Archive for the FLORIDA ADVENTURES Category

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

Posted in FLORIDA ADVENTURES with tags , , , on February 7, 2012 by disneychronicles

Wanna go to Disney but don’t want the MICKEY overdrive? Not sure why this would be the case but I’m sure there’s someone like that somewhere! 🙂

 

 

This place may be what you are looking for! It is Beautiful! More like a resort with a climbing wall, golf, water sports, bike rental a 800,000 gallon lagoon swimming pool and so much more!

It is located in the Lake Buena Vista area within a 1500 acre paradise – that includes  45 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf,  this resort offers a serene resort ambiance that is much appreciated after a busy day at the parks!

Check out all my pics…

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Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs, Florida

Posted in FLORIDA ADVENTURES with tags , , on November 4, 2011 by disneychronicles

We had a chance to visit the sponge docks today.  I wasn’t sure what to expect but was pleasantly surprised. This place feels like you were transported to Greece. Really it does!  The fishermen, sponges, boat rides, little shops, authentic music and the FOOD! ….did I mention the FOOD! More on that later!

How it all started….

Long before city planners built a seawall along the Anclote River in the 1920s, Greek sponge divers would steer their boats up to the sandy banks to unload their haul.

Over the years, the area at the Sponge Docks grew into a community gathering spot full of merchants selling everything from sponges to handmade soaps to traditional Greek cuisine.

Sponge Diving is Tarpon Spring’s Claim to fame. You can go on a dolphin sightseeing tour, sunset sail or even charter a boat for a fishing trip. When it’s time to eat there are many choices. A very popular place is Hellas restaurant.There are two entrances,one for the restaurant and another for the bakery. We stopped for Gyros at Yiannis and had tiramisu and espresso at Hellas! So good and so authentic! There are many restaurants and bakeries to choose from. I may have to choose different next time around just for the experience.

There is a history of sponge diving museum and an aquarium too. Parking is tight but there are several pay lots $2 – $5 for the day.

If you’re looking for a historic town with an “old” Florida feel this is it!

Check out more pics here……

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Wanna go?…..761 Dodecanese Boulevard, Tarpon Springs Florida

Seaworld-Orlando

Posted in FLORIDA ADVENTURES with tags on August 28, 2011 by disneychronicles

It’s been a few years since I’ve been to Seaworld. Well lets me honest more like 15 years or so! For us this was a park that we did in 1 day and I think that was enough time. Whether it’s because it’s stuffed with marine biologists who are interested in talking about their subject I don’t know but it is a relaxing and informative place to visit.  I didn’t have the feeling that I needed to rush. Which was a great change of pace!  Many of the activities are  hands on you actually touch the dolphins and stingrays and even feed them.The rides range from small for the little ones to the Manta roller coaster for the more adventurous! So there is something for everyone!

This is one of the first theme parks to open in Orlando, SeaWorld has been operating here for more than 30 years. The 200 acres of attractions and animal shows make this a perennial favorite with Florida visitors. Many new attractions and rides have been added to the original fun including a laser-fireworks-water extravaganza and high-tech thrill rides.

It is a good break from the faster paced parks.

Check out my pics…

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Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo

Posted in FLORIDA ADVENTURES with tags on August 17, 2011 by disneychronicles

This is one of my favorite zoo’s. It is large but comfortable. It doesn’t feel like you have to walk very far to get to the next exhibit. It has over 1700 animals in 56 acres of lush animal habitats.

Everything is as clean as can be and animals have very nice enclosures. There is enough to do here for the whole day so plan on staying to see everything. There were some rides also. A Merry Go Round, a small roller coaster and a drenching log ride!  They also have a small splash pool for the kids. The best part for my kids was the giraffe feeding. That was a great photo op! Parking was also close and convenient.  If you have an extra day at Disney and need a break from the parks this is a great alternative!

Check out my pics….

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