The “Florida Keys” are essentially a small chain of islands, seemingly to tourists and avid fisherman linked together by a series of bridges.  All told the “keys” reach a full 100 miles into the wilds of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico – all of this following highway # 1.   Yet don’t rule out the Florida Keys for among the greatest salt-water fishing in the union.

The Florida Keys – An Endless Archipelago of Islands, Flats Along With a Huge Coral Reef:

One can say that from the air the whole area is composed of countless and seemingly endless cuts, flats and islands.  Include in the mix that the area is counted as part of the largest coral reef in the nation and you have an avid angler’s dream paradise.

It’s Recommended to Hire a Guide Or Charter A Boat:

Yet even with this world class memorable fishing grounds it’s not all that easy.  Unless you are a highly experienced return visitor to the Keys its best, and most cost efficient to have professional assistance and guides.  The cost is more than justified with the fishing catches and overall returns.  Indeed the state and national federal stats show that most fishing in these regions is done with charter captains and guides.  The exceptional cases of go-it-alone fisherman are either residents or most experienced return fishing nutcases.

The Keys are a Recreational  Water Park to Be Respected:

To put it simply, it’s no cakewalk out on the water for novices or even those with a taste of experience. This is “tricky “water and waters.  It can be said that the Florida Keys are for the most part a tangled web and maze of shallow flats alternating with deep deep ocean waters.  On top of that add in mangrove mazes and always changing swift tidal currents.

Hiring an Experienced Guide Can Make For a More Pleasurable Day & Trophy Sized Catches:

Hiring an experienced guide can make the big time difference between an enjoyable day with a good catch and a much less enjoyable event with no trophy fish to parade on the return. You  can bet that a good guide’s knowledge of the water areas , along with fish and species habitat and weather patterns is your best bet for both that safe , enjoyable and productive vacation day on the water.

Lastly Shore Fishing for Kids or a Limited Holiday Budget:

Lastly if your budget is limited you can always conduct “shore fishing”.  Especially with kids fishing along the shore or shoreline is an inexpensive day or couple or days excursion.   Nothing more is needed than to toss a shrimp or shrimps into either deep water canals or alternatively along “fishing bridges”.  You can bet that a good catch is just lounging and lurking in that water, ready to snap at your bait.  Indeed you might land a most popular eating fish, well known as a good catch and popular with fish chefs- the “Mangrove Snapper”.

Carlos “Lobster” Roo

Carlos – known among his fellow Puerto Morelos boat charter captains as “the lobster”  charters fishing boats for deep sea experienced fishing adventures. Carlos traverses the whole Yucatan Sea of Mexico area from north of Cancun to south of Playa del Carmen.  Lobster just seems to have the nose and fish smell for finding those trophy fish of the area – sure blue marlin are a favorite , sailfish are common land and everyone seems to want to go back home from vacation with tales of landing a Dorado ( Mai Mai) king fish. Its a favortie saying of Carlos that if you want to catch the trophies you not only have to get up and out on the water early – but also “think like a fish”

Key West

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by guest blogger Porter Olson, traveler, writer and blogger for UsDirect.

Let’s face it, vacations are a necessary break from the hustle and bustle of everyday adult life, but more often than not we come home exhausted and in need of a vacation from our vacation! Add kids into the mix and a vacation for adults can be anything but a break.

The problem, in most instances, is that most of the time was spent deciding what to do, or spent in line at an amusement park larger than many cities, or walking your legs off several days in a row.

Here’s a look at a couple unique family adventures in Florida that have nothing in common with traditional vacations.

Cocoa Beach and the Banana River Lagoon

This already sounds exciting, right? That’s because it is. While other visitors to South Florida spend their days with thousands of other vacationers at places like Epcot and Disney World, you and your family will spend your time as guests of Wild Side Tours (wildsidetours.com) in a small group—no more than 20—enjoying the sites around Cocoa Beach, including the Thousand Islands Nature Preserve and the Banana River Lagoon.

Aboard the Wildside Boat, which is fully inspected and documented by the U.S. Coast Guard for your family’s complete safety, tour experts will bring you and your family into one of the most delicate and lively ecosystems in the world. Manatees, dolphins, and a wide array of native birds inhabit the area and will be on display for your viewing pleasure.

You’ll get to visit areas inaccessible to other tours because the Wildside Boat is smaller than other vessels, giving it access to narrower channels and shallower waters. You and your family will experience this part of Florida in ways unavailable on other tours, and they even practice ethical, sustainable eco-tourism.

Fitness Adventure Camp

Since when was fitness fun, you ask? Since Common Ground Adventures in Parrish, Florida (commongroundadventures.org) started offering family fitness adventures. For adventurous families that like to stay physically fit through hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities, the Fitness Adventure Camp will satisfy you on every level.

You and your family will spend the day in a beautiful retreat setting with access to tree climbing, high ropes to test balance and agility, a number of “team” challenges, and even a boot-camp style strength and conditioning circuit.

Families with children of all ages will be able to enjoy the fitness camp as no one will be pushed beyond their abilities. However, campers are encouraged to push their limits, overseen by NASM-certified fitness instructor Eduardo Lorenzo.

Every attention to detail has been attended to, ensuring a fun and safe time for you and your family, take a trek off the beaten path for an adventure you and your family will never forget.

What other exclusive adventures have you had while visiting Florida?

About the Author: When he’s not traveling, Porter Olson is a writer and blogger for UsDirect.

Cocoa Beach Vacations

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Guest blogger Andres Hidalgo is a Sports Specialist at Ticket Liquidator and Blogger at Live Toast.

Sports fans vacationing in Florida this summer can check out two of the hottest teams in Major League Baseball, as both the Tampa Bay Rays and Florida Marlins are enjoying what might be their most popular seasons ever. Between the Rays’ success on the Field and the Marlins’ new ballpark, the Florida baseball teams have become some of the most popular baseball tickets in the MLB. As with most tickets, if you can buy tickets from the venue directly you will likely get the best deals. But in many cases, either games are sold out or the only seats left are in the nosebleeds, in which case you can turn to a secondary ticket player like Ticket Liquidator.

Miami Marlins

The Marlins have a new name, a new ballpark, new uniforms and a new manager in the contentious Ozzie Guillen. In superstars Hanley Ramirez and Jose Reyes, the Marlins enjoy two of the most electric players out there right now. Reyes is among the game’s most talented base-runners out there, and once he gets on base all bets are off! In the Ramirez the Marlins enjoy a great hitter who not only hits for average but cant launch the ball out of the ballpark at any moment. And with the action happening at the newest park in baseball, you know you’re going to have a great time at a Marlins game.

New Marlin Park

Featuring seats that put you closer to the action than nearly any stadium in baseball, Marlins Park is enjoying its inaugural season. With a retractable roof that ensures the park will always be a cool 75 degrees, the days of watching Marlins baseball sweating it out under a dome when it’s a beautiful day out are long gone. The park also features an open 160-degree Promenade that lets fans get a great view of the action on the field no matter where they are located. And if you are vacationing in Miami as a group, you can reserve “La Playa” a private seating that a pool and a bar. Here is an interactive 3D map of the new Marlins Ballpark.

Tampa Bay Rays

After years of being one of the most competitive teams in MLB, the Rays fanbase is starting to come around and show support for the AL East powerhouse. Demand for Rays baseball tickets has soared, and the excitement on the field is palpable. Demand for Rays baseball tickets is up considerable in 2012, and if the team continues its success on the field there’s every reason to think that will continue. After spending much of the 2000′s mired in the AL East basement, the Rays took the American League by storm and went all the way to the World Series in 2008. Ever since then, the Rays have succeeded in keeping either the New York Yankees or the Boston Red Sox out of the playoffs, either by winning the division or the AL Wild Card. This year the Rays are again loaded with young talent and are one of the most exciting teams in the league. Even Longoria has emerged as one of the best players in all of baseball, and he is just 27! And between James Shields and David Price, the Rays have two of the most talented pitchers out there. And if you are vacationing from the northeast, keep in mind the Rays play the Yankees and Red Sox 18 times each, so you can watch your team battle the Rays in Tampa!

More Summer Sports Action in Florida!

But baseball isn’t the only entertainment in Florida for sports fans. If you are a soccer fan you might want to visit Florida in July to watch an exhibition match between European soccer clubs Chelsea FC vs. AC Milan on July 28 at Sun Life Stadium. If you like your sports a little more physical, the UFC is hosting Ultimate Fighting Championship on Friday, June 8. Another big sporting event in Florida this summer is the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona Beach on July 7 at Daytona International Speedway. So no matter what kind of sports you enjoy, you can find something for you when you vacation in Florida this summer.

Miami

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by guest blogger Keely McKissack blogger and writer for Myrtle Ave. Pediatrics, a Westchase and Palm Harbor pediatricians’ office

Historic and beautiful St. George Street in downtown St. Augustine

Florida has earned the title of the Sunshine State for a good reason. The coastlines are breathtaking and the beach days are warm and bright. The state is rich with culture and history, and the cities, landscapes and wildlife all make Florida a fantastic destination for the whole family. Whether your adventure requires dipping your toes in the ocean; taking a step through the nation’s oldest city; exploring nature on land and water; or getting cozy with some cold-blooded gators and crocs, Florida offers everything you could want on vacation.

With summer quickly approaching, it’s time to start planning your next trip. Here are a few of the best family-friendly vacation spots across the entire state!

Pensacola Beach

Pensacola Beach is one of the best family-friendly vacation spots along the Gulf Coast. With some of the finest and whitest sand in the world, parents can sit back, relax and enjoy the view while the kids stay busy hunting for crabs, building sand castles, swimming, surfing and paddle boarding. In addition to a fantastic beach experience, Pensacola Beach offers great fishing piers like Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier and serves up some tasty family dining spots like Flounders and Sidelines for seafood, burgers and wings. Drive along the coast and enjoy the ocean air, or enjoy a great baseball game on the water at the Community Maritime Park Stadium in Pensacola, home of the Blue Wahoos.

Tallahassee – Old and New Capitol Tours

The Old Florida Historic Capital Museum is a great stop for history buffs. It has been restored to its 1902 appearance and has 21 different rooms such as the Governor’s office, plus chambers of the House of Representatives, Senate and Supreme Court that you can explore.  All tours are interactive and you’ll have a chance to see more than 250 artifacts, photographs, recordings and displays that offer a real glimpse into Florida history and politics.

Twenty-two stories high and looming right next door is the new Capitol building. You’ll need reservations to tour this building, and during the legislative session (March through April) reservations need to be made a couple months in advance.

St. Augustine

St. Augustine, the oldest surviving settlement in the nation, is another great historical vacation spot. In addition to beautiful beaches that you can bike on, families will enjoy a day or two exploring the historic district. The city offers great shopping and dining, as well as haunted ghost tours and the quirky Potter’s Wax Museum.

A great spot to spend a picnic lunch is outside the old Castillo de san Marcos Fort. Inside the fort, families can wander through the many chambers and view weaponry and cultural exhibits for a fun history lesson on the Castillo, which was built in 1672.

Gatorland Orlando

Since 1949, Orlando has been the gator capital of the world due to a privately-owned park named Gatorland. Once you cross through the iconic alligator jaw doorway, the whole family can get up close and personal with cold-blooded favorites like gators, crocs, snakes and birds. A great alternative to other dominating theme parks in the Orlando area, this 110-acre park and wildlife preserve offers a petting zoo, observation tower, rowdy reptile shows like Gator Jumparoo and Gator Wrestling, and a “Night Shine” flashlight tour through areas of the park at night. If you didn’t love gators before, you might find a special place in your heart for them after a trip to Gatorland – and if you still can’t find that soft spot, maybe you’ll enjoy chowing down on some Gator Nuggets, one the many fun food choices available at the park.

The Florida Keys

The Florida Keys is a great vacation spot for families looking to spend their time outdoors with nature. The great weather and swampy terrain are the perfect combination for a wildlife adventure under the sun. There are hundreds of nature trails, camp sites, bird watching locations and waterways to canoe or kayak along. Enjoy exhilarating hover boat tours and enjoy a taste of the tropics with the many diving and snorkeling spots you can find for any experience level.

Keely McKissack is a freelance writer for Myrtle Ave. Pediatrics, a Westchase and Palm Harbor pediatricians’ office.

Pensacola Beach

Technorati Tags: Key West, Orlando, Pensacola Beach, St. Augustine, Tallahassee

Dad, Can We Get a Pool?

The kids went nuts when they saw the swimming pool. My son was always excitable, but I had no idea my daughter would cannonball into the pool fully clothed. After their foray into Olympic diving, as they both stood on the terrace dripping wet, they inquired why we did not have a pool back home. It became a refrain throughout the entire vacation. Dad, can we get a pool? Dad, why don’t we have a pool? I was glad they were happy. 

This Is Not Daytona Beach, Honey

The Florida villa had been my wife’s idea. She said she had done something similar in college several years ago. A bunch of her sorority girls had rented a townhouse on Daytona Beach. It might have been a similar idea, but this was not spring break territory. Our villa was twenty miles from Disney World. It was a gated, family community, not a venue dedicated to debauchery, disco and Jell-O shots. My wife laughed. She told me she had already made some Jell-O shots. I guess this was one of the benefits of staying at a villa instead of a traditional hotel. 

Dad, can we get a pool? It was the first thing I heard at breakfast in the morning, and it would be the last thing I heard before I went to bed at night. Luckily, our friends were joining us on holiday today. They had two kids that were the same age as ours. This was the reason why we chose to rent a villa. It was a perfect setting to hang out with friends. There was enough space for everyone. Each family could have its own privacy. At the same time, we could socialize and cook together. We could barbecue, swim in the pool and go on outings. When both families have children, planning a holiday together can be difficult. For us, the days of the couple’s cruises are over. The villa is a perfect substitute. 

Sarah and Rob arrived in the afternoon. Our kids were in the swimming pool. My daughter asked Rob if they had a pool at their house. Their kids quickly put on their bathing suits and jumped in. The four kids would be in there until it got dark. Rob and I barbecued some steak and shrimp. I put music on the CD player, and we relaxed on the balcony. Rob said there was no way he was getting a pool. We were surprised to learn that Sarah had never been to Disney World. My wife went inside and came back with a tray of Jell-O shots. I think my jaw must have hit the ground. 

Book holidays with Travel City Direct now and see how much you could save!

Orlando

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by guest blogger Brynn Alexander who writes for ClickitTicket.com

Under the big top, La Nouba by Cirque Du Soleil in Downtown Disney at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando

It’s not always easy to keep the entire family entertained on vacation. Sure, there are plenty of attractions in Florida to keep the kids happy, and likewise there are a lot of activities that will appeal more to the adults. Finding something that everyone can do together and enjoy equally is a bit more of a challenge, but with some research into what’s out there, it can certainly be done. One of the best all-in-one solutions for family entertainment is taking everyone to a show, and Florida has a wealth of musicals, shows, and concerts that will appeal to all ages.

Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba is probably the best all-around entertainment in terms of family shows in Florida. The acrobatic stunts are spectacular, the production and special effects will blow your mind, and there’s even an element of humor to keep everyone laughing. You will not come back from this show disappointed, and you may even find the younger members of your family wanting to return again and again.

If you and your family enjoy musicals, The Lion King can be a great choice. The kids have probably already seen the movie several times, and seeing the familiar songs and characters brought to life on the stage will thrill and delight them. Let’s be honest, though – it’s not just about the kids. You’ll love The Lion King, as well!

The PlayGround Theatre in Miami is currently featuring a stage adaptation of A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings. This magical story is perfect for the very young members of your family, and is a fantastic production that has proven very popular with kids.

If sitting in a theatre doesn’t appeal to you, keep in mind that shows don’t always have to be theatrical. Taking the kids out to see a sports event can be a perfect idea at any time of year, and with the Heat and the Marlins both calling Miami home, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to high quality sports action.

It’s also worth it to keep an eye on what concerts will be in town when you’re in Florida, as many big-name artists and bands pass through the state on a regular basis. For example, the teenagers in your family might be interested to know that Coldplay will be in Miami this summer, or if you want to get your kids into more classic sounds, you can take them to see the 50th anniversary reunion tour of The Beach Boys as they travel through several cities in Florida.

Brynn writes for ClickitTicket.com, a site featuring entertainment ideas for families and everyone else! She loves theater, travel, and music.

Orlando

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by guest blogger Mary James writer and blogger for http://www.carhireflorida.org/.

These travel suggestions may not be 100% free, but you will be delighted to learn of the many cheap activities you can do together with your family in Florida.

National Key Deer Refuge

Teach the value of the ecosystem to your children at National Key Deer Refuge. Admission to this 9,200 acres of land comprised of pine rock land forests, freshwater wetlands, tropical hardwood hammocks, mangrove forests, and salt marsh wetlands are free. It is home to 17 federally listed species including the lower Keys marsh rabbit, the Key deer, and the silver rice rat. It is open half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset. You can easily find the directions to this place which is located on Big Pine Key through GPS system found in many vehicles.

Spanish River Park

This massive and leafy park located between Intracoastal Waterway and Ocean Blvd., near Boca Raton, gives its beauty for free to the public; nevertheless, a fee of $16.00 during weekdays and $18.00 during weekends per car will be charged for visitors who will park their vehicle. Otherwise, you can easily drop by on board a bus or take a taxicab to free yourself from the parking fee. The place is blessed with a vast grassy area, well-shaded nature trails, lagoon, picnic tables, and a 40 ft. observation tower. You will see many locals jogging, strolling, and fast walking along its trail because of the relaxing scene it radiates.

Environmental Learning Center

Learning can be fun when you are visiting the Environmental Learning Center located on the Indian River just off State Road 510 near Sebastian. Admission is normally $5, children 12 and under free but on the first Saturday of every month everyone is free. At ELC you can take a hike through the native salt marshes and study the native species of plants and animals in their native environments. You can go inside the Discovery Center and check out the local species of creatures in their aquariums of even get up close and personal with a few native in the touch tank. While there check out the environmentally friendly buildings and don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for many unique souvenirs.

Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory Tour

We all love our chocolates, but you will enjoy eating it more if you knew how it was manufactured. Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory Tour is a great way to educate your child about the art of chocolate making. It only takes 20 to 30 minutes and you will easily learn the history of chocolates and candy making. The tour of the Daytona Beach factory is gladly provided from Mondays to Saturday during 10 am and 11 am, as well as 1, 2, 3, and 4 pm respectively. Unfortunately, the factory is closed during Sundays. It is best to give management a call of your intention to have a tour of the place so you will be properly accommodated.

Aside from these, there are many fantastic beaches and museums located in Florida. All it takes is for you to search for these locations online and the perfect Florida car hire company that will give you the road trip assistance that you will need. Spend the weekend or the entire week exploring these free places to visit in Florida and enjoy the sunshine with your friends and loved ones.

The article has been provided by Mary James from http://www.carhireflorida.org/.

Daytona Beach

Technorati Tags: Big Pine Key, Boca Raton, Daytona Beach, Sebastian

By guest blogger Ashley McCredie  freelance blogger and writer, a photographer and a traveler. Follow her on Twitter at: @ashleymccredie 

What sets Florida apart from the rest of the United States? The 1.5 million acres of river and grass named the Everglades National Park, which is the third largest national park in the lower 48 states.

“There are no other Everglades in the world. They are, they have always been, one of the unique regions of the earth, remote, never wholly known.” – “The Everglades: River of Grass” by Marjory Stoneman Douglas (1947).

Because this subtropical wilderness is unique to Florida, it’s a must-see for any visitor whether by airboat, plane or foot. Plus, it’s crawling with endangered species and has been named a World Heritage Site.

On a trip to the Everglades, you can expect to see wildlife like birds, alligators and snakes; and plant life such as orchids, saw grass and mangrove forests. The only thing to do now is figure out how you want to see them.

Below is a list of must-dos while visiting the Everglades.

1. Airboat Ride: Airboat rides are the signature of the Everglades. These boats are propelled by wind from a fan attached to the top of the boat that allows passengers to glide over the park’s foliage. Most rides include a history lesson and fun facts from an experienced tour guide. Some companies also offer nighttime airboat swamp tours.
2. Helicopter/Plane Tour: See how the waterways intertwine as you view the Everglades from the sky on a guided helicopter tour or a plane tour. From the sky, one can usually see birds, alligators, manatees, dolphins, sharks and more.
3. Walking or Bike Tour: Use one of these trail guides to map out a hiking or biking route to explore on your own, at your own pace. Bike rides and hikes are fairly easy as there are no hills or rough terrain. Just be sure to keep a safe distance from wildlife on these trails.
4. Visit Alligator Farms: Alligator farms are peppered all over the Everglades hosting shows, selling souvenirs and letting visitors get up close with alligators and other wildlife. The Everglades Alligator Farm in Homestead is an all-in-one stop with snake shows alligators shows and feedings and airboat ride.  
5. Munch on Alligator: Don’t forget to try the alligator in the form of nuggets or strips while you are there! Dine at the historic Rod & Gun Club in Everglades City or at any place you find on the side of the road. Tastes like chicken!
6. Save and Preserve: Now that you have enjoyed the beauty of the Everglades, make sure they are there for future generations to enjoy. Donations can be made through the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation, a group whose mission is to “develop, promote, and deliver science-based education and public outreach programs central to restoration of the greater Everglades ecosystem and its historic River of Grass.”

Author Bio: Based out of Denver, CO, Florida-native Ashley McCredie is the online content coordinator for and experience gifts company, Cloud 9 Living. She is a freelance blogger and writer, a photographer and a traveler. Follow her on Twitter at: @ashleymccredie 

Miami

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Despite not having a culinary arts degree, guest blogger Aneesha Jhingan is a writer, blogger, and lover of all culinary delights, including her perfected chocolate chip cookies

Journey back to a time when dinosaurs walked the earth at TRex in Downtown Disney, Orlando

When you’re vacationing in Florida’s theme parks, the fun isn’t limited to roller coasters and parades. Home to some of the top culinary schools in Florida, Orlando has great-tasting food that you shouldn’t miss out on. Take a break from the rides to eat at some of these fun and family-friendly restaurants.

50’s Prime Time Café

The 50’s Prime Time Café is across from Echo Lake in Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. Its 1950s sitcom theme is evident in the menu and décor. Golden fried chicken, pot roast, and malt are just some of the items you can order. If you have a party of four or less, try to sit at a “TV Table,” which has a television that shows clips from popular 1950s sitcoms, such as “Father Knows Best” and “The Mickey Mouse Club.”

Sanaa

Sanaa, which means “artwork” in Swahili, is an African/Indian fusion restaurant located in the Walt Disney World Resort’s Kidani Village. Although this restaurant is on the pricier side, the experience is well worth the money. Guests dine with an animal specialist, who tells them all about the savanna as real giraffes walk by the window. Varied items such as “Paneer Cheese and Spinach” and “Grilled Angus Chuck Burger” can appeal to both vegetarians and meat-eaters. If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary when it comes to your food, Sanaa is the place to go.

T-REX Café

You might have already been to the Rainforest Café in Disneyland, Disney World, San Francisco. Rainforest Café creators reinvent the restaurant’s notorious jungle atmosphere in the T-REX Café, found in Disney World with dinosaur-themed café offers fun for the entire family.  Prehistoric enthusiasts and newcomers can choose from such items as the Brachiosaurus bruschetta, Jurassic salad, and Triassic tortellini.

The dinosaur ambience of the T-REX Café isn’t limited to the food. Animatronic dinosaurs and meteor showers accompany your meal to give you the full experience of eating in a prehistoric era. After you eat, don’t forget to take your kids to the Paleo zone, where they can “build a dino” in the Build-a-Bear workshop.

1900 Park Fare

Enjoy character dining at 1900 Park Fare in Disney World. Depending on the time of day you eat here, you can experience a buffet-style Supercalifragilistic Breakfast, Wonderland Tea Party, or Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner. Hang out with the Mad Hatter, Winnie the Pooh, Mary Poppins, or Alice in Wonderland at breakfast. During dinner, you can eat with Prince Charming, Cinderella, or Cinderella’s evil step-mother and step-sisters.

If that isn’t enough motivation to come here, the food’s pretty good, too. The kids’ menus include items such as Mickey-shaped waffles for breakfast and macaroni and cheese for dinner. Adults can choose from a greater selection of items, including croissants and strawberry soup for breakfast and tortellini for dinner. I don’t know about you, but if I were in Orlando, I’d be making reservations right now.

Three Broomsticks

You can get a taste of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Three Broomsticks. If you or someone in your family is a Harry Potter fan, you don’t want to miss out on this tavern-like restaurant in Universal Orlando. Turkey legs, shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, mac and cheese, and chicken fingers are just some of the items from which you can choose. Make sure you save room for dessert. The restaurant’s mouth-watering desserts include chocolate truffle, apple pie, and strawberry and peanut butter ice cream.

Aneesha Jhingan graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley and is a lover of all baked goods. Despite not having a culinary arts degree, Aneesha bakes chocolate chip cookies that have a 100% approval rating and have been described as “perfection.”

Orlando

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by guest blogger Scott Wood of London based vacation rentals company onefinestay.com.     

With all of the fantastic sights, sounds and attractions Florida has to offer you will want to ensure everything is well planned before setting off. This guide will run through some of the key points to check for a family traveling from the UK over to the states.

Holiday/Vacation Visas

First thing up is to ensure that your holiday visas are correct and up to date. Visit the official ESTA website for visits to the USA, if your stay is less than 90 days. There is a 14$ charge per person, per application. Note that this 14$ fee does not guarantee entry, but instead allows your application to be considered, so make sure you leave plenty of time in advance should there be any issues with your application. Generally, visa acceptance is quite straight forward and will come through within a few days of your submission.

If you are searching for an ESTA visa in major search engines like Google, do not apply via third party websites as they will over charge you and cannot guarantee visa acceptance. You should never be paying more than 14$ per person, per application, so stick the official ESTA site.

Travel Insurance and Health Cover

Unlike in the UK, you will not be covered for any medical bills or healthcare bills in the US should you run into trouble while on vacation. Unforeseen things do happen, so ensure your family is well covered in your travel insurance policy before you embark on your trip.

Travel insurance also will cover you from things like missed or cancelled flights, lost luggage or accidental damage of electronics – So you should make sure you read the fine print on the policy before buying to ensure you are covered against all likely problems.

Accommodation

Making sure you book your vacation rentals way in advance can save a lot of stress and worry before your trip. There are a number of good options for you on your next trip to Florida.

Whether it is a hotel, a vacation apartment or condo, these three are a solid bet for you to consider when travelling with a family. When travelling with small children, a serviced apartment may be better for baby changing facilities and a kitchen for heating food and so forth.

One key consideration for accommodation (besides, size, amenities and quality for example) would be the location. When travelling with children, the additional bus tickets, train fares and so forth can add up if you are quite a distance from the main Florida attractions. Sometimes a hire car can help you in these circumstances, but if you are planning on walking or taking taxi cabs, then keep this in mind.

With some of these tips in mind, you can ensure that your next trip to Florida will go smoothly and without interruption, leaving plenty of time for enjoying yourself!

This guest post was written by Scott Wood from London based vacation rentals company onefinestay.com.

Orlando

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