FLORIDARENTAVILLA

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Loads of places to visit during your stay with us

A WORLD OF ORCHIDS  Thousands of rare and exotic flowering orchids from around the globe on exhibit daily in an indoor tropical garden setting. Relaxing, enjoyable, educational. FREE daily guided tours/Saturday lectures, group rates, retail sales. 2501 Old Lake Wilson Road, Kissimmee, FL 34747 (407)396-1887

ADVENTURE ISLAND  Tampa Bay’s only water park, features water play areas, a championship volleyball complex, outdoor cafes, picnic and sunbathing areas. Guests can conquer speed slides, float along on a rambling river or take advantage of 12 beautiful white sand volleyball courts. Open March through October; call (813)987-5660 for details.

BLACK HILLS PASSION PLAY  In Lake Wales, one of America's longest-running stage productions. Cast of 250 recreates last seven days in life of Christ. In large outdoor amphitheatre, this premier attraction is in its 42nd season, February-March-April. Information: Lake Wales Amphitheatre, P.O. Box 71, Lake Wales, FL 33859 (813)676-1495

BOK TOWER GARDENS  Visit this magnificent garden and historic carillon tower now a National Historic Landmark. Daily carillon recitals; visitor centre; cafe; gift shop; picnic area.
Open daily 8 a.m.-5p.m. U.S. 27 and S.R. 60 at Lake Wales. (813)676-1408
Built by Dutch immigrant Edward in 1927, this ornate bell tower took two years to complete. designed by fellow Philadelphian, Architect Milton B. Medary, who drew his main inspiration from the Gothic towers and churches of Europe, and adapted that to the characteristics of the Florida landscape. New York sculptor Lee Lawrie, was engaged to design the elaborate marble sculpture that adorns the Tower, incorporating neo-Gothic with art-deco influences into the sculptural decoration of the tower.

BUSCH GARDENS, TAMPA BAY  Guests of all ages have a variety of experiences exploring this 300-acre family entertainment park. The most popular attraction on Florida’s west coast. Visitors experience a unique combination of thrilling rides, zoological habitats and live entertainment. Open 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. (extended in summer and selected holidays). (813)987-5082

BUCCANEER BAY  Florida’s only natural spring waterpark featuring the Thunderbolt and Pirates Revenge speed flumes, Lazy River tube ride, children’s play area, white sandy beaches, volleyball and picnic areas. Located adjacent to Weeki Wachee Spring, 45 minutes north of Tampa on US 19. (800)678-9335.Adults, $10.95; children 3-10, $9.95; 3 and under, free (800) 678-9335

CHURCH STREET STATION   Historic downtown Orlando's complete entertainment complex featuring Rosie O'Grady's, Phineas Phogg's, The Orchid Garden Ballroom, the Cheyenne Saloon and Opera House plus plenty of dining and shopping. Open 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. year round. 129 W. Church St., Orlando, FL 32801 407/422-2434 Currently closed and awaiting renovation (March 2003)

CYPRESS GARDENS  Currently closed Hope for Cypress Gardens, Florida's First Theme Park

Story by Margaret Foster / Sept. 4, 2003
When Cypress Gardens, a 67-year-old theme park located in Winter Haven, Fla., 40 miles southwest of Orlando, closed suddenly this April, more than 500 people lost their jobs. That day, a grassroots group called Friends of Cypress Gardens began distributing flyers with Gov. Jeb Bush's personal e-mail address, urging park supporters to plead its case. "Gov. Bush was bombarded with mail," says Burma Davis Posey, president of the Friends of Cypress Gardens.
The assault continued last week, when water skiers and Southern belles dressed in Cypress Gardens costumes gathered outside the Florida Cabinet chambers to show their support for the state's first theme park. The tactic worked. On Aug. 26, Gov. Bush and his cabinet voted to make Cypress Gardens eligible for state preservation funds, which means the state could buy the development rights to the 176-acre park. The vote came days after the Trust for Public Land announced that it would buy 107 acres of the historic park to preserve it and its wetlands. On Jan. 2, 1936, entrepreneur Richard Pope opened Cypress Gardens. Later, stars like Johnny Carson and Esther Williams performed at its stadium, surrounded by botanical gardens, a butterfly conservatory, and a Florida-shaped pool.
Owners Larry Maxwell and Bill Reynolds closed the park because of low attendance, but Posey says her group has learned that the owners had planned to develop the land. The Friends of Cypress Gardens want to keep the park open to the public. "If we are successful in saving the gardens, we plan to ad a history and collections centre," Posey says. "We hope to make Cypress Gardens a 'Smithsonian of the South.'"

DISCOVERY COVE   Located in Orlando, Discovery Cove, provides the perfect back drop for memorable family vacations. Everyone can experience the thrills of interacting with amazing animals, swim and play with dolphins and snorkelling through a coral reef, all in a tropical setting with no crowds and no lines. Reservations and information are available by calling toll-free (877) 4-DISCOVERY.

DISNEY WORLD (WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT) Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot®, Disney-MGM Studios, resort hotels and Fort Wilderness Campground, 5 championship golf courses, Typhoon Lagoon, Pleasure Island, River Country, Discovery Island and Disney Village Marketplace. Open daily. P.O. Box 10,000, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 Information: (407)824-4321; Hotel Reservations (407)W-DISNEY.

Well sign-posted highways guide you the various Disney Parks

Our grandson Tom loved meeting Mickey

EUROPA SEAKRUZ  6-hour day or evening cruises featuring full meal, live entertainment, dancing, games and Las Vegas style casino. SeaKruz sails from John’s Pass Village, Madeira Beach; Palm Grove Marina, Ft. Myers Beach; and Truman Annex, Key West. Sales office: 150-153rd Ave., Suite 202, Madeira Beach, FL 33708 Reservations/information (800)688-PLAY.

"The world’s largest private collection of vintage aircraft", is how lifelong aviation historian and enthusiast Kermit Weeks describes his aviation-themed attraction that takes visitors back to Early Flight, World War I (aviation’s Golden Era during the 1920’s-1930’s), World War II and beyond.

GATORLAND  "Alligator Capital of the World”. Three exciting shows - Gator Jumparoo, Gator Wrestlin' and the Snakes of Florida. Ride Gatorland Express Railroad. Try gator ribs and gator nuggets at Pearl's Smokehouse. Open daily 8 a.m. till dusk. 14501 S. Orange Blossom Tr. (Hwy. 441) between Orlando and Kissimmee. (407)855-5496 or (800)393-JAWS

GREAT EXPLORATIONS, THE HANDS ON MUSEUM  There's always something new at this fascinating "hands on" museum with a variety of exciting interactive exhibits: a 96-foot pitch black "Touch Tunnel", "Think Tank", "Phenomenal Arts", "Body Shop", "Explore Galore", unique museum store, changing exhibits. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Mon. - Sat.; Noon - 5 p.m., Sun. 1120 4th St. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (813)821-8992

GREEN MEADOWS FARM  A "hands-on" two-hour guided tour of over 300 farm animals. Everyone milks a cow; pony rides for children; hayrides for all. Picnic area under "grandfather oaks". Seasonal events. Continuous tours: 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., open till 5:30 p.m. Five miles south of Hwy. 192 on Poinciana Blvd., Kissimmee, FL 32742. (407)846-0770

HOMOSASSA SPRINGS STATE WILDLIFE PARK  Walk underwater in the natural spring and meet our friendly manatees. Stroll nature trails and see and learn about Florida’s wildlife. Daily educational programs and Children’s Education Centre. Open 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Ticket counter closes at 4 p.m. Located on U.S. 19 in Homosassa Springs, FL 34448 (904)628-2311.