Enjoy Florida Magazine, April - August 2024

Enjoy Florida ~ Spring/Summer Issue

Dear Visitor,

Welcome to Central Florida! We’re so glad you’ve chosen our area as your destination. Our world class hospitality professionals are here to serve you.

There are endless ways to ENJOY your time here and continue to create memories that will last a lifetime. Soak up some sun in a waterpark’s lazy river or while playing mini golf. Dine on delicious cuisine while being entertained by a variety of dinner show experiences. Interact with animals of all kinds at outstanding zoos and aquariums. Test your nerve on a high-flying zip line, experience the hairpin curves of a kart track, or scream your loudest on a thrilling roller coaster at one of our theme parks. Find that special souvenir or unique gift at one of our shops or outlets. Immerse yourself in the beauty of real Florida on an airboat or helicopter tour.

No matter what your interests, you can always find something to ENJOY in Central Florida!

Barbara Ruth Ann

Cover Feature

Dive into Family-Friendly Fun at Island H2O Water Park

Island H2O Water Park combines refreshing family fun with cuttingedge technology to provide guests with a unique, immersive and interactive experience.

Take a journey on a lazy river, float in a wave pool, splash in an area for kids, play together in an interactive splash zone, challenge body and tube slides, compete on racing slides, take a spin on giant raft rides, and relax in the adult pool or a private cabana.

At Island H2O Water Park, there is always something fun & interactive going on! Splash into fun with with our thrilling Dive-In movies in the summer, groove to the rhythm of live music, and immerse yourself in the family foam parties. Island H2O also has offerings for adults only including the Let’s Glow Adults Only glow foam parties where adult guests can see the park in a new light and enjoy a foam party and select slides under the stars.

Because of high demand, we recommend buying your tickets online before you arrive to speed through the entry. Don’t forget to snap a pic and share with everyone what a great day you’re having!

Daily tickets are available online at IslandH2OWaterPark.com and at the ticket windows at the front of the park. For more info see our ad below.

Immerse yourself into the world of Rescue , Rehabilitation and Release

VISIT

100

days of summer. days of hope.

Summer is the season we’ve all been waiting for. It’s 100 days of high dives, ball games and barbecues. It’s 100 ways to dress a burger, catch some shade or get out of town. It’s 100 chances to clear the calendar for what’s most important.

Every two seconds this summer, someone like you will need blood.

Donating is quick and easy, and like all good things this time of year, it’s worth celebrating.

What are your summer plans?

This summer, there are 100 chances to give hope. Choose your day to help save three lives. Donate blood.

Choose your day to give hope. redcrossblood.org

New Penguin Trek Coaster Launches at SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando, renowned as the Coaster Capital of Orlando, is captivating guests once more this spring with its latest attraction Penguin Trek – the park’s eighth coaster. This one-of-a-kind family launch coaster offers an exciting adventure through the stunning expanse of Antarctica. This unforgettable coaster offers an exhilarating ride with two thrilling launches and a labyrinth of twists and turns. It reaches speeds of up to 43 mph as it traverses a 3,020-foot track, both indoors and outside. Once on board, riders will embark on an unforgettable journey aboard this exceptional and immersive themed experience. They will be propelled through the Antarctic wilderness, assuming the roles of intrepid researchers as they navigate the icy expanse on a one-of-a-kind snowmobile ride car. Escaping the clutches of an ice cave, this exhilarating adventure intensifies as riders navigate a treacherous outdoor coaster track.

The coaster’s heart-pumping thrills culminate as riders reach the safety of a penguin colony. As the coaster comes to a stop, guests find themselves in the heart of SeaWorld Orlando’s penguin habitat. The excitement of the ride seamlessly transitions into a heartwarming encounter with the charming, feathered inhabitants that will be forever etched in their memories. For more info, visit seaworld.com/orlando

Spectacular Nightly Show

Luminous the Symphony of Us at EPCOT

EPCOT has always been a park about people and the commonalities that bring them together. A brand new nighttime spectacular, Luminous the Symphony of Us, will bring guests together around World Showcase Lagoon and shine a light on the shared experiences that connect people across the globe. With a dazzling display of fireworks, fountains, lights and music, the new show is the perfect finale to a memorable day at EPCOT.

Much like a beautiful piece of music, Luminous the Symphony of Us features a series of movements representing common themes of the human experience. Guests can expect to hear new arrangements of iconic Disney hits that enliven the story, including: multilingual arrangements of “You’ll Be in My Heart” and “Proud Corazón,” classic songs like “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” a sweeping arrangement of “So Close” from Disney’s Enchanted, heartfelt renditions of “When She Loved Me,” “Remember Me” and “Into the Unknown,” a crescendo featuring “I See the Light” from Tangled, which launches into the finale. Enveloping these movements are two new, original songs written exclusively for the show: “Heartbeat Symphony” and “Beating of our Hearts.”

Disney continues to invest in creating memorable guest experiences through incredible storytelling and dazzling new offerings, including the debut of Luminous the Symphony of Us and the opening of World Celebration Gardens. Marking another major milestone in the multi-year transformation of EPCOT, the new area will include Dreamers Point – where guests can draw inspiration from the new “Walt the Dreamer” statue, which shows Walt later in his life when he was dreaming up the initial concepts for the park and the overall Florida Project.

To learn more about Disney’s incredible shows and events, visit disneyworld.com

Do you love cats? Do you love coffee? Then you’ve found the purr-fect place... Florida’s First Cat Café!

The Orlando Cat Café is a cozy co eehouse with comfortable furniture, premium co ee and delicious sandwiches and pastries. Enjoy your food in the co eehouse or, for a small entry fee, bring your purchase into the Cat Play/ Adoption Area where you’ll be greeted by cats and kittens – all available for adoption.

Did you know?

Central Florida’s first and longest running theme park is Gatorland, opened in 1949. Now known as the Alligator Capital of the World, it opened with a giant reptile touted as the “largest crocodile in the world” and many snakes.

Central Florida’s NBA Team, the Orlando Magic, was almost called the Orlando Juice. By popular vote, “The Magic” won in a contest hosted by The Orlando Sentinel. Other name options included “The Heat” and “The Tropics”.

Central Florida has hundreds of lakes, many of which are the result of sinkholes. Lake Rose in Winter Park is a sinkhole which formed in 1981, swallowing a home, a Porsche dealership and several other businesses.

Notable Orlando resident and Air Force Command Pilot Joe Kittinger was the first person to cross the Atlantic Ocean alone by gas hot air balloon.

Many famous movies have been shot in Orlando including Lethal Weapon 3, a film that includes a scene of the explosion of Orlando’s City Hall, which helped fund the cost of its demolition. Other films produced in Orlando include Sharknado 3, Apollo 13, Waterboy, Jaws and Sisters.

Central Florida is known at the Lightning Capital of America due to the number of fatal hits as well as the density of lightning strikes. Over 20 flashes per square mile occur every year.

Walt Disney World estimates that, since 1971, a staggering 1.65 million pairs of sunglasses have been handed over to its lost and found department.

The Enchanting World of the Lonely Dog Immersive Experience

The Lonely Dog Immersive Experience in Orlando offers a captivating and colorful journey into the whimsical world of Lonely Dog, an iconic character created by renowned New Zealand artist Ivan Clark. This immersive art attraction, located at Orlando International Premium Outlets, invites visitors of all ages to step into an inspiring story of music, love, loss and victory. The experience brings to life the tale of Lonely Dog, also known as Arthur Snout, an orphaned hound that navigates his way through Port Alveridge and beyond.

With its engaging storytelling exhibition and vibrant ambiance, the Lonely Dog Immersive Experience promises an enchanting adventure for art enthusiasts, and those seeking a unique and imaginative outing in Orlando.

For more info see their ad on page 25.

Water Parks Guide

Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark

From high-speed water slides and exhilarating wave pools to tranquil beaches, Aquatica delights all ages and interests. This one-of-a-kind waterpark is home to some of the world’s most thrilling water rides, featuring 42 slides, rivers and lagoons and 84,000 square feet of sparkling white, sandy beaches. Brave the three-in-one thrills of Ray Rush, an action-packed water adventure the entire family can enjoy together. Offering exclusive attractions that promise unlimited fun, Aquatica is an oasis that sends guests on amazing undersea adventures. For more info, visit aquaticaorlando.com.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

As Blizzard Beach closes for renovations, Typhoon Lagoon has opened anew! Full of topsy-turvy architecture, storm-strewn nautical gear and a stranded ship impaled upon the summit of Mount Mayday, each intentional detail at Typhoon Lagoon brings the maritime legend to life. Challenge twisting slides, shoot the Crush ’n’ Gusher water coaster and ride the surf at the largest wave pool around. Chill out on a family raft ride, a sandy beach or on a lazy float around a creek. And no place is cooler for preschoolers than Ketchakiddee Creek. For more info, visit disneyworld.com/waterparks

Island H2O Water Park

Island H2O lets you have a fabulous day of water park fun on your own terms! Make a splash on one of our many thrill slides – including our multi-guest racer, chill out in our lazy river, enjoy the kids play area or cool off in a cabana! Our new and innovative technology allows you to customize your experience throughout the day. By downloading the Island H2O app, you can choose music and lighting themes on select slides, find your friends around the park, and have your photos and videos uploaded to share with a photo package. For more info, see our ad on page 6.

LEGOLAND Water Park

Whether you’re racing down a pair of enclosed slides on Twin Chasers or building a floating Lego creation in Build-A-Raft River, LEGOLAND Water Park offers a variety of attractions and amenities for every brick fan. There’s a water play area with shorter slides and interactive, giant DUPLO animals geared towards children six and younger. There’s also a Lego-themed wave pool and the Joker Soaker, a popular water play structure complete with winding slides, spouts and a 300-gallon bucket that dumps intermittently. For more info, visit legoland.com/florida

Nona Adventure Park

The Nona Adventure Aqua Park is the ultimate bouncing and splashing experience. With over 1000 feet of obstacles including the Mt. Rainiers, Whirlpool, Ninja Jump, Tire Run, and Neptune’s Stairs. There’s something for everyone to enjoy. The Aqua Park isn’t all we have, try your hand on our ropes course and climbing tower. Or if watersports is your thing, learn to wakeboard in our cable park! Located a short drive from the Orlando International Airport, it’s a perfect addition to your vacation itinerary in beautiful Lake Nona. For more info, visit nonaadventurepark.com or see our ad on page 13

Universal’s Volcano Bay

At this water theme park, thrills and relaxation flow in perfect harmony. And right now, the palm trees are swaying and the Florida sun is shining. Here, the TapuTapu™ wearable lets you hold your place in the ride lines and reveal wondrous surprises with just a wave of your wrist. Spanning 25 acres and featuring something for everyone – from perfected relaxation to incredible thrills – Volcano Bay is unlike any other water park in the world. The park features 18 unique attractions slides that drop from the top of the volcano and more. For more info, visit universalorlando.com.

Dedication Is Key at Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine animals. Our mission is to preserve our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of animal life, environmental education, research, and conservation.

Here, our rescued marine animals include dolphins, turtles, river otters, sharks, and pelicans, who live at CMA to help educate visitors worldwide. At CMA, you can visit rescued sea turtles and learn about our sea turtle rescue team, who work every day to help locate and rescue endangered sea turtles that have been compromised by boat strikes, Red Tide, and other medical issues.

Our Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI) team is dedicated to the rescue, release, and tagging of manatees. We have played a crucial role in Florida and Georgia, as well as internationally in Belize, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, with the tracking and rescue of these endangered animals.

Because of the critical situation with manatees, we are building a manatee critical care center here at our facility. Slated to open in 2024, this facility will allow us to assist in the rehabilitation and eventual release of these majestic animals. The CMARI team has embarked on decades of research on manatees, right whales, rice’s whales, and more. See our ad on page 7 for more details.

You’re almost out of gas.

Old Town’s 33rd Year of Saturday Nite Classic Car Cruise

This past spring, the Saturday Nite Classic Car Show & Cruise celebrated their 33rd year. The show has been recognized as America’s Longest Running Weekly Car Show, and continues to draw crowds every week!

Every Saturday since the Kissimmee’s foremost entertainment district opened 34 years ago, Old Town welcomes show-quality classic hot rods and collector’s antiques. Cars are on display during the day followed by a cruise down the brick main street at 8:30pm that night.

A destination like no other in the Orlando area, Old Town Entertainment District features unique attractions, free weekly events, classic all-American car shows and—best of all—FREE admission. Escape the ordinary and discover why the real characters come play on our side of town. Old Town Entertainment District is a 18-acre open-air walking entertainment district filled with affordable shopping, unique gifts, attractions and rides for all ages. Come and enjoy the simple pleasures of classic American fun.

Ripley’s New Mirror Maze Now Open at Ripley’s Orlando

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando Odditorium on International Drive is known for its hundreds of fascinating, weird and unbelievable exhibits and interactive displays. And its newest mind-boggling attraction is just as a-maze-ing – Ripley’s Mirror Maze.

At this new attraction, you’re invited to find your way out or lose yourself in our enchanting labyrinth. Surrounded by LED lights and never-ending reflections, see if you have what it takes to successfully navigate your way through a challenging plethora of mirror illusions.

Embark on a journey full of winding hallways and mirrored rooms that is sure to leave even the most seasoned navigator spiraling. Come see if you have what it takes to find your way through our perplexing puzzle only at Ripley’s Mirror Maze. Tackle adventure around every turn and attempt to find the one true path to victory.

You don’t have to go it alone! Grab a friend and make your way through seemingly endless hallways full of LED lights and infinity mirrors. It’s time to challenge your perception and sense of direction – don’t fret, we send search parties every half hour!

Do you have the determination to find your way out of this ultimate escape game?

For more info about Ripley’s Mirror Maze and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! including a special combo discount, see our ad on page 8.

Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores Celebrating Over 25 Years of Great Outlet Deals!

If you are visiting Central Florida, make sure to shop these outlets. Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores is celebrating over 25 years of great outlet deals. You will find the latest in fashion at savings up to 75% off and sometimes more. Before you shop, make sure you stop in at Jockey or the mall office and pick up their coupon brochure, which includes 20-25 coupons to save even more at select stores. This open-air, village-style center offers a large selection of designer and brand names within 34 spacious outlet shops. This is the only Outlet Center in Orlando offering FREE, STORE-FRONT PARKING and free shopping shuttles are available to over 35,000 hotel rooms, to and from select area hotels.

Peruse these exclusive shops – Aeropostale, Americana Business (Authorized Apple Distributor), American Eagle, Calvin Klein, Carter’s/Oshkosh, Crocs, Disney Outlet, Express, Fossil, Gap, Guess, Levi’s, Loft, Nike, Old Navy, Rack Room Shoes, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour, Valenzia Brands and many more. Shoppers will find several one-of-a-kind outlet stores that can’t be found anywhere else in Orlando including Bonworth, Eddie Bauer, Jockey and Rawlings. Also the Team Outlet Store & Welcome Center featuring Orlando Magic, Orlando City and Orlando Pride gear and tickets, and the Santa Enchanted Workshop is open year-round!

LBV EATERY (food court) offers Gyro House Halal, El Delicioso Mexican Restaurant, Jimmy’s Pizza, Lacador Grill, MR Ch Boba Tea & Coffee, OPP Burgers. World of Coffee has specialty coffees, teas, sandwiches, pizza, salads & more. The outlets and sister property Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa are located just two miles from Walt Disney World and two miles south of 1-4, Exit 68. For more info, see our ad to the right.

CATHOLIC

Holy Family

Catholic Community

5125 S Apopka Vineland Rd

Orlando, FL 32819 • 407-876-2211

www.holyfamilyorlando.com

Holy Redeemer

Catholic Church

1603 N Thacker Ave

Kissimmee, FL 34759 • 407-847-2500

www.hredeemer.org

BAPTIST

Central Parkway

Baptist Church

5281 Central Florida Pkwy

Orlando, FL 32821 • 407-352-8664

www.cpbcorlando.com

First Baptist Church of Kissimmee

1700 N John Young Pkwy

Kissimmee, FL 34741 • 407-847-3138

www.fbckissimmee.com

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Discovery Church

1001 Sand Lake Road

Orlando, FL 32809 • 407-855-3140

www.discoverychurch.org

Kissimmee Christian Church

415 N Main Street

Kissimmee, FL 34744 • 407-847-2543

www.kissimmeechristianchurch.org

Salem Lutheran Church

7900 S Apopka Vineland Rd

Orlando, FL 32819 • 407-876-4000

www.salemlc.net

Peace Lutheran Church

3249 Windmill Point Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34746 • 407-870-5965

www.peacelutherankissimmee.org

PLACES OF WORSHIP (CONTINUED)

METHODIST

Peace United Methodist Church

13502 Town Loop Blvd

Orlando, FL 32837 • 407-438-8947

www.comefindpeace.org

First United Methodist Church

101 West Dakin Ave

Kissimmee, FL 34741 • 407-847-3700

www.kissimmeefumc.org

MOSQUES

Islamic Center of Orlando, Jama Masjid

11543 Ruby Lake Road

Orlando, FL 32836 • 407-238-2700

www.icorlando.org

Islamic Center of Osceola, Masjid Taqwa

2417 N Central Ave

Kissimmee, FL 34741 • 321-219-7869

www.masjidtaqwa.org

SYNAGOGUES

Chabad of South Orlando

7347 W. Sand Lake Rd

Orlando, FL 32819 • 800-765-7905

www.jewishorlando.com

Congregation Shalom

Aleichem

3501 Oak Pointe Blvd

Kissimmee, FL 34746 • 407-935-0064

www.shalomaleichem.com

BUDDHIST TEMPLES

Wat Florida Dhammaram

2421 Old Vineland Rd

Kissimmee, FL 34746 • 407-397-9552

HINDU TEMPLES

Hindu Center Kissimmee

500 E. Carroll St

Kissimmee, FL 34744 • 407-620-9788

New Details About Epic Universe Park Opening in 2025

In 2025, Universal Destinations & Experiences or UDX is set to open Universal’s newest park Epic Universe. This incredible new addition to the Orlando resort will offer unparalleled theme park immersion, sweeping visitors into vast worlds abounding with over 50 awe-inducing attractions, entertainment, dining, and shopping ventures.

The introduction of Universal Orlando’s fourth theme park aims to combine their parks into a comprehensive weeklong vacation destination brimming with even more captivating experiences than ever before. The entrance to Epic Universe will be your gateway to five exceptional worlds that are both breathtaking and culturally engaging. Prepare to journey beyond the realms of your wildest imagination.

Delve into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

Step into the enchanting aura of 1920s Wizarding Paris from Warner Bros Pictures’ Fantastic Beasts films and the renowned British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series.

Discover SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

Dive into unforgettable adventures as you navigate through the iconic green pipe into the world of popular characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Donkey Kong.

Embark on Viking Adventures with How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

Take flight with dragons in this vibrant world of Viking stories drawn from the hit How to Train Your Dragon film franchise.

Two other realms, Celestial Park and Mysterious Dark Universe will round out the five areas of the new park. To read about these and more details about the 2025 opening, visit universalorlando.com/web/en/us/theme-parks/epic-universe.

Enjoy Lobster, Snow Crab, Shrimp, Crawfish & more when you make your own Cajun Boil!

All You Can Eat Crab Boil

Celebration / Kissimmee 6071 West Hwy 192 (407) 396-2606

Between Mile Markers 8 & 9 1 mile east of I-4

Monday - Friday 4pm - 10pm

Saturday - Sunday 2pm - 10pm

Brought to you by Boston Lobster Feast

ON INTERNATIONAL DRIVE

LONELY DOG

ANIME WORLD

BOI BRAZIL

CONGO RIVER

RITA’S ITALIAN ICE

BLACK ANGUS

LOST CAVERNS SHOGUN

THE JUICY

ORLANDO STARFLYER

CAFE TUTU TANGO

MIA’S ITALIAN KITCHEN

BOSTON LOBSTER

ANIME WORLD

WONDERWORKS

EARTH ILLUMINATED

CHOCOLATE KINGDOM

BEST SHABU SHABU

THAI THANI

SICKIES GARAGE BURGERS

CHOCOLATE MUSEUM

THE ESCAPE EFFECT

BEER SPA

ESCAPOLOGY

RITA’S ITALIAN ICE

Safety Guide

TRAVEL SAFETY TIPS

• Do not display large amounts of money. Place small amounts in different pockets, or use credit cards or traveler’s checks.

• Make copies of your credit cards front and back, and place them in a secured place with your records (room safe). This can be useful if you need to report a lost or stolen card.

• When you return to your hotel, use the main entrance.

• Be wary of solicitors.

• Use reputable places of business for all your transactions.

• Travel in pairs or in groups when possible.

• Always have a meeting place for your children to meet you if separated.

• Small children should always be lead by the hand near busy streets.

• Small children should have their name and phone number marked on their clothes label or the inside of a shoe.

• Use sidewalks and pedestrian crossings.

Florida uses 10-digit dialing, so remember to dial the area code first, then the number.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

Ambulance/Fire/Police . . . . . . . . . 911

Poison Info Center 800-222-1222

Crime Line

800-423-TIPS

Crisis Hotline 407-425-2624

NON-EMERGENCY

Orlando Fire Dept . 321-235-5200 Orlando Police Dept . . . . . . . . . 321-235-5300

Orange Co. Sheriff . . . . . 407-254-7000

Kissimmee Police Dept 407-846-3333

Osceola County Sheriff 407-348-2222

Polk County Sheriff 863-534-6200

Seminole Co. Sheriff 407-665-6600

HOSPITALS

Celebration Health . . . . . 407-764-4000

Dr. P. Phillips Hospital 407-351-8500

Florida Hospital 407-896-6611

Osceola Regional 407-846-2266

S. Seminole Hospital 407-767-1200

Lakeland Regional 863-687-1100 TRANSPORTATION

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