About Keith F
Originally from the Northeast and now living in Orlando, Keith remains an avid supporter of his alma mater University of Connecticut basketball and football teams. One of the reasons for his move was to take advantage of the year round golf at many of the wonderful golf courses that Florida has to offer-the beaches didn’t hurt either. Keith often travels with his family to other areas of the state to play which also allows him to explore all that those destinations have to offer.
Blog posts written by Keith F
April 1st, 2008 by keith f
Orlando International Aiport photo uploaded by
I live and work in Orlando and fly 5-6 times per year for both business and pleasure. The airport does a commendable job at herding all those theme park families through on a daily basis but it seems to never be a consistent wait time for the same time of day. One morning for a 7:30 flight to Boston I got from the curb to my gate in 14 minutes. Last week, for the same flight it took me almost 45.
As the number of passengers continues to increase at the Orlando International Airport there is help-a service called which is like a fast pass for airport security. Clear members are prescreened and provided a high tech card which allows them “fast lane” (essentially you skip the line) access at designated airports nationwide. This allows you to pass through security with a much more predictable wait time and takes much of the stress away as well. Clear’s year 1 price is $128.
Planning a trip to
Orlando?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Orlando Card.
February 28th, 2008 by keith f
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WonderWorks will celebrate its’ 10th anniversary in Orlando on Tuesday, March 4. All month long, visitors will be eligible to win their share of $10,000 in prizes. Florida Residents receive a rate of $10.00 ( +tax) per person for WonderWorks general admission after 1:00PM on March 4th ONLY. (Of course, Go Orlando Card users get included admission daily, so visitors needn’t feel left out.)
This interactive theme park for the mind features an earthquake simulator, you can attempt to land the Space Shuttle or play one of the many virtual sports. There is a “bubble lab” for the kids or try you hand at some Lazer tag. WonderWorks is also home to the Outta Control Magic and Comedy Show featuring unlimited pizza, salad, beer, wine, soda and popcorn. The show runs twice nightly at 6 and 8pm.
You can’t miss this place-it’s the giant white upside down building on International Drive near the Orlando County Convention Center and next to Pointe Orlando.
Planning a trip to
Orlando?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Orlando Card.
February 21st, 2008 by keith f
Bay Hill Club Scorecard Photo uploaded by
, formerly the Bay Hill Invitational, is only 25 days away and will be played at the Bay Hill Club in Orlando Florida. The tournament will take place March 10th -16th with the Pro-Am on Wednesday and then competition Thursday through Sunday.
The tournament, one of the premiere events on the PGA Tour, annually attracts one of the strongest fields of the season to one of the circuit’s finest courses with the entire production overseen and directed by one of the game’s all-time greats - Arnold Palmer.
Vijay Singh won the 2007 tournament and this year’s field is highlighted by Sergio Garcia, Retief Goosen, Jim Furyk as well as locals Robert Gamez and Chris DiMarco.
If you are in town for this great event and looking of other things nearby to do, which offers free unlimited admission to area attractions.
Planning a trip to
Orlando?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Orlando Card.
January 21st, 2008 by keith f
Orlando International Airport Photo uploaded by
For those needing transportation from OIA to your final destination, here’s a chart of approximate rates (at the bottom of the page.)
A word of advice: There are multiple brands of hotels with multiple locations, so be sure to have the exact address of your hotel so you don’t get taken for a “ride.”
Here are some handy and reputable taxi cab numbers:
Ace Metro/Luxury Cab: 407-855-1111
Diamond Cab Company: 407-523-3333
Star Taxi: 407-857-9999
Town and Country Transport: 407-828-3035
Yellow/City Cab: 407-422-2222
Taxis may carry up to 9 passengers, and charge the same rate regardless of the number of passengers.
Buses are located on the A-side of the Main Terminal, on the Ground Transportation Level (Level 1), at Commercial Lane spaces A38-A41.
Travel time to downtown is approximately 40 minutes, and to International Drive approximately 60 minutes, at a cost of $1.75 for either destination. Additional connecting service to shopping and residential areas also available.
Planning a trip to
Orlando?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Orlando Card.
January 2nd, 2008 by keith f
Photo of Celebration, Florida uploaded by
No, you’re not on a movie set, people actually live here. It’s set in an unlikely place just off of Highway 192- “tourist central.” This town of 10,000 is simply beautiful from its multi million dollar homes to high end condos, a town center boasting numerous shops, restaurants and a hotel and multiple businesses ranging from banks, to realtors to Radio Disney.
Celebration reminds us a little of the neighborhood in Desperate Housewives. Many Disney executives live here as the north entrance to the town is near Magic Kingdom allowing residents to drive to work without having to use any busy roads.
Celebration is a planned community created by a real estate division of The Walt Disney Company. Disney has divested most of its control of the town but the Disney like feel continues with annual car shows, Fourth of July fireworks, Snowfall Nightly during the holidays and plenty of other street festivals in the town center.
The town also has one of the area’s best golf courses in Celebration Golf Clun designed by Robert Trent Jones. NEV (electric) cars are also permitting allowing the residents to shop, dine and get around town with ease. Like I said, you’ve got to see this place.
Planning a trip to
Orlando?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Orlando Card.
November 28th, 2007 by keith f
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To many parents and their kids, Orlando is a dream vacation, but it also presents challenges to their wallet and sometimes even more so, their patience. Tourists who want to do and see it all can easily get stressed out. Here are a couple of tips before you go.
- Have a daily budget in mind. Aside from purchasing multiple day passes, there are plenty of free or lower cost attractions which the whole family can enjoy. Performed twice daily for free, the is great fun for kids. A half day in Winter Park is also a great way to escape the theme park crowds. Stroll up Park Avenue and duck into one of the unique shops and end up at the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tours. If you are going to the theme parks and are able to do so, pack a lunch as the food at the parks can get expensive. For food outside of the theme parks, you could use the Kids Eat Free Card.
- Be mentally prepared to wait in line. One suggestion is to consult the calendar and travel during off school vacation times. Summer is probably the worst time to come because of the heat. Also be cognizant of the American holidays as those are busy weeks as well but remember, travelers from all over the world are visiting Orlando year round. Another word of advice, pace yourself-if you attempt to do it all, you’ll fall down from exhaustion!
- Check the weather and traffic updates. It rains daily in the summer so bring a poncho. Traffic can be brutal so try to avoid I-4 during rush hour. Lastly, all of the major theme parks have ride restrictions as far as height requirements. Check out the theme park websites to avoid breaking your youngster’s heart. Enjoy your visit!
Planning a trip to
Orlando?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Orlando Card.
November 8th, 2007 by keith f
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If you get as excited about beer as I do, you’d think that the land of Mickey would offer only your standard choices of the suds (read: Budweiser). But you may just be pleasantly surprised.
If you venture to Winter Park –you should as it’s a very different Orlando - a must visit is . Located upstairs in Hannibal Square, this dark joint attracts an indie crowd and some serious beer worshippers. Any place which promotes “Beer Church” is serious about their beer. Their 10 draft choices blend American micros (Lost Coast Apricot Wheat) and Belgians (Val Dieu Blonde) while the bottle list is extensive and runs the gamut. Mead, sake and wine are also served up with a live music.
Another must visit is the beautiful town of Celebration (yes it does look like a movie set) and the . Ten rotating drafts and 99 bottles are just part of the lure of this Boston-influenced watering hole and authentic Boston seafood restaurant. Join the beer club, watch the Pats game, enjoy a Chimay red cap, Eightball Stout or yes, even your dad’s Schlitz.
Florida’s Tap Room in MetroWest pays homage to the Shipyard Brewery from Maine and is a great hangout to watch the games or shoot pool. Visit Florida Tap Room on Hiawassee Blvd in MetroWest.
Orlando’s Brewing Partners, located in downtown, has a taproom where you can taste what this small local brewery has to offer. It’s Florida’s only certified organic brewery and offers a great variety of their own fresh brews as well as some great others. Live music is offered on weekends. Check their . Prost!
Planning a trip to
Orlando?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Orlando Card.
October 29th, 2007 by keith f
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Just a few hours after the Orlando Magic thought they had their coach and GM of the future, he decided to return where many of us wish we could (at least for a couple of fun filled nights)… college. After much drama, Billy Donovan opted to return to the University of Florida prompting the Magic to hire former Miami Heat coach Stan Van Gundy.
The Magic did sign arguable the best available free agent in Rashard Lewis who spent the past xx season with the Seattle Supersonics averaging a career high 22.4 points and 6.6 rebounds. Lewis should be the perfect compliment to emerging superstar center Dwight Howard who led the team last season in scoring, rebounding and blocks. Dwight Howard is 21 years young and the cornerstone of this team. Plain and simple: the Magic go as he goes.
Gone will be the long time face of the Magic and oft injured Grant Hill who is now with the Phoenix Suns. Joining Hill on the train out of town were the almost promising Darco Milicic and sharp shooter Travis Diener.
A familiar face will be on the bench this season, Patrick Ewing. No, he won’t be sharing minutes with Dwight Howard but showing him all his moves as a coach.
With this interesting blend of new talent and coaching, the Magic are early contenders to knock off the Heat in the East after finishing last year 2 games under .500. Van Gundy will have to use all his coaching know how to blend the talent behind Howard and Lewis. The Magic are enjoying a successful pre-season which was highlighted by a trip to China and will open Halloween Night against the Milwaukee Bucks. Click here to see Orlando Magic’s game schedule.
Planning a trip to
Orlando?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Orlando Card.
