For those who are in Orlando during the summer, it may be worth checking this out.
I havent spoken to anyone who has been yet but at $10 a carload its not too exhorbitant to go and have a look. We cant make it till the last day of the event so it may be winding down by then.
If anybody goes before hand please get back to us and let us know if it is worth a visit,
Gaylord Palms Salutes Florida With Summer-Long Festival



This summer, visitors to Orlando can celebrate the best of the Sunshine State ; under one roof ; by visiting the Best of Florida Festival; at Gaylord Palms Resort.

The new indoor festival features special weekend entertainment and events, including a new indoor laser show finale. The festival runs weekends July 10-Aug. 1, and Aug. 14-Sept. 5. Festival hours are Saturdays from noon until 10 p.m. and Sundays from noon until 6 p.m.

Best of Florida Festival celebrates all that makes Florida great; its legends, festivals, events, foods, landscapes and creatures.

The festival is staged around the resort;s 4.5-acre glass-covered atriums, making it one of the only indoor festivals in the state. Best of Florida Festival will include several themed areas:

Everglades Village: Visit a Florida backwaters village, complete with character actors, crafters, live alligators, artisans, storytellers, and music.

KeyWestFest: The energy of fun-filled Key West, featuring artists, tightrope walkers, performers, live music, steel drums, and even a live mermaid.

Legacy Corner: Celebrate Florida;s history and heritage with medieval characters, pirates and treasures.

Best of Florida Central: Listen to live music, explore a kids; zone, and visit artist booths. At Festival U, discover gardening tips, participate in a wine and food seminar, learn about spa treatments you can create at home, and attend travelogues from Florida destinations.

;This festival will have something for everybody,; said John Caparella, general manager. ;We've created a family activity that gives families a reason to spend time together in the air-conditioned comfort of our atriums.;

Best of Florida Festival will feature activities around every corner, including:


Summer SUN-sations! an end-of-night laser show finale held inside the resort atrium, featuring amazing lasers and upbeat music (Held Saturday evenings only)


Live Entertainment ; enjoy talented Florida musicians


Artisan Displays ; Visit artisans as they create their magic in front of your eyes

Gatorland;s Camp Gator -- learn more about alligators from the experts at Gatorland

Storytellers and Ghost Stories ; Gather together to hear legends of Florida, from members of the Florida Storytellers Association

Nightly Sunset Celebration ; A Key West tradition, featuring entertainers, artisans, and performers

Sand sculpture displays ; See amazing sand sculptures created by award-winning artists, including an amazing three-side sculpture that depicts Florida scenes

The Gaylord Gardener seminars -- free seminars and tours from the gardening experts at Gaylord Palms

Gaylord Gourmet seminars ; a food and wine-tasting event (additional fee)

Florida Travelogues ; learn more about the many things to do in Florida

Antique car displays ; See the best automobiles of yesteryear

Admission to the festival is $10 per carload, and includes parking and most events. Guests who dine at the resorts restaurant will have the entry fee validated.

For more reservations or more information, please call Gaylord Palms at 407-586-2000, or visit the Best of Florida Festival Web site Complete weekend schedules are now posted on the Web site.