Short Motion Studios

For families planning a trip to Orlando, the ticket prices at Walt Disney World can cause a real case of sticker shock. A single park, single day ticket is now over $80 per person. To experience some of Orlando’s best theme park rides and attractions without charging up your credit cards, consider adding a few days at the Universal Resort.

There are actually two Universal theme parks in Florida, located within easy walking distance of one another. The first is Universal Studios, which features rides and shows that focus on the movies. There’s a roller coaster themed after the Mummy movies, a Men in Black dark ride, and of course, a boat ride that features an appearance by Jaws. Islands of Adventure, while still themed around the movies, actually contains many more thrill rides and roller coasters. Fans are also eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, opening in 2010.

So how do you get the best bargains on Universal tickets? Start online. Tickets are almost always cheaper online than at the gate, and it also saves you from standing in long lines when you’d rather be exploring the parks. Guests can purchase a one day pass that admits them to both parks for only $84.99 online. That’s about the same as a one park Disney ticket. For $99.99, you can purchase a two day ticket that allows you to hop back and forth to both parks as much as you want. This is a great bargain, and will give you a chance to really explore and ride as much as you want.

Planning to visit the Universal theme parks more than once during your trip? Check out the unlimited weekly pass, which includes admission to both parks. It’s $124.99 at the gate, but if you purchase online, it’s only $99.99. You must order it two days before you pick it up to get that special price.

Also, if you plan to stay on site at one of the Universal hotels, ask about free or discounted park tickets when you make your reservations. They often have specials in place that provide free admission with a three or four stay hotel stay.

So Many Resorts, So Little Time!

Between Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, amazing golf courses and beautiful weather, there is no shortage of vacation resorts in Orlando, Florida. Your biggest problem will be choosing one from the many options available. Don’t get swept up in the sheer numbers so much that you aren’t able to distinguish a good deal from a scam. Quality affordable resorts are out there in Orlando if you know where to look.



Advantages of Staying at Walt Disney World Resorts

It’s hard to discuss Orlando vacation resorts without at least touching on Walt Disney World. Technically, it is in Kissimmee, not in Orlando, but the two are so close together they often get grouped into one. Of course, there are many other great sights to see there, but the majority of travelers flocking to Orlando each year do so to visit the “Happiest Place on Earth”. Of those travelers, most will stay on the WDW property for a number of reasons. Staying at a Disney Resort has several benefits, including transportation between your hotel and all of the Disney theme parks. It may be worth the additional money to avoid the hassle of driving yourself anywhere for an entire week.

Disney resorts are all over the property, which covers miles of land in the Orlando area. Sports fans can stay at the All Star Sports Resort, and outdoor adventurers will enjoy the Wilderness Lodge. The Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside resorts give a taste of southern hospitality and old world New Orleans living. Southern mansions line the Riverside resort and provide a picturesque site. The Boardwalk Inn, Grand Floridian and the Polynesian are among the most luxurious resorts in the Disney World family.

Universal Studios in Orlando Florida may not have quite the empire that Disney does, but there are still several hotels and resorts in the area that cater to guests of Universal. The Hard Rock Hotel and Resort gives you the rock star treatment with luxurious hotel rooms and a palm-lined swimming pool with music rocking through every square inch. The Royal Pacific Hotel and Resort is truly a tropical paradise. The South Seas atmosphere and hospitality can make you think you took a wrong turn on your way to Florida.

Sampling the Luxurious Orlando World Center Marriot

Some of the very best resorts in Orlando are not affiliated with any major theme parks, but are just attractive in their own ways. The Orlando World Center Marriot is centrally located within minutes of Sea World, Disney World and Universal Studios. It boasts over two thousand luxurious guest rooms, each with available internet, cable, video games and other amenities. Golf fans can enjoy a championship golf course, while others may decide to check out the pool and sand volleyball courts. This is one of the most luxurious resorts in Orlando and can be a little more expensive than most, but you get what you pay for.

Between the Walt Disney World’s numerous theme parks and attractions, Universal Studios, Sea World and the fantastic night life in downtown Orlando, it will be hard to make yourself go home. The resorts will pamper you with service and so much special treatment, you may think they’ve mistaken you for a VIP. Vacation resorts in Orlando are a billion dollar industry, and you don’t make it to that status without providing variety and quality accommodations for every guest that comes to visit.

If you are planning a vacation at Disney World or Orlando, it is helpful if you expand your horizons a bit and explore some of the many attractions that are within a short drive of Orlando. One of these nearby places of interest is Silver Springs, Florida where you can see wildlife and enjoy rides in a park set up at the site of one of the largest artesian spring formations in the world, producing nearly 550 million gallons of crystal-clear water daily.

Since the mid 19th century the beauty of Silver Springs has attracted visitors, and glass-bottom boat rides were set up to serve the curious tourists in 1870. Today the headwaters of the Silver River have been transformed into a huge nature park with rides and exhibits.

The most attractive feature of the park, the one which has been attracting tourists for more than 100 years is the chance to ride through crystal clear waters of the Silver River in glass bottom boats. The boats are manned by licensed captains and tour the seven major spring formations at the headwaters of the river.

There are two popular river cruises that you can choose from. The “Fort King River Cruise” carries you through Silver Springs’ 10,000 year history. Interactive exhibits and displays include a working archaeological dig site, Seminole Indian village, the 1830s Fort King Army stockade, a late 1880s riverboat dock and train depot, and an authentic Florida pioneer “Cracker” homestead.

“The Lost River Voyage” transports guests back in time to wild Florida as it was thousands of years ago-untouched and untamed. Riverbanks are lined with towering bald cypress trees, some more than 500 years old. See alligators, turtles, heron, osprey, and other wildlife basking and feeding in their natural habitat.

Some of the other popular attractions at the park are as follows:

“Wings of the Springs” is presented at the outdoor Silver River Showcase Theater. This is a dramatic free flight show featuring a diverse collection of birds. The presentation showcases parrots of the tropical rainforest, comical ducks and chickens, and the magnificent raptors (including hawks, eagles, owls, falcons and vultures). The show is both educational and entertaing and there is a surprise ending!

“Reptiles of the World Show” features reptile handlers that give an exciting and educational presentation on alligators, crocodiles, turtles and dispels some of the myths about these fascinating cold-blooded animals.

“Non-Venomous Snake Show” offers guests the opportunity to view, touch and learn about the many different species of snakes in the world, and the important role they play in controlling rodents and other pests.

“Creature Feature” showcases some of the scariest creatures of the night. This program features Egyptian fruit bats, tarantulas, Emperor scorpions, giant toads and praying mantis, and a “creature cam” allows guests a close-up view on overhead monitors.

Alligator and crocodile feedings are presented daily at 2:30 p.m. (during warm summer months). Reptile keepers conduct the feedings that provide guests with the chance to witness the feeding habits of various species while learning more about these ancient creatures.

If you are want to visit Silver Springs and the Wild Waters Water Park you will find it located just east of Ocala, Florida on S.R. 40. Take exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95.

If you are traveling with your pet, then you can take advantage of the free shaded kennels at the park.

The contact information for Silver Springs is as follows: Silver Springs Nature Park 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd.,Silver Springs, FL 34488, Telephone: 352-236-2121

Fax: 352-236-1732, E-mail: ssinfo@silversprings.com