Showing posts with label Disney. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Disney. Show all posts

Lake Buena Vista, FL = Disney Magic

4/01/2011 07:43:00 AM Gwin
Lake Buena Vista, FL
 While I am hesitant to journey into the wonderful world of Disney (I can write a whole blog dedicated to it), I wanted to mention some entertaining things to do in the Lake Buena Vista that didn't involve an entire day at a theme park, but may still involve some magic.
Disney Boardwalk copyright Disneypictures.net
 After a long hot day at the parks, you might want to take a stroll at the Disney Boardwalk. An enchanting place where street performers keep audiences on their toes and the Epcot fireworks light up the night sky. You can also enjoy the season's latest sporting events at the ESPN Club or have a slice of pizza and some Disney dessert from the Boardwalk Bakery. You can have a look at all the Disney Boardwalk has to offer at Disney Boardwalk


Downtown Disney is as good as any day spent at a park. The possibilities for sightseeing are endless. They have an AMC movie theater complex (which is currently being renovated to accommodate fine dining), a Cirque De Soleil nightly show, several Disney stores (ranging from Christmas to Kitchen), a wide selection of restaurants, and Disney Quest, an interactive theme park, just to name a few. Enjoy all that Disney has to offer and more without ever setting a foot inside a theme park. (Though I highly recommend you do.)
Characters In Flight at Downtown Disney

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Even Storm Troopers can't escape the linesat Disney
Attractions: The Characters in Flight air balloon ride at Downtown Disney takes you up 400 feet in the air to overlook the entire Disney complex. If you're a Disney fan, you wont want to miss this! (Check out the amazing video above) Another favorite activity of mine lies inside Disney Quest, at the animation studio where they'll teach you to draw some of your favorite beloved Disney characters. 
Shopping: If you've got Disney fever, then Downtown Disney is the place to be. My favorite store is The World of Disney...but watch out for Stitch, he likes to spit! The Art of Disney shows the whimsical and elegant side of Disney with fine art and sculptures ready to be displayed in your living room. 
Where to Eat: As featured on the Food Network, Earl of Sandwich makes the most delicious sandwiches you'll ever taste. Though a bit pricey, they are well worth the money. You can find Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney. The House of Blues at Downtown Disney is also a great spot to eat great food and listen to some good music. 
Events: Ok, I admit, these are at the theme parks, but they're so much fun they deserved a mention. Disney's Hollywood Studios Star Wars Weekend & Epcot's Festival of Food and Wine are two of the most enjoyable experiences Disney has to offer. I try to attend annually as you never know what you'll see next. Here is a link to some exciting events going on in and around Disney: Disney Events
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Kissimmee, FL = Entertainment

4/01/2011 06:27:00 AM Gwin
Kissimmee, FL
Although many people confuse it for Disney World, Kissimmee, Florida is actually the gateway to the magic. Irlo Bronson Highway (hwy 192) runs along the endless stretch of road that leads to all things Disney. But Disney aside, Kissimmee has a lot to offer. A favorite tourist spot on the 192 is Old Town, an enjoyable outing where you'll find bumper cars, bungee jumps and haunted houses. This spot provides a night out of good ole fashion fun for the whole family.

Old Town
Capone's Dinner Show
Kissimmee is also home to many, many restaurants. Chances are if you're in the mood for it, they'll have it along Hwy 192. You can also enjoy some fun dinner shows, like Capone's and Arabian Nights. Not in the mood for food, you can stop by one of the many souvenir shops and outlet malls where you can shop for Disney merchandise at a fraction of the price.

If you're out for some site seeing, make sure not to miss the historic district of Downtown Kissimmee. I personally love the architecture of the Osceola Courthouse.


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Osceola Courthouse
Attractions: Kissimmee has a variety of Dinner Shows to enjoy, but if you're in the mood for a scare try the Kissimmee Ghost Tours where you'll walk through the historic section of Kissimmee on the hunt for ghosts while hearing eery stories of the cities past. Read a first person account here Kissimmee Ghost Tour: Take a Walk on the Spooky Side
Shopping: Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores features outlet favorites which include:Aeropostale, Fossil, Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike Factory and Nine West.
Where to Eat: Uno's Chicago Grill, serves the best deep dish pizza's this side of town. I'm pretty sure it played a role in my decision to move here.
Events: The JazzFest Kissimmee Festival in April is a treat for music enthusiasts. Featuring amature and professional musicians alike, appreciate the sounds of Jazz while enjoying food and drinks. Here's a list of other events you may enjoy Kissimmee Festival & Events Calendar
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Celebration, FL=Perfection

3/31/2011 10:45:00 PM Gwin
Celebration, FL copyright unknown

I began my journey across central Florida relatively close to my new home in Orlando, in a place called Celebration. For many years I had heard about the marvels that sat tucked away in this quiet community developed by the Walt Disney Company and I was intensely curious to see what a company like Disney could bring to life in the real world.

A typical house in Celebration. Picture copyright cambridge2000.com
What I discovered was a land of magic, where the blades of grass all seemed to stand together in perfect unity, and the sun shined brighter than anywhere else. It is a community that only Disney could have thought of. The architecture of the houses alone are worth the trip to this picturesque town.

No Swimming Please...Alligators ONLY
At the heart of the community there is an old fashioned Town Center with one-of-a-kind shops and plenty of delicious eateries to choose from. There is even a Starbucks Coffee nestled amidst the nostalgic views of yesteryear. At the center of it all, sits an alligator pond. That's right, you read correctly...Alligators. It's quite an experience to watch tourists and residents alike sit alongside the alligator pond and enjoy a good book in the sun. One of my favorite attractions in this town, has unfortunately closed down.Until this last December, the Town Center was home to a traditional 2 screen AMC theater, complete with architecture that rivals any movie backdrop.
AMC Theatre


 If Celebration sounds like the destination for you, don't take my word for it, have a look on their official website, Celebration Town Center. As their slogan reads, "You've got to see this place!"

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Attractions: The town is the attraction. Plan to spend the better part of your day marveling at all the beautiful homes and the surrealism of this place. And don't forget to take a stroll down the alligator pond...I'm pretty sure they keep them full and happy, so no worries. 
Shopping:  If you're a pet lover or owner, you'll want to stop by the Woof Gang Bakery. The shop offers a vast variety of pet care products and fresh baked treats for your furry friends.
Where to Eat: With so much variety it's hard to choose just one. Take your pick from Irish, Japanese, Thai, and Cuban cuisines. If international foods are not your thing, don't worry, there is delicious pizza at Upper Crust Pizza and a variety of foods to entertain all taste buds at the Celebration Town Tavern.
Events: Celebration is home to many fun annual events. If you happen to be in the neighborhood around Christmas time, don't miss the annual snowfalls, which take place continuously every night. Here is their official calendar of events, Celebration Events.
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