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Posts Tagged ‘florida vacation ideas’

Florida vacationing — we’re a popular place to visit, because there are so many vacation spots in Florida.  Lots to see and do, but the question is this — what do you like to do?

Florida Beaches

Most people I’ve met come to Florida for the sunshine and warm weather.  Beaches are a big draw, especially in Summer.  Popular beaches include Daytona Beach, Clearwater Beach and Cocoa Beach.  A popular Florida Panhandle spot is Panama City Beach, along with Destin and Ft. Walton.

Here’s where you can check out some of the best beaches in Florida.

Florida Keys

If you’re coming to visit some Florida vacation spots in the Keys, likely it’s because of the outdoors.  Snorkeling and diving the coral reefs are the top draw for the Florida Keys.  Fishing and boating in general (anything from power boats to kayaks) are also great reasons for Florida vacationing in the Keys.

But for those who like things a little livlier, there’s always Key West.  Duvall Street is a “must see” along with Mallory Square at sunset. 

And speaking of sunset, for those of you who like a spectaular view a Florida Keys sunset cruise is out of this world!

Disney World

You have to admit, Walt Disney World vacations are big for the young, and the young at heart.  And while the other big attractions like Universal Studios and Sea World are also very popular, it’s Disney that’s the main destination.

Here’s a hint — i f you want to “do Disney” right, stay at one of the Walt Disney World resorts.  In most cases it’s not all that more expensive than a hotel off the Disney grounds, but you get so much more staying on the Disney World property.

Florida Vacationing

There’s a lot to choose from for Florida vacationing — what I have listed here is just a tiny part of what the Sunshine State has to offer.

If I can make a suggestion, unless you have several weeks to stay in Florida, try to stick with one general area for your great Florida vacation.  For example, the Panhandle, Central Florida, Gulf Coast Florida, etc.  It’s varied enough within one general area for Florida vacationing.

So that’s a few ideas — hope it helps you some!

The Disney Florida Resident Weekday Pass is a new promotion Disney World has just put out for we who live in the Sunshine state.  What’s the deal for us residents?

Here’s the scoop for the savings it offers (which are pretty substantial, if you can take advantage of it).

Disney Florida Resident Weekday Pass Details

OK, you know that Florida residents currently get a discount for admission to the theme parks.  For a single day it’s not a lot of a discount, but it gets better the more days you buy.  (And right now, a 1-day theme park pass is around $70.)

But with this new promotion, you can get an unlimited pass to the parks for $169 (per person).

Here’s the fine print.  The pass is only good Monday through Friday, and it has black-out dates.  But it is good for one year from purchase!

The Finer Print of the Offer

Here they are, the black-out dates: 

• All Saturdays and Sundays
• December 19, 2009–January 1, 2010
• March 27–April 9, 2010
• June 12–August 19, 2010 (i.e., the entire summer.  Too hot anyway!)
• December 18, 2010–January 1, 2011.

Proof of Florida residency required. Excludes certain activities/events separately priced. Pass is nontransferable and valid for one year from date of issuance.

I will say, though, if you live close enough to Orlando to visit Disney often, this is a great deal.  If I lived closer to Orlando, I’d certainly take advantage of it.

So that’s the scoop on the new Disney Florida Resident Weekday Pass.  Have fun at Walt Disney World!

In this 5th post of Florida vacation ideas, we’ll talk about feeding your mind with museums, historical sites and other ways of getting to know Florida.

Get a Little History

Granted, Florida doesn’t quite have the history that other states do — heck, Orlando’s orginal name was “Mosquito”, if that gives you a clue what it was like, pre-tourism.

Still, we do have history here; you just have to look in different places. For example, the Castillio de San Marcos in St. Augustine harkens back to when Spain and France were trying to decide who should get “La Florida”. If you’ve never been, it’s a must-see.

There are sugar mill ruins, old plantations, treasure museums and more. There’s history here, and part of the fun is finding it.

Be Amused in a Museum

If you think life is a circus, why not check out the Ringling Circus Museum in Sarasota?  I know, it’s more common to see a State Fair than a circus tent these days, but this museum will help you remember the wonder and excitment of the Big Top.

While it’s also part attraction, the Kennedy Space Center houses a lot of fascinating information on the early days of space travel.  Not to mention there are still launches of various types on a fairly frequent basis.

If you’re near the Gainesville area, check out the Florida Museum of Natural History.  It’s housed at the University of Florida, and it’s a fabulous walk though time.  The displays and themes are always changing, so there’s no telling what you’ll find!

In the Florida Panhandle, check out the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola.  Not only is there an air museum with 150 restored aircraft, but also there’s artifacts, flight simulators and an IMAX theater.

Any More Ideas?

So, how has that been, for some Florida vacation ideas?

Do you have some you’d like to share? Post a comment and tell us about them!