Experience Orlando

If you’re like me, you love the idea of casually sauntering around Walt Disney World, taking in the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the parks, but in reality you don’t have that kind of time. One of these days I’ll take a trip to Disney for a full week (in the off-season) to allow myself time to take the parks at a leisurely pace without missing anything, but for the time being (assuming I can muster the energy) Disney trips will remain action packed weekends. This means effective time management.

As a Florida resident, I have the luxury of being able to visit the parks several times a year, meaning that I’ve gathered together quite a few time savers for my own personal use, and now I feel like I should share them with the world at large (or at least those of you who have found this blog).

At Tesoro, a residential community built by Ginn Reunion’s parent company Ginn Resorts in Port St. Lucie, there are some celebrities in the neighborhood. Though you may not have heard of them yet, they’ve become worldwide internet sensations, and have even made an appearance on NBC Nightly News. They are a family of American Bald Eagles, two adults and two eaglets.

You see, several years ago, when Ginn started developing Tesoro in Port St. Lucie they came across an eagle’s nest right in the middle of what was supposed to be a construction site. Knowing that this simply would not do, Bobby Ginn took it upon himself to have the entire community redesigned to accommodate what would eventually become Tesoro’s most famous family.

At a cost estimated in the millions, not to mention lost revenue from additional homesites, Ginn set up a special preserve just for the eagles in the hope that they would return year after year, and they did.

Ginn in association with Audubon of Florida had a webcam set up so that interested parties could keep tabs on these two magnificent birds, and a couple years later, those two birds decided it was time to start their own family. In early 2008 they thrilled countless bird enthusiasts and others alike when two baby eaglets hatched from the eggs that the mother had been tending to so carefully. Now the eaglets are reaching maturity as well and have begun to fly. Tune in to the Audubon of Florida Eagle Cam to check in on this famous family, and please feel free to add your own eagle stories and sightings in the comments below.

Click here for the Audubon of Florida Webcam.
Click here to see NBC Nightly News coverage of the Eagles at Tesoro.

No Orlando vacation is complete without visiting the place where dreams come true and where magic is a reality. For over 35 years Walt Disney World has continually upheld its bargain to children and adults of all ages by offering an unforgettable experience highlighted by magical rides, incredible shows, and award-winning restaurants. 

There is never an end to the fun at Disney. It is very possible to spend two weeks at Disney theme parks and still not have seen everything. The most shocking part is that after two weeks the “Disney thirst” would still be unquenched. With four theme parks for families to choose from, there is something sure to make everyone’s “wish” come true. The little ones just love getting their pictures taken with their favorite Disney characters like Snow White, Cinderella, Aladin, Tinkerbell, Goofy, Donald and of course, Mickey and Minnie Mouse! And for families on a budget, they offer an array of different ticketing options ideal to suit your needs. So, make sure you don’t miss out on the adventures your entire family can take at Walt Disney World and make sure you grab those famous Mickey Mouse ears!

While there are many theme parks to choose from in the Orlando area, Busch Gardens is well worth the drive. My daughter and her boyfriend recently went to Busch Gardens for the day. It was less than an hour drive from the Champion’s Gate/Ginn Reunion area where we live. Being residents of greater Orlando, we have been to all of the local theme parks numerous times, but we’re always looking for something new and fun to do.

For starters, the price was great, especially compared to the Disney theme parks; $55 for a basic ticket online $65 at the gate (Florida residents get an even better deal), and for $10 more, it becomes a Fun Card, valid for admission for the rest of the year!

I recently discovered one of the best restaurants in
Orlando, Florida when it comes to good food and good times: Taverna Opa on I-Drive!

A group of friends and I were looking for a new place to satisfy our “Friday Night Spectacular: Dinner and Drinks” (I know, I know… We name our weekly rendezvous, but just go with it.). None of us had been to Taverna Opa before, but had heard good reviews. From the moment we stepped in the door, we were having a blast! The atmosphere is like “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” meets “Cheers.” Guests and employees alike are throwing napkins and yelling “Opa!”, dancing on the tables (Seriously! It’s encouraged by the staff!), and singing to the music. You can’t help but get caught up in the excitement and join in.

This wasn’t just some bar for rowdy weekenders, either. While the Ouzo was flowing freely, there were families with little kids all the way up to Grandma and Grandpa dancing and having a good time. Anyone and everyone looking for a lively evening can enjoy some kabobs and hummus at this place.

So if you’re looking for some good food and a great time (Come on, who doesn’t want to indulge their inner child by throwing napkins on the floor and stomping on the table during dinner?!?), I highly suggest stepping into a whole other world over at Taverna Opa!

Ginn OPEN 2008, April 14-20
Brittany Lincicome came from behind on a blustery final day to take home her share of the $2.6 million purse and the much coveted Dale Chihuly designed trophy. Lorena Ochoa and Laura Davies who each had the lead at one point finshed one and three shots behind Lincicome respectively. Dates for the 2008 Ginn OPEN at Ginn Reunion Resort will be April 14-20.

Orlando Group Activities
Orlando, Florida is the perfect destination for groups. Millions of square feet of meeting space and after-hours entertainment provide endless opportunities for corporate groups. Youth group leaders and parents will find scores of activities suitable for kids. Top favorites among tour groups of all ages and interests include theme park attractions at Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal Orlando, and tours of nearby Kennedy Space Center. Orlando International Airport and public transportation make travel to and in Orlando a breeze.

Orlando, Florida is a vacationer’s paradise. With so many fun activities to choose from, it’s tough to decide what not to do! Golf, spa indulgences, theme parks, shopping, museums, nature outings, you name it. Orlando buzzes with excitement year-round and around the clock. Here are some of our favorite things to do.

It’s no wonder that the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando is continually recognized among the nation’s top convention centers. With 2.1 million square feet of exhibit space, a lecture hall, 74 meeting rooms and 235 break-out rooms, two 92,000 square foot general assembly areas, four business centers and three full-service restaurants, there’s plenty of room to accommodate any size group. The Orange County Convention Center is the second largest convention center in the country.

With its award-winning Orange County Convention Center, Orlando is an ideal destination for mixing business with pleasure. Major conventions make their annual debut in Orlando attracting thousands of visitors. Many business travelers choose Ginn Reunion Resort for their accommodations thanks to its convenient proximity to the convention center and upscale privacy.