“It’s not a thrill ride,” said Dan LeBlanc, chief operating officer of the Visitor Complex. “You won’t be dodging asteroids or battling any aliens. We have worked hard to ensure that it is as close as you can be to simulating the reality of a Space Shuttle launch within the confines of Earth’s gravity.”
Orlando’s popular Gatorland has always drawn visitors to its 110 acre site with the promise of up close encounters with its primary inhabitants. Now there are four more reasons to spend some time at the “Alligator Capital of the World” – four of the world’s largest white leucistic alligators.
These striking blue-eyed creatures are each over 10 feet in length and weigh over 800 pounds. They are on display in a special exhibit space that allows visitors to (safely) get within a few feet for an unbelievable view of these extremely rare animals. Originally discovered in a Louisiana swamp, the white alligators were collected as babies before the liability of their lack of pigment caught up with them.
In addition to its newest residents, Gatorland has thousands of alligators and crocodiles. It also features an aviary, a nature walk, a petting zoo, rides, a restaurant, a Gator Wrestlin’ Show, and more. Now in its 60th year, admission to Gatorland is included as part of the Go Orlando Card. So stop by on your next visit to Orlando for a fascinating and fun experience.
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The I-Drive 5K run will be held for the seventh time on May 9th to benefit the I Drive YMCA Aquatic and Family Center Scholarship Fund. Kids and families are able to take advantage of programs that teach swimming as an accessible and safe lifelong skill that is available to everyone regardless of their ability to pay. The 3.1 mile run/walk will draw 1,500 participants.
The run began in 2002 and has grown significantly in sponsors and participants and has raised more than $50,000. It all starts at 7:30am with the 5K and then is followed up at 8:45 with the Kids dash. The Run starts at Pointe Orlando and takes participant through the heart of the I Drive Resort Area.
Each runner receives a T-shirt and a gift bag and special offers from the Orlando tourism community. One of the sponsors is the International Drive Resort Area who operated the I-Ride Trolley. The I Ride Trolley is an inclusion with the purchase of the Go Orlando Card.
Planning a trip to
Orlando?
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The Go Orlando Card site has a completely new look. The old site has been replaced with a new site that offers a number of improvements for customers.
First, the site has been folded in under a new top navigation bar that allows customers see all of the Go Cards and Explorer Passes offered by Smart Destinations. Previously, each Card had its own separate site which meant most customers were not even aware they could get Cards in other destinations across North America.
Second, more information has been placed at customers’ finger tips. They can learn how the card works, where it is accepted, read reviews by other customers, and see all the VIP extras on the same page.
Images and descriptions have been upgraded, navigation streamlined and improved, and other changes have also been made to the site to help customers plan their trip and get the right Card.
Smart Destinations reports that demand for the company’s attraction passes has not only been strong, but actually accelerating in 2009 as more and more people are looking to travel smarter. The fact that Go Cards and Explorer Passes let people into the top museums, tours, and attractions for a single money saving price makes sense in any economy. The expectation is the new site will further contribute to strong growth.
Planning a trip to
Orlando?
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The Atlanta Braves’ 2009 spring training schedule features an 18-game home schedule at Champions Stadium within Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Conveniently located near many Orlando area attractions and hotels (many offering great deals), this is a great family friendly complex which makes for a great way to spend an afternoon or evening.
The Braves are entering a dozen seasons of spring training baseball at the 200-acre sports complex at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando. The Atlanta Braves will host several opponents in 2009, including visits from the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets and World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies. After two weeks of workouts, the Braves will plan an 18-game home schedule that includes two World Baseball Classic Exhibition games featuring Panama (March 3) and Venezuela (March 5), as well as a pair of contest against the Yankees and Mets. For ticket information visit www.atlantabraves.com or call 407-839-3900.
Planning a trip to
Orlando?
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The town of Mount Dora, Florida sits about 25 miles NW of Orlando but it feels a lot further away from the fast paced world of theme parks. This tranquil little town with tree lined streets sits on the shores of Lake Dora. “Mount” because it is elevated higher than most of the Central Florida area, 266 feet above sea level.
Many visit this quaint town for the historic bed and breakfasts, antique shops and sightseeing but there are many parks for sports, fishing and picnicking. You can also make the round trip to Tavares on the Mount Dora Railway offering great views of Lake Dora, tropical foliage and wildlife from its’ open window coaches. There are numerous festivals throughout the year ranging from the Mount Dora Art Festival, the Bike Festival and the Craft Festival.
So make the trip to beautiful Mount Dora on a day you’re not using the Go Orlando Card.
Planning a trip to
Orlando?
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Go Orlando Card.
This summer, why not rent a vacation home instead of paying for a hotel? FlipKey helps you browse vacation rental listing and verifies the information for you so that you can travel with confidence. This free website works with renters and rental managers to find the best fit for everyone. Popular FlipKey destinations include Orlando and Kissimmee, Florida; North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Barnstable, Mass.
Planning a trip to
Orlando?
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Hey everyone, I’m beginning to upload videos all over the internet about the Go Card. You can find them on Youtube, Flickr, and other popular sites. We’re no going to make you scour the web, though. I’ll post them right here! Check out this first one about Fun Spot Action Park.
We had a couple of videos sent to us from them: a standard promotional video, and a blooper reel. I decided to combine the two to reflect the fun attitude of the attraction itself. Leave a comment if you like it!
Planning a trip to
Orlando?
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Silver Springs Nature Park photo uploaded by hellis813
Earth Day is coming up on April 22, and these days it seems like everyone in the travel industry is buzzing about ways to make vacations more eco-friendly. The City of Orlando is also concerned about environmental conservation, so late last year they launched an initiative called Green Works Orlando. The plan calls for increasing the number of trees and green spaces in Orlando, investing in green buildings, and conserving natural resources.
This Earth Day, why not visit some of the Orlando attractions that let you experience nature first-hand. From animal petting zoos to rides along the Florida everglades, here are some of our picks.
Silver Springs Nature Park features glass bottom boats, giving passengers unrivaled views of marine life in the Silver River. Other highlights include the Big Gator Lagoon, Panther Prowl, and other animal exhibits.
Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve. The park opened in 1949 and continues to provide inexpensive family fun with educational wildlife programs, one-of-a-kind reptilian shows, and more.
Green Meadows Petting Farm offers a two-hour guided farm tour aimed at teaching children and adults about farm life. Kids have the chance to milk a cow and touch pigs, turkeys, chickens, ducks, and more.
Boggy Creak Airport Rides takes visitors deep into the Everglades to discover parts of Florida that remain untouched by man. The half hour airport ride is led by a certified U.S. Coast Guard captain and features views of turtles, bird, and other animals in their natural environment.
Florida Eco-Safaris at Forever Florida covers 3,200 acres of pristine Floridian wildernes, along with the 1,500-acres Crescent J Ranch. Visitors experience life as a Florida pioneer with horseback safaris, nature trails, pony rides, a petting zoo, and more.
Anything we’ve missed? Leave a comment and let us know!
Planning a trip to
Orlando?
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Go Orlando Card.
What could be better than a trip to a water park on a hot Florida day? How about a trip to a water park that’s included with the Go Orlando Card? That’s right - we’ve added Wet ‘n Wild Orlando as a bonus offer when you buy a 3, 5 or 7-day card. You can boogie to hits from the 70s at Disco H20, take a relaxing ride through waterfalls on the Lazy River, or cool off with a refreshing water ride on The Blast. Your bonus offer includes free admission and one free tube rental.
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Girl at water park Photo uploaded by 