Something different....

[DizneyDaze]

we are going for three weeks over Xmas and I am looking for something a little different to do on non park days.....any ideas?

Thanks

 

[Fantasia Sam]

Well one of the things you have to do is Resort hop and go have a look at all the Xmas trees in each resort they are fabulous. you could even go on an organised Yuletide Tour with WDW.

Go shopping in one of the malls you haven't seen shops decorations until you see these.

Just a couple of ideas for now

 

[DizneyDaze]

Thanks and we are looking forward to this I have read earlier posts about how great the resorts are...and of course shopping is a must but is there anything that anyone loves to do apart from the parks and shopping?

Like last time we went we went to a little town just north of Orlando called Mount Dora and it was lovely , very different even had an little English Tea Room selling sausage rolls and cornish pasties. Quant little gift shops etc .... it was a nice relaxing day

 

[vernon]

Depending on your interests here are a few ideas. Swim with manatees at Crystal river , airboat ride through the waterways, visit the Salvador Dali art gallery at St Petersburg or there are a couple of other art galleries in the area I think Winterpark has a display of Tiffiney glass. I also think Winterpark has a similar "town centre" to the one you enjoyed at Mount Dora.

 

[DizneyDaze]

Vernon, I like the idea of swimming with the Manatees at Crystal River ... please tell me more how do we go about this?

 

[vernon]

When I was looking this up previously I just put Crystal River in as a search question on "ask Jeeves" and got a number of sites to look at. The guy I found most helpful, if he's still opperating, was called Bill Osterische ( nick named "Bird" ) if he's available I would be happy to recommend him, although I didn't end up going he was very helpful and honest ( he told me he would take me out, but at that time of year ( may) there was only a 20 % chance we'd see anything).

As luck would have it I found his website
http://www.birdsunderwater.com/

 

[DizneyDaze]

Thanks Vernon you're a star and I think the Winter Paqrk idea is now penned in.

 

[vernon]

just making sure you saw the link I added to my previous post for the manatee swims. The best time of year for this I believe is November to March so Xmas would be a good possibility.

 

[JANNYANS]

The Orlando Science Centre is a good place for adults and children alike.For a fun thing go watch the Peabody Ducks.or take a trip with Orlando Hauntings-ghost trips around the area or visit State Park there are plenty around you can take your own picnic .

 

[carene]

You know people in the UK have 'adopted the tradition' of putting the most decorative lights all over their houses???

Well, you aint seen nothing yet, until you see Celebration.
The whole estate (i think thats appropriate) is covered in lights from one end to the other!

Definately worth a look! i last was there at xmas 2000 -- so wish i was going this year (blub)

Carene

 

[kazzie]

Re. the manatee swim I know someone who contacted the above company and another www.fun2dive.com .She decided to go with Fun2dive and was really glad she did,so check out both sites,I am booking with them for October

 

[DizneyDaze]

Thanks everyone....I am getting so excited now - swimming with manatees, the fab decorations all topped off with a little bit of pixie dust and heaps of Disney Magic.......