When visiting one of Orlando’s theme parks like Disney, you can add to the flavor of your visit by checking the name badges of various cast members which list the individual’s hometown and/or the additional languages they speak.  It’s a great way to start a conversation or learn more about a particular state or country. Or you may find someone from your own hometown!

When visiting Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom it pays to study a map of the park prior to your arrival.  Take a few moments to become familiar with the location of the attractions that interest you most.  If those attractions have long lines when you reach them, check to see if Disney’s FASTPASS® Service is available.  Then simply slip your Park Pass into the FASTPASS machine and you’ll receive a ticket receipt with an assigned return time frame.  You can then go and enjoy the rest of the park while Disney’s FASTPASS saves your place in line. 

Visitors to SeaWorld Orlando are invited to hand-feed sea lions, dolphins and stingrays in various areas of the park. These daily events provide an exceptional opportunity to get up close and personal with these beautiful and exciting creatures and can provide an extra special memory for the kids. Pick up a park map and check the feeding times when you arrive…then plan to be in the area well in advance of when the feeder booths open to ensure your unique opportunity to participate in these fun-filled feeding events.

The worldwide phenomenon known as Blue Man Group is now open in Orlando with new live performances ongoing at Universal Orlando® Resort.
Blue Man Group’s unique form of entertainment combines music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to create a blissful party atmosphere that people of all ages agree is a totally outrageous experience. World-renowned for their live stage shows, Blue Man Group brings an eclectic mix of live music, fantastic percussion instruments, unexpected humor and so much more to Orlando.  Tickets for Blue Man Group can be purchased individually or packaged with a theme park admission.

When traveling to central Florida, you can certainly expect warm, sunny temperatures throughout most of the year.  And travelers should keep that in mind when packing for a trip to Orlando – particularly during the summer months.  When packing, don’t forget the key essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.   It’s wise to always bring along a refillable water bottle.  Florida’s heat and humidity can quickly cause heat stress and dehydration.  Throughout the day, make sure to drink plenty of water and non-carbonated drinks, even if you do not feel thirsty. It’s also wise to be careful in Florida’s hot sun.  Limit your time in the sun and avoid exposure during the hottest hours of the sun’s rays.  The major theme parks typically offer lots of areas and attractions to help you escape the sun.  But be sure to apply ample amounts of sunscreen, paying special attention to the face, nose, ears and shoulders.  Don’t get fooled into thinking you can’t get sunburned when it is cloudy.

Orlando offers plenty of opportunities to escape the summer heat.  One of the best ways to cool off is by visiting one of the area’s water parks.  Disney’s Blizzard Beach, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Wet ‘N Wild all provide water-filled excitement for all ages. 

You can choose from a wide variety of high flying water slides, wave pools and other wet attractions at these popular parks.  SeaWorld will soon be adding another option, as construction has already started on a brand new water park, Aquatica. Slated to open in 2008, Aquatica will incorporate SeaWorld’s famed marine wildlife with its water fun.

For those heading to Orlando during the fall/winter season, please note that Typhoon Lagoon will be closed for refurbishment from October 28, 2007 to January 5, 2008. Blizzard Beach will be closed for similar refurbishment from January 6, 2008 to March 8, 2008.