Best kept secrets

[Cruella DeVilla]

OK guys, Mum always said share!
On our umpteenth trip to Florida in 4 weeks or so we would like to do,go,see,shop,eat someplaces new as hubby has a low boredom threshhold and is not a great lover of the British aspects of Orlando. Does anybody have any recomendations for something that has not been mentioned on here before please? We are looking at the Dixieland Stampede as that is newish and a couple of posher restuarants where we can get togged up. We have murdered the parks etc in the past and on our last two trips did not go at all? Desperate for new experience...Jim can you fix it for me please.

[KevinT]

Hi CDV,
What about backstage tours (or have you tried them). Seaworld does one and Disney also
(If its still going) We went on Disney backstage about 3 years ago and it was really interesting seeing how its all put together.Its a whole day tour and I think theres a lower age limit so as not to spoil the illusion!
Have you tried Spoodles restaurant at Boardwalk. Reasonably up market and a bit different. If you go around nine o'clock you get a back view of the fireworks at Epcot.

Have fun
KevinT.

[jolliffee]

What a cracking question, ummm! Blue sky thinking cap on:
Food First, attraction later, need deeper man thought.

Posh Restaurant: Now no budget given so how about

Disney's Buena Vista Palace Aurther's 27 able to see Disney all lit up at night: do this one while you have some money left.
http://www.***/restaurants/orlando/arthurs-27.htm

Hemingway’s in the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort lovely jubbly but maybe on the casual side v good though & in the true Key West tradition. http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk/offhem.html

Dux Restaurant in Peabody Hotel on I Drive. Lovely ambiance too. http://www.***/restaurants/orlando/dux.htm

Christini’s may do it for the formal atmosphere; no t shirts, no shorts & Dinner only. This is my top Italian favourite in Orlando. 7600 Dr. Philips Boulevard. Phone 407-345-8770. The price start at affordable to sky’s the limit I Like it! http://www.christinis.com/
[msnsmile2]

[imported_n/a]

http://www.bahamabreeze.com/index.html

This one always does it for us.Try one of the Prickly pear Margerittas
Geoff

[Cruella DeVilla]

Thanks guys, keep the ideas coming! Not fussed about budget....sorry Mr CDV!

Arthurs 27 has been mentioned for a celebration we have been lucky enough to be invited to! Like the ducks in the Peabody, not on the menu but in the reception!!!
Epcot might have to have another look at as 10 years since we were last there.
Backstage tours, would need to convinve Mr CDV I really want to do it as he generally says " You choose"...typical man...anything for a peaceful life....I want to make sure he is happy to............might have to suffer the space centre, I have been he has not....YAWN!

Now Margarittas!!!! YUM! Tried to get in there twice but as they do not take reservations, Mr CDV will not wait any length of time for a table!

Happy to go away from the main areas to for that summit special!

:D

[daxon]

Loveley restaurant - Wolfgang Pucks at Downtown Disney - try for a table upstairs but they're often fully booked.Very nice food & u can watch it being made! [msntongue]If you've not been to Epcot for a bit, the parade at night was fabulous last time we went with huge butterflies on stilts & Mum wont go there unless we eat in the nice restaurant in 'Norway' - delicious buffet style.[msnsmile2]

[Cruella DeVilla]

Sounds nice Dawn, will add to list!

[hamish]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Cruella DeVilla
Thanks guys, keep the ideas coming! Not fussed about budget....sorry Mr CDV!

Arthurs 27 has been mentioned for a celebration we have been lucky enough to be invited to! Like the ducks in the Peabody, not on the menu but in the reception!!!
Epcot might have to have another look at as 10 years since we were last there.
Backstage tours, would need to convinve Mr CDV I really want to do it as he generally says " You choose"...typical man...anything for a peaceful life....I want to make sure he is happy to............might have to suffer the space centre, I have been he has not....YAWN!

Now Margarittas!!!! YUM! Tried to get in there twice but as they do not take reservations, Mr CDV will not wait any length of time for a table!

Happy to go away from the main areas to for that summit special!

:D
[/quote]

[hamish]

Dixie stampede was brilliant.went when it first opened.
Dont miss the pr-show, where the singing cowboy gallops through the audience on his horse.
Dont eat a lot the day of the show, as the portions of home cookin,
are ginormous.
We cheered for the south (you get split up into two groups for the civil war thingy) I hope that was a P.C. thing to do.??

[tezz7628]

have you ever tried those balloon or plane flights that i've seen advertised or the military jet for hubby

they do that kind of thing don't they??

[sully62]

Have you tried city walk universal later on the atmosphere is electric, blues,reggee,soul,rock music cajun,mexican and soul food all in 1/2 sq mile dress formal/casual (i don't like formal did it once, 3 teenage kids no money and a big mortage ;))city walk is really buzzin late on:D

[Cruella DeVilla]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by sully62
Have you tried city walk universal later on the atmosphere is electric, blues,reggee,soul,rock music cajun,mexican and soul food all in 1/2 sq mile dress formal/casual (i don't like formal did it once, 3 teenage kids no money and a big mortage ;))city walk is really buzzin late on:D
[/quote]


Thanks for the idea. Spent Millenium night there, also went to Margaretaville with friends last month I like it there but want something different. Fussy C*w I know!!!

[Snapper]

If you like seafood and cost really is no option then give Fultons Crab House a twirl at Downtown Disney. It gets busy but the food is just delicious, and it's a great venue on the old paddle steamer.

For something a bit off the beaten track Kennedy Space Center is a good experience, especially the 'up close and personal' tours they do. If your not a space fan watch the movie Apollo 13 before going. If you want a bit of a twist from the conspiracy theorists watch the movie Capricorn One too.

Steve.

[Cruella DeVilla]

Thanks Steve, now seafood we love! We normally go to the Boston Lobster feast. Will definately look at the paddle steamer place. We used to eat at a chinese place in Aberdeen harbour which was a big boat.(Hong Kong, not on the rigs)!!!!!

Kennedy space centre I was bored stiff, but I know MR CDV will love it as he has not been.
Conspiracy theories I love! I watcehd that programme where they landed on the moon in Nevada, certaqinly made me think!

See you soon!
CDV

[Cruella DeVilla]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by tezz7628
have you ever tried those balloon or plane flights that i've seen advertised or the military jet for hubby

they do that kind of thing don't they??
[/quote]

Military jets, believe it or not we have done before elsewhere. Baloon flights. OMG afraid of heights, have you done one Tezz?

[jolliffee]

Just another food thought, next trip to Orlando I’m heading for http://www.mtdorarailway.com/dinner.html or http://www.mtdorarailway.com/winecheese.html to see what its like. Could be that difference your looking for; boys toys n all

[jolliffee]

ANd maybe you'd like the things happening here: http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylordpalms/things_to_do/festival.cfm

[george]

How about trying the Friday night Rodeo in Kissimmee ? We havent but thought we would give it a look in September.

Pamela

[tezz7628]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:

Military jets, believe it or not we have done before elsewhere. Baloon flights. OMG afraid of heights, have you done one Tezz?
[/quote]

military jets would be a lot iffy for me!!

would definately want to do the balloon :)
but haven't yet

did a helicopter flight round miami once leaning out videoing it fantastic experience!

[dave.parks]

Hi all balloon sounds better ie; one it goes slow and if you are sick you no where to clean it up [:o)]But i would try the restraunt you know where the toilet is.[msnembarrased]

[porky]

CDV,
If hubby has done military jets why not let him loose in Lake Wales at the sky diving center http://www.floridaskydiving.com
Hubby has a friend who has been there several times as he is an avid sky diver:D

Jacqui

[Cruella DeVilla]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by jolliffee
Just another food thought, next trip to Orlando I’m heading for http://www.mtdorarailway.com/dinner.html or http://www.mtdorarailway.com/winecheese.html to see what its like. Could be that difference your looking for; boys toys n all
[/quote]
Thanks, looks good.. that is something we will look at, it is different, planning to pop out to Gaylord Palms to!

[Cruella DeVilla]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by george
How about trying the Friday night Rodeo in Kissimmee ? We havent but thought we would give it a look in September.

Pamela
[/quote]

Pamela,
Yeh, like the sound of that to, will definately add to list!
Thanks

[Cruella DeVilla]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by porky
CDV,
If hubby has done military jets why not let him loose in Lake Wales at the sky diving center http://www.floridaskydiving.com
Hubby has a friend who has been there several times as he is an avid sky diver:D

Jacqui
[/quote]

Jacqui, Thanks great idea, but to be really honest, neither of us have a head for heights! When I go skiing I have to hide in the middle of the cable car so I can't see out of the windows!!!!!!! Skydiving had many a chance to do that as I had contacts in the Red Devils but too scared!!!Apparently it is such a buzz, but I could not jump out. I know there is that simulator thing on ID, A bit to energetic me thinks! Getting old. Mr CDV parachuted before....fills me with horror!!!

[Cruella DeVilla]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by dave.parks
Hi all balloon sounds better ie; one it goes slow and if you are sick you no where to clean it up [:o)]But i would try the restraunt you know where the toilet is.[msnembarrased]
[/quote]


:D:D:D

[Genie]

We have watched the hot air ballons go over the house while we were there last time, they go up from Fantasy of flight one almost landed in our pool !!
Dixie Stampede is great !
How about a ''sea sand and scales trip'' sea & sand - Cocoa beach then a night time air boat ride where you can see the Gators and finish with a bar-b-cue it was good !
Also what about one of the national Parks !!

[dave.parks]

When are you going ?
I think what you should do is invite all of the forum to your place in Florida and have a good knees up [msnsmile2] But i think there is that much to do in Florida. If you dont plan your holiday it will be over in a flash and you will be wondering what you have done over the holidays. [msneek]

[shazbat]

We love going to Hommosassa for a couple of nights-It is absolutely beautiful--'the real florida'-with boardwalks and mangrove trees.we stop at a place called Hommosassa Riverside resort-in a motel room facing the river-there is a great restuarant-about a mile or so away called the Margarita Grill (which all the locals go to)-it has excellent food and the biggest margaritas you've ever seen -for 6 dollars!We hire a boat and take it down to the lagoon to see the Manatees-my husband also likes to fish -so he does a spot of fishing-we take a picnic and have a lovely relaxing day.Also worth seeing is a place called Rainbow Springs national park which is about 1/2 hour away-You can swim there and hire canoes-the water is absolutely crystal clear-it is really quiet and tranquil there.
Try a trip there-you will LOVE it!
Shazbat.

[floridadreamvilla.co.uk]

Sounds wonderful Shazbat - we'll have to check that out ourselves next time we are out.

[Cruella DeVilla]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by dave.parks
When are you going ?
I think what you should do is invite all of the forum to your place in Florida and have a good knees up [msnsmile2] But i think there is that much to do in Florida. If you dont plan your holiday it will be over in a flash and you will be wondering what you have done over the holidays. [msneek]
[/quote]

OMG Mr CDV would love that, het hone just invited 200 people over for a pool party!

You are right about planning the holiday. We actually get bored sometimes hence this post.

[Cruella DeVilla]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by shazbat
We love going to Hommosassa for a couple of nights-It is absolutely beautiful--'the real florida'-with boardwalks and mangrove trees.we stop at a place called Hommosassa Riverside resort-in a motel room facing the river-there is a great restuarant-about a mile or so away called the Margarita Grill (which all the locals go to)-it has excellent food and the biggest margaritas you've ever seen -for 6 dollars!We hire a boat and take it down to the lagoon to see the Manatees-my husband also likes to fish -so he does a spot of fishing-we take a picnic and have a lovely relaxing day.Also worth seeing is a place called Rainbow Springs national park which is about 1/2 hour away-You can swim there and hire canoes-the water is absolutely crystal clear-it is really quiet and tranquil there.
Try a trip there-you will LOVE it!
Shazbat.







OOOOH That sounds fab, definately add that to my list. We often travel further a field, last trip we flew into Fort Myers as norm, drove to Orlando did our business with the villas and then got the h*** out of Orlando, we drove back to Sarasotta, Naples and Fort Myers and as you say they are the real Florida type places, as long as they have shops and a big Walmart I am happy. Nice beaches, piers etc are great to.
[/quote]

[Cruella DeVilla]

COME ON GUYS SHARE[}:)]
792 have read this post and only 27 posts. There have been some great suggestions on here, nice we can all look at doing new experiences!

[orlandobabe]

I like the sound of Homosassa-have meant to do it before-so will definitely put it on our to do list for Oct.

Can definitely recommend Mt Dora-go and eat in The Garden Gate tea room. Well recommended is the rosemary baked chicken pie.

We've also eaten at the villa di flora at Gaylord Palms-excellent. Do ring before you go to see what buffet they are doing that day ie french, italian etc

Food at the Renaissance resort is also excellent.

Sleuths is a great night ou***ood not marvelous-cornish hen is about the best-but great fun.

[jolliffee]

Food again: I was out with friends and mentioned the forum & this thread; they suggested a restaurant in Clermont, hidden away in the historic downtown area, off US27 @ SR50. It is called Bistro Safran and apparently, is in a beautiful white 1890’s Victorian house with all the old time charm. They said it was a quality restaurant; it had white linen table cloths and silverware, though they thought the prices were competitive.
They said lunch or dinner were excellent & at night it looked really nice being all lit up. They suggested the veranda was nice with a view of the garden...

[Cruella DeVilla]

Thank Dave must look into that, sounds like my sort of place.

[tezz7628]

off topic re: nickname

your nickname

101 dalmations

obviously watched the film as a kid

went round the props show a couple of years ago, and it suddenly clicked "devil" at the same time as somebody else in the queue

:D :D

[Jill]

If you like gardens we would recommend http://www.leugardens.org a peaceful way to spend a few hours.

[Nostromo]

If you have a couple of hours to spare somewhere, a visit to A World of Orchids is worthwhile. It is free, relaxing and very easy on the eye. :)

[Cruella DeVilla]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Jill
If you like gardens we would recommend http://www.leugardens.org a peaceful way to spend a few hours.
[/quote]

Thanks, sounds pleasant. Need to persuade hubby into that one though, maybe I can grab a female friend to have a look!

[Cruella DeVilla]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Nostromo
If you have a couple of hours to spare somewhere, a visit to A World of Orchids is worthwhile. It is free, relaxing and very easy on the eye. :)
[/quote]

Yeh, meaning to have a look in there as it is literaly round the corner from our place. I love Orchids but always manage to kill them off, think I paid £30 for 2 last time!:(

[Cruella DeVilla]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by tezz7628
off topic re: nickname

your nickname

101 dalmations

obviously watched the film as a kid

went round the props show a couple of years ago, and it suddenly clicked "devil" at the same time as somebody else in the queue

:D :D
[/quote]

Good aint it! Hence my favourite smilie[}:)]

Same thing happend to me when I watched Angel Heart, the guy was called Luey Cifer or something similiar![}:)]and it clicked in LUCIFER!...Oh I shan't sleep for a week now:(

[traceya89]

boggy creek air rides are a good experience.

[traceya89]

there is a quaint place called mount dora a friend of mine who lives in florida told me about. would never find the place driving by myself, but he drove me there. i think there may be a web site about mount dora.

celebration is a nice relaxing little town that you can site by the lake and relax. there are also some nice water fountains my little girl likes running through to cool off. and if you go to celebration in december the snow starts falling at 7.00 pm each night.

[Nostromo]

I have heard that TRAINLAND Inc is a good place to visit for a few hours, particularly those into trains. They have a model train shop as well.

[Cruella DeVilla]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Nostromo
I have heard that TRAINLAND Inc is a good place to visit for a few hours, particularly those into trains. They have a model train shop as well.
[/quote]


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