A Vacation Insiders Guide to Central Florida

The magic of

Central Florida A Vacation Insiders Guide

Š2014 Universal Orlando. All Rights Reserved.

Š2014 Universal Orlando. All Rights Reserved.

Š2014 Universal Orlando. All Rights Reserved.

MEET SARAH & KEN The Serendipity Video Tour:

This Insider Guide is brought to you by Sarah and Ken Elder, owners of a 5 bedroom villa in Orlando. Minutes from Orlando's famed theme parks, and a short drive to Florida's beautiful beaches.

Contact Details: T: +1.407.965.5567

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THOUGHTS FROM THE EDITOR From the moment I read about the hidden restaurant I was sold on Sarah's insider credentials! You see, not only does she know about this hidden gem, but she'll only share it once guests book a stay.

Irritating for those that don't book with her? Possibly.

But this is what sets Sarah apart from many other Orlando villa owners - a stay with her gives you access to the vault of knowledge which she's accumulated over almost 10 years of owning her 5 bedroom Orlando villa. This is holiday gold dust!

But it's not all about secrets. Being an insider simply means being able to make your guests' holiday planning and experiences easy. No better example of this than the theme park tips - a mix of common sense and experience - a great list for anyone about to embark on the theme park adventure.

E: andy@vacationinsiders.com W: www.vacationinsiders.com

And just look at that villa! Named Serendipity, after the experience they had finding it. It's no surprise that it has everything - exactly what you'd expect from a place that took 6 months to find - and just what every family (particularly parents) crave after a day at the parks.

Sarah, when can I come and stay?!

SARAH & KEN'S

JOURNEY TO MAGIC...

For the last 27 years we have owned a restaurant on the idyllic Greek island of Kerkyra (Corfu). Recently however, we decided to slow down the pace a little and take time to travel.

The plan was to rest a bit and relax a lot. Having fun with customers in a tourist resort on a beautiful Greek Island is hard work, you know!

We now spend a few months in our small lakeside (lochside in Scottish) pied-a-terre on the Gareloch in Scotland before heading to our piece of paradise in

On the practical side, it had to be on the doorstep of all the action, yet peaceful enough to feel as if we were 'away from it all'. But, practicality aside, we dreamed of a home that had the perfect space for everyone to spend precious time together, for the whole family to kick back and relax at the end of a hard, fun-filled day.

As soon as we stepped through the front door of the single family home, we were instantly gripped by a serendipity moment and knew that we had found 'The One'. The spacious open plan aspect, the game

“we dreamed of a home that had the perfect space for everyone to spend precious time together, for the whole family to kick back and relax"

Florida. They don't call it the "Happiest Place on Earth" for nothing!

Cleverly avoiding the cold wet Scottish winter, we spend November through May in our Florida home, just a couple of miles away from our pride and joy vacation rental home - Serendipity at Indian Creek.

Living so close gives us a great opportunity to personally meet our guests and be on hand if they need us for anything. We also have a superb property manager available 24/7.

We decided to buy our little piece of sunshine 9 years ago. It was quite the process trying to find perfection - we spent 6 months viewing hundreds of homes around Orlando! Why so long? Because we had an enormous wish list!

room for the kids (young and old!) to play and enjoy themselves to the max and the extended outdoor living area had us hooked. Not to mention our own private pool!

We love to travel, but find that on occasions we miss the comforts of home when we're away, so we wanted to create a real 'home from home' for our guests that provided all those creature comforts and finishing touches that make all the difference.

Wherever we go, we are always on the look out for new ideas that we can implement in our/your home and we believe that we've picked up some real gems along the way. We hope you'll enjoy all the facilities we offer and we'd love to hear of any other helpful additions that spring to mind before, during or after your stay with us.

SARAH & KEN'S REAL CENTRAL FLORIDA...

It is a recognized fact that the majority of visitors to Central Florida are there for the theme parks. It is, after all, the theme park capital of the world and the number one vacation destination in the USA attracting over 50 million happy, enlightened and probably exhausted grandparents, parents and children every year.

BUT!!! It's not all about the Mouse and the Wizard, Mickey and Harry! Central Florida has an enormous variety of attractions to suit all ages.

For a start there are over 50 golf courses within a 25 mile radius of Orlando. The closest to us is Mystic Dunes Golf & Country Club. A beautiful course, it is situated just a few minutes away. We have negotiated a preferred rate for our guests, requiring only that you quote Serendipity Vacations when you call.

You could even head over to Champions Gate, just 10 minutes away, or to one of Disney's 4 championship courses. If that doesn't do it for you then Orange Lake Resort, ten minutes in the other direction, has 4 distinct signature courses to challenge players of all levels, plus six restaurants and bars to discuss how close you really were to that elusive hole-in-one!

Natural beauty abounds in the many state parks in the area, one of the closest being Lake Louisa State Park, about 15 miles North, which has great walking and

crystal clear water is your idea of heaven, then pack your family and a picnic into the car and head West to the bustling cities of Clearwater (winner of Best Beach award), St. Petersburg (both just over an hour) or the more reserved Anna Maria Island (2 hours).

Directly opposite Orlando on Florida's East coast is Cocoa beach and it's olde worlde neighbor, Cocoa Village. At 60 miles and an hour's drive, it is the closest beach to Orlando and well worth a visit even for the Village alone with its picturesque center offering boutique stores and quaint restaurants. Oh, and mustn't forget the ice cream parlor.

Further North and another thirty minutes drive is Daytona Beach, one of the few beaches you can still drive your car on and is home, of course, to the famous Daytona 500.

Bargain hunters will be thrilled by the retail outlets giving you the opportunity to shop till you drop. Prime Outlets are about 15 minutes away. There are also two large malls - Florida Mall and Mall of Millenia, both within easy reach and offering a huge array of retail options, featuring majors like Macy's and Bloomingdales.

The endless list of Central Florida doesn't stop there, we really do have something for everyone! You can swim with manatees at Crystal River, dolphins at

Š2014 Universal Orlando. All Rights Reserved.

hiking trails, plenty of fishing, wildlife in abundance, a beach with grill area, picnic facilities and safe swimming for all ages. Dade Battlefield Historical State Park is situated North West in Bushnell, 50 miles and an hour's drive away, and is home to the Seminole War Museum, an important part of the U.S.A.'s history.

Walt Disney was never one to miss an opportunity to preserve or educate, and The Disney Wilderness Preserve in Kissimmee does exactly that. In co-operation with The Nature Conservancy, these 12,000 acres of restored wetlands touching the tip of the Everglades ecosystem are home to over 1000 species of plants, animals and birds including bald eagles. A few miles further on is Tiger Creek Preserve whose aim is to preserve endangered plants and species, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. Again, hiking trails through magical scenery are there to be explored and enjoyed.

If sunning yourself on a talcum powder beach next to

Discovery Cove, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium or the Marineland Dolphin Adventure in St. Augustine, the oldest city in America and one of the most interesting places in Florida.

Situated on the North East, just over a hundred miles away, it is positively oozing with history and a hop onhop off guided tour on one of the local trams will keep even the most discerning visitor enthralled.

Discover the delights of other small towns and thriving cities, botanical gardens, water sports, zoos, eco tours, airboat rides, horseback riding, aviation, arts & culture, city nightlife and museums. Is that enough?!

The theme parks are absolutely top of the list, but do try to take some time out to discover the natural beauty of the deep south. Experience the Real Central Florida. And, when you've done all that, you can go back and visit the Mouse again, he's always thrilled to welcome you back!!

5 EXPERIENCES YOU CANNOT MISS...

1

The Wishes Nighttime Spectacular...

2

A Character Meet & Greet...

3

Swim with Dolphins & Manatees...

4

Discover Florida's Stunning Natural Beauty...

5

Visit the Town that Disney Built...

Emotions run high during this explosive fireworks extravaganza as Jiminy Cricket and a host of Disney characters tell the tale of making a wish come true. Bursts of vivid color, blazing rockets and thunderous explosions awaken the skies over Cinderella's Castle as the story unfolds to celebrate the power of believing. As Disney say themselves "It’s a spectacular story, so big only the sky can hold it!". Wishes is the largest firework display ever presented by Disney.

There's not many places on earth that you can do both! If you want to swim with a dolphin, head over to Discovery Cove. It's a full day out and doesn't come with a cheap price tag, but it's a terrific day for all ages.

During April to October, manatees head towards the warmer waters of Florida's natural springs. Crystal River, Homasassa Springs and Blue Springs State Park are all great places to swim with these beautiful aquatic mammals. Book a tour to make the most of the experience.

De Leon Springs State Park was occupied by the Mayacas for thousands of years. It has a rich and colorful history and once boasted of a fountain of youth and was home to a circus! The springs are naturally heated and you can take an eco boat tour, meander along the walking trail, kayak, canoe and watch an array of wildlife. The cherry on top, quite literally, is The Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant where you make your own pancakes from pitchers of homemade batter on your hot flat iron table.

Just pour and flip then smother with a delicious choice of fresh toppings.

The Town of Celebration was created in 1994 to celebrate Walt Disney's vision of an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT).

Disney later sold the town off, but today Celebration thrives as a family style town oozing with 1930's traditions and charm. Elegant picket fenced homes surround the pedestrian friendly town center which offers a variety of specialty stores and some amazing restaurants.

Š2014 Universal Orlando.

All Rights Reserved.

Score major 'Super-Parent' points by taking the kids to meet their favorite character. Your little princess will be in awe when she meets Cinderella, Snow White and Anna & Elsa to name just a few. The budding space ranger in your family will be enthralled at meeting Buzz Lightyear and Sheriff Woody. You could even go one step further and book a character meal at either Disney or Universal. Reservations for character meals will go quickly, so don't mention it to the kids until you have it secured!

SARAH & KEN'S THEME PARK TIPS...

The theme parks are fantastic, but there's nothing like a lack of preparation and planning to ruin any visit. Here are some of our top tips to get you through the parks with maximum enjoyment and minimum stress. No guarantees, but some pointers!

TOP 1 TIP #

Disney's Fast Pass Plus

Disney allows guests to book advance reservations for up to 3 attractions a day, 30 days in advance, using the "Fast Pass Plus" program. It's is totally free, so do make use of it. As soon as you have purchased your tickets, register on www.StartYourDisneyExperience.com or download the My Disney Experience App. Try and plan while looking at a theme park map so you are not zig zagging all over the park to get to attractions on time.

TOP 2 TIP #

Universal's ExpressPass

Universal offer two options to help you skip to the front of the lines. ExpressPass allows you to bypass the lines on each ride once, ExpressPassUnlimited allows you to bypass the lines as often as you like. Prices vary on different days, so check the Universal Website. Depending on how many days you are going, make sure you compare bundles that already include the ExpressPass, it can give you considerable savings.

Read more...

TOP 3 TIP #

Purchase Tickets in Advance

Make sure you get your tickets in advance. Not only will it be slightly cheaper, but it will save you having to wait in line at the ticket booths.

There is very little room for profit on the theme parks, so most sites tend to be similar in price, but do read the small print for delivery fees, admin and taxes, which can all bump the cost up. MULTI-DAY tickets are much better value than single-day tickets.

TOP 4 TIP #

Work Your Way Backwards

Studies have shown that most people turn left when they enter a park and work their way around clockwise. Do the opposite and head straight to the back of the park and work you way around in the opposite direction to the crowd.

10 QUICK TIPS 1. Plan ahead - it's half the battle!

2. Write your phone number on your kids wrists in case they get lost.

3. Look for single rider lines if you don't mind splitting up.

4. Plan a meet up spot in case you get separated 5. Attractions will be quiet during parades and firework shows.

6. If you want to do a ride but can't take the kids, check out Universal's Child Swap program or Disney's Rider Switch.

7. Pack a poncho! Perfect for summer storms and wet rides.

8. Head to the parks early morning and have a break in the afternoon.

9. Realize just how BIG the parks are!

10. Be prepared for heat, humidity and showers.

TOP 5 TIP #

Remember where you park!

Take an image with your phone or camera of the row and section of where you park. The theme parks make it a little easier to remember by naming the parking sections after memorable characters. However, it can be a daunting prospect trying to find your car amongst thousands of others if you forgot where you parked 8 hours earlier! A snapshot from hours earlier will make it easy to find your car.

5 RESTAURANTS WE LOVE...

Unlimited dining options are in abundance right on your doorstep, ranging from casual diners to haute cuisine and elegant fine dining. You will be truly spoiled for choice as each restaurant offers an outstanding variety of mouth watering deals to entice the customers in.

1

Bahama Breeze...

One of our local favorites is Bahama Breeze which offers delicious food with a Caribbean flair and great cocktails, especially during the nightly happy hour starting at 9pm (except Fridays and Saturdays). Don't miss their gigantic onion rings and amazing coconut shrimp.

2

Columbia...

A short drive brings you to the nearby town of Celebration where you'll find Columbia, Florida's oldest restaurant. They have 7 locations around the state and are renowned for their excellent menu. The Filet Mignon “Chacho” is flambéed at your table with a shot of their own oak aged 121 proof bourbon, although the filet is more than good enough to have on it's own. Another favorite specialty is the Paella. Excellent!

3

Sweet Tomatoes...

For vegetarians, Sweet Tomatoes offers an array of salads and pasta from their endless buffet bar. We're certified carnivores, but this place is one of our favorites to grab a bite to eat.

4

Millers Orlando Ale House...

Millers Orlando Ale House has a sports theme and offers a great and very reasonably priced menu with a stack of draft beers to wash it all down. Their Ossobuco Slow Roasted Pork is simply divine.

5

For Breakfast...

A hearty buffet breakfast can be had at Ponderosa or take a seat and be waited on at Denny's, Cracker Barrel or our favorite, Perkins, who have a generous Seniors' menu for the old wrinklies languishing in the 55+ age group. Don't take offence, that includes us!

And the Best of all...?

Come and stay with us and we'll direct you to this hidden gem...

If you want to sample the real Florida, we have an absolute gem for you to try about an hour away. It's way down twisting and turning back roads, through miles of natural Florida countryside, literally in the middle of nowhere. Chill on the outdoor dining deck overlooking the picturesque lake while you sample gator bites, fresh fish, crab cakes and local specialties.

Finish off with one of their enormous desserts. They have live music on the outside patio at weekends and you're virtually guaranteed to see the locals line dance, so yell "yee haw", jump up and join in!

SARAH & KEN'S TIPS ON WHERE TO STAY...

Central Florida has a huge number of options depending on your needs. Below is Sarah & Ken's very own vacation rental, along with a couple of other suggestions. Should those all be booked up feel free to drop us a line and let us know. We're not a travel agency but will certainly try to lend a helping hand by offering some tips to make your search easier!

Sarah & Ken’s Very Own...

Our 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom home has absolutely everything you need to just kick back, relax and enjoy precious time with family and friends. Your own private pool, a games room for all ages, amazing Nemo and Shrek themed rooms for the kids, and all the space you and your family need!

Read more...

Sarah & Ken Suggest...

If we are booked, then we highly recommend this beautiful 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom home that also has a great private pool. The owners are close friends of ours and they take as much pride in their home as we do in ours, so you'll be in safe hands at The House by The Mouse.

Read more...

Sarah & Ken Suggest...

If your budget allows, then a vacation at one of Disney's resorts is amazing. The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is located right next to Disney's Magic Kingdom. Disney's Boardwalk is a charming resort with a selection of stores and restaurants lining the quarter mile promenade surrounding the lake.

SARAH & KEN'S FLORIDA "Things to Avoid" Cheap Attraction Tickets...

Sore feet!...

Exhaustion...

Don't buy attraction tickets from sellers offering crazy low prices.

They will either be fake or be tied to time consuming timeshare presentations. Most prices are within the same range, just be aware of expensive add ons at check out. Never buy half used tickets with spare days left, it's illegal to sell them and you run the risk of losing your ticket.

If you plan to hit the parks like most visitors, remember there's A LOT of walking involved. The last thing you want is that nice new shiny pair of shoes that will kill your feet and give you blisters.

Much better to stick to your old worn out favorites. Dress is very casual here, the fashion police will never notice a few scuff marks so just aim for comfort!!

Many visitors just don't realize how exhausting strolling around in that hot glorious sun and high humidity can be, especially for the little ones. Get to the parks early, have a full morning, then go back home and take a break. Cool off with a swim, give the kids a nap and have a bite to eat. You'll be fully refreshed to start all over again in the afternoon!

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