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Legoland

Legoland Florida is a theme park in Winter Haven, Florida and opened 2011. The park is the second-largest after Legoland Windsor in the UK. The park was built on the site of the former Cypress Gardens theme park. The botanical park was preserved and the waterpark was redecorated into a Lego theme as well as the roller coasters.

The park has more than 50 rides, shows, attractions, restaurants and shops and is great for families with children between 2 and 12. The hotel was opened in 2015 and build on Legoland property.

Click to get your tickets

Four of the rides were kept, but renamed, from the time it was still Cypress Garden, the Triple Hurricane wooden rollercoaster, the Okeechobee Rampage family coaster, and Swamp Thing, a Vekoma family inverted coaster.
Further more, the park is divided into 11 sections, all with their own rides and attractions:
The Beginning, Lego Kingdoms, Duple Village, Fun Town, Imagination Zone, Land of Adventure, Lego City, Mainland USA, The World of Chima, Pirates’ Cove and Lego Technic.

LEGOLAND Florida a 150-acre interactive theme park dedicated to families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. With more than 50 rides, shows and attractions and the all-new water park, LEGOLAND is geared towards family fun!

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Cocoa Beach

In less than 1,5 hour you can see the beautiful atlantic ocean.
Bring your cooler and towel with you and enjoy the day at the beach.
Don’t forget to bring your sun lotion.
Cocoa Beach, Florida… It’s been called the quintessential beach town, and Cocoa Beach, an hour’s drive east of Orlando on Florida’s beautiful Space Coast, offers endless ways to enjoy recreation and leisure. Whether you are planning a family beach vacation, leisure travel, a business trip, a weekend getaway, or just a day at the beach, you’ll find everything you need in Cocoa Beach and the Space Coast area to make your stay one to remember. And if that isn’t enough, in addition to being the CLOSEST BEACH to Orlando, you can always visit the now world famous Ron Jon Surf Shop. Visited by surf and beach lovers from around the globe, Ron Jon Surf Shop is recognized world-wide as an icon of the surf and beach lifestyle.

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Kennedy Space Center

The John F. Kennedy Space Center, located on the east coast of Florida, is one of ten National Aeronautics and Space Administration field centers, and is NASA’s Center of Excellence for launch and payload processing systems.

Kennedy Space Center has been NASA’s primary launch center since December 1968. Launch operations for the Apollo, Skylab and Space Shuttle programs were carried out from Kennedy Space Center. Since 2010, the center has worked to become a multi-user spaceport through industry partnerships, even adding a new launch pad (LC-39C) in 2015. There are about 700 facilities grouped across the center’s 144,000 acres. Among the unique facilities at Kennedy Space Center are the 525 ft tall Vehicle Assembly Building for stacking NASA’s largest rockets, Operations and Checkout Building which houses the astronaut crew quarters, and 3-mile-long Shuttle Landing Facility.

KSCMap
Click to enlarge

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, has a variety of exhibits, artifacts, displays and attractions on the history and future of human and robotic spaceflight. Bus tours of KSC originate from here. The complex also includes the separate Apollo/Saturn V Center and the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame, is only six miles west near Titusville. The high-tech attraction entitled “Heroes and Legends”, is to be opened late in 2016.

Only 70 miles from our Villa it will be a trip worthwhile and will not be forgotten anytime soon!

And when you happen to be at our Villa when another launch is planned just step outside the door and look and you will see it right there!

12-05-2014 TheOrionTestFlightLaunches-04
Live on TV
12-05-2014 TheOrionTestFlightLaunches-05
Outside
Live into orbit
Live into orbit

Click here to get your tickets in advance:

Kennedy Space Center – Save Over 10% on Tickets!
or
Kennedy Space Center – Save Big on Tickets!

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Mega Store: Target

Recognizing that busy shoppers don’t always have time to visit several stores in one shopping trip, Target developed the Mega Store to provide guests with the convenience of one-stop shopping. The first SuperTarget — which included a grocery section with fresh produce, dairy, meat — opened in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1995. Target became a USDA certified-organic produce retailer, one of the first grocers in the country to do so. To meet these guidelines, the produce is guaranteed to meet USDA organic standards on everything from how it’s grown and transported to how it’s stocked in our stores. Today, the average SuperTarget carries more than 600 organic items.

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Downtown Disney

Disney Springs is the new name given to the complex at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando. Formerly known as Downtown Disney and prior to that as Disney Village Marketplace and Walt Disney World Village it was officially changed as per September 2015.

The complex is divided into three areas: West Side, the Landing, and the Marketplace. As was Downtown Disney, Disney Springs is open  all year and there is no admission or parking fees charged. Visitors of Walt Disney World resort can use the free transportation, buses and water taxis, to and from Disney Springs.

West Side

The Disney Springs West Side has many full service restaurants, large stores, and entertainment venues. Planet Hollywood opened in December 1994. Jenny, the shrimping boat used in the 1994 film Forrest Gump, is located on the northwest corner of that restaurant. Characters in Flight opened in early 2009 and features a giant tethered balloon that rises 400 feet.

DisneySpringMap
Click to enlarge

Expansion of the existing AMC Theaters Pleasure Island 24 opened with Downtown Disney West Side in 1997. In late 2010 it was refurbished  and created so that theaters could be offering food service. The complex was renamed AMC Downtown Disney 24. In 1997, there were plans to open a Planet Movies by AMC entertainment complex at this location by combining the Planet Hollywood restaurant with a re-branded AMC megaplex. However, these plans never took place because of Planet Hollywood’s continued financial problems. The complex has now been renamed AMC Disney Springs 24

The Landing

The Landing was formerly Pleasure Island, a nighttime entertainment complex with two comedy clubs and four dance clubs. These clubs were all closed permanently in September of 2008. Pleasure Island was ready to undergo extensive renovations and re-theming to transform it into the early twentieth century wharf-themed entertainment area. New shopping and dining locations would have also been added. However all plans were cancelled in favor of Disney Springs with the area currently known as Pleasure Island, along with part of the current parking lot, eventually becoming The Landing.

Marketplace

The Marketplace has many shops and restaurants. The first restaurant in the Earl of Sandwich chain is located here. T-Rex Cafe is a dinosaur-themed restaurant, which features dinosaurs. It opened on October 14, 2008. Rainforest Cafe is also located at this location. A walkway spanning the Village Lake and connecting Rainforest Cafe with the Lego Store – The Marketplace Causeway – was constructed and opened in 2015.

 

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Keep it save!

  1. Never put anything you would hate to lose in your checked baggage.

  2. A suitcase is easily parted from its luggage label. Always put a second one, with details of your flight and destination, inside.

  3. If two or more people are travelling, split belongings between checked luggage so if one case goes missing, each of you will still have a change of clothes.
  4. Try not to check in late: even if you make it on to the flight, your baggage might not.
  5. Always lock your checked bags: an unlocked suitcase could invalidate your insurance.
  6. If you are travelling to America, you must use cases fitted with TSA-approved locks (those that the Transportation Security Administration has the tools to open) or a TSA-approved padlock or baggage strap. For further details, tsa.gov.


  1. You may be able to locate lost luggage more quickly by using a tracking service. Tag’n’Traq, operated by CallUma, supplies laminate tags with unique tracking numbers and a 24-hour contact number. The service costs 4.95 a year; calluma.com.
  2. Rebound Tag is a microchipped baggage tag that allows you to see where your luggage is in case of loss. More information at reboundtag.com
  3. You are far less likely to lose your luggage if you use a collection and delivery service such as First Luggage (firstluggage.com; from about 85.00). It sends everything via FedEx and tracks it.
  4. Put a “Find-it” tracking device in your case – although as it costs 2,175.00 (from spycatcheronline.co.uk), it would probably be cheaper to replace the lost case and its contents.
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Exercises while in the air

Exercises while in the air

Sitting still for a long time can become uncomfortable – even on the newest aircrafts. However, there are some simple exercises you can do to stop your muscles from becoming stiff during long-haul flights and they don’t even make you look silly. Simple exercises, every hour during a flight, help to keep your blood flowing and reduce your risk of developing clots. All these exercises can be performed while seated but when your seat does not allow you to exercise, then try to stand up periodically to walk up and down the aisle and use your legs (as you’re waiting for the restrooms to become available, for example), so you do not need to feel limited by the space. It is also a good idea to practice these exercises in the airport as well. Doing this is a good way to stretch sore and tired muscles.

1. The revolver
Lift both of your feet off the floor and rotate them in circles – five times clockwise and five times anti-clockwise.

1. TheRevolver

2. The cuddle
Hold your left shoulder with your right hand and your right elbow with you left hand. Read that sentence again until it makes sense. Hold for 15 seconds then do the other arm. Repeat twice.

3. The ballerina
Keep your heels on the floor and point your toes up as far as you can. Then keep your toes on the floor and raise your heels. Repeat five times.

3. TheBallerina

4. The shrug
Keep your arms still and roll your shoulders forwards five times. Then backwards, five times.

5. The knees up
This knees up is nothing to do with partying – though our crew will be happy to get you a drink! Lean forwards slightly, clasp both hands around your knee and lift it to your chest. Hold for 15 seconds, then do the other leg. Repeat twice.

5. TheKneesUp

6. The ‘Where’s my pen?’
Keep both feet on the floor, hold in your stomach and slowly move your hands down your legs towards your ankles. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds and slowly sit back up.

7. The inquirer
Lower your right ear to your right shoulder – like you’re really considering something – then roll your head around to your other shoulder. Hold each position for five seconds and repeat 10 times.

7. TheInquirer

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International Drive, better known as I-Drive

International-Drive, better known as I-Drive, serves as Orlando’s main tourist strip and has it all from hotels to shopping to entertainment. And of course the I-Ride-trolley which comes along every 20 minutes. The I-Ride takes you to the 6 great theme parks that are located at International-Drive or to one of the other 30 attractions that I-Drive has. And when that is not enough you can either shop at one of the 500+ designer, brand-name or outlet stores. Or look for a restaurant of your choice, with 200+ restaurants there should be one that holds your favorite food. Before exploring the area it might be a good idea to visit the Official Visitor Center in a city that has so much to offer. Staff is waiting for you to come in and help you plan your holiday. They will tell you about The Orlando Eye as one of the newest attractions in ‘City Beautiful’, as Orlando is also known, and the largest observation wheel on the East Coast! So take a moment to escape, and discover the magic and natural wonder Orlando has to offer from above.

I-Drive
(Click to enlarge)

Or maybe you’d like to go shopping, located at the north end of International Drive is Orlando International Premium Outlets which is filled with 180 stores offering everyday savings. Make sure to sign up first so you are able to receive additional coupons and saving offers and make shopping even more fun!
When dinner time comes along, maybe you can sit down at Bahama Breeze, the restaurant that brings guests the feeling of a tropical escape by inviting them to the food, drinks and vibrant atmosphere found in the Caribbean.
For those looking to spice up their visit, Mango’s Tropical Cafe has live music and entertainment, colorful drinks and food all with a some Latin flare, so get ready to dance the night away at the newest hotspot for nightlife in Orlando on International Drive!
Then when sun rises again the next morning it is time to enjoy another beautiful day at unforgettable I-Drive!
Look for more information and things to do at I-Drive in the upcoming blogs!
But those who can not wait, here are already some ideas, just click here:
I-Drive 360 Attractions – Save up to 45% on Tickets!

WonderWorks & The Outta Control Comedy Dinner Show – Save Over 25%!

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando – Save 20% on Admission!

iFly Indoor Skydiving – Save over 20%!

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Fun restaurants to have breakfast

One of the fun restaurants to have breakfast at, is the Waffle House® where they serve fresh prepared food. All food is cooked to order and served on real china in the kitchen that is in full view. All regular customers are welcomed by name and interact with the servers andWaffleHouseMenu other customers. When all orders are taken all is “shouted” to to the cooks who then start preparing your order. Besides the Waffles, which can be ordered in different flavors, some menu favorites are: The All-Star Special, Cheese ‘N Eggs and Texas Bacon, all can be served with the well-known hashbrowns. Since all restaurants are open 24 hours a day it would be unfair to only have breakfast here since lunch and dinner are also being served at The Waffle House. Some fun facts about what has been served at The Waffle House since 1955:
2,501,866,574 – Eggs
29,898,595 – Slices of Ham
1,800,286,157 – Hashbrown Orders
1,684,212,442 – Bacon Strips
1,359,881,590 – Orders of Grits
1,289,801,887 – Cups of Coffee
877,388,027 – Waffles
729,065,401 – Glasses of Coca-Cola
661,031,274 – Sausage Patties
264,925,814 – Omelets
201,228,687 – Hamburger Quarters
164,980,986 – Orders of Cheese N’ Eggs
134,842,441 – T-Bone Steaks
32,215,481 – Slices of Pie

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Baggage restrictions of the airlines

Before you book your flight be sure you take notice of the baggage restrictions of the airlines you travel with.
1. Note the number of bags you can check in. In most cases it is one or two pieces per person.
2. Some airlines charge for checked baggage but you can cut costs by paying online rather than at the airport.
3. The weight limit for checked luggage in economy varies from airline to airline but is usually about 20-25kg (44-55lb). Exceed the limit, and you will have to pay extra.
4. Save precious pounds by taking an extra light suitcase.


5. If you suspect your baggage might tip over the limit on your return, weigh it before you get to the airport with a hand-held digital scalar.


6. You can again take more than one item of hand luggage through security for example British airports, but size restrictions remain: no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm.
7. Gels, creams, pastes and other liquids in your hand luggage must still be in containers of no more than 100ml and placed in a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag no larger than 20cm x 20cm.
8. The liquid restriction does not apply air-side, so buy anything you will need in larger quantities once you have gone through security.
9. Send your luggage ahead with a company like Carrymyluggage (carrymyluggage.com). It is not cheap but at least you won’t have to mess about with plastic bags or weighing your suitcase.
10. Some of the upmarket hotel groups offer a similar service. The service collects your case from your house, delivers it to your hotel, and will even unpack for you, too.