Now that you know where to go in San Diego if you are working on a limited travel budget let’s move to the other side of the country. I’m shining the summer travel spotlight on Florida today—-specifically Orlando.
Personally, I place Florida in the same category as Hawaii. Neither (in my opinion) needs much in the way of an introduction or any quirky tidbits on why you should visit the area at least once in your life. However, I think it is helpful (especially for repeat visitors) to stay on top of any new attractions the area has to offer.
With that in mind I have listed a few new family-friendly attractions that you might want to keep in mind while planning your summer vacation. Please note that none of the following qualifies as “budget savers,” but knowing that they exist this early in the season gives you a chance to put money aside so you can experience them later this summer.
AQUATICA WATER PARK
The 59-acre splashfest opens this weekend and features the traditional waterslides, lazy rivers, and blue lagoons, but what makes this SeaWorld-affiliated attraction so unique is its inclusion of wildlife. For example, the park’s signature ride, the Dolphin Plunge, consists of clear, 250-foot-long tubes that visitors slide down while real dolphins play in the water around them. Aquatica is also home to dueling side-by-side wave pools that can operate together or independently. The park also boasts a 15,000-square-foot interactive water playground that is billed as one of the world’s largest. Admission is $38.95 for adults and $32.95 for children.
If your son or daughter is addicted to “Toy Story” this could be his or her dream vacation. In just a few weeks the folks at Disney will unveil Toy Story Mania! The attraction was inspired by the popular animated Pixar film and features characters in 3-D, including a 5-foot Mr. Potato Head, billed as the first “attraction-based audio-animatronics figure that can engage guests in a two-way conversation.”
If you have plans to visit the park consider checking out the new Block Party Bash, a Pixar-themed traveling show on Hollywood Boulevard featuring song-and-dance performances. Admission to the park is $71 for adults and $60 for children.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS FLORIDA
D’oh! Here’s a ride you don’t want to get on with a stomach full of donuts. Universal Studios Florida is getting ready to launch its new ride based on “The Simpsons” in just a few weeks. On May 15th Bart, Homer and Marge fans will be able to experience a “side of Springfield previously unexplored,” as envisioned by show regular Krusty the Klown. Admission to the park is $71 adults and $60 children.
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