when staying at Villa Southern Dunes? Here’s where we tried this Spring...
All Star Grille
Family bar and grill across the US-27 from Southern Dunes, good value, friendly staff and walking distance (20 minutes)! Yes, there is a pedestrian crossing/walkway over the US-27!
Chilis
Mexican meets American, steaks, tacos, fajitas, salads - get the bottomless tostadas (you won't need anything else, but there's plenty to choose from), find them at Exit 58 on I-4 near Championsgate. Nice desserts too. No reservations and this can get busy so call ahead to get on the list
Grand Floridian Cafe
Nice food, lovely hotel, but Cafe prices higher than would expect for what is really only standard table service. Ask for kids food if they don't like the menu - we saw hot dogs and burgers on offer
If you'd like to submit a short review of an attraction or restaurant you visited while staying at Villa Southern Dunes, please email it to info@villasoutherndunes.com. Please supply your name, email address, dates of stay and age (if under 18). We'll try and include it if we can.
