Tips for visiting Universal's Islands of Adventure

1) If you have access to get into the park an hour early, go to Hulk first, then Spider-Man. We once did hulk 4 or 5 times in a row, without waiting and got front row every time.

2) The week before a holiday is the best time to go.

3) Yes, If at Universal's Islands of Adventure dining at Mythos Resturant is a MUST. The food is awesome and the resturant decor is great!

4) Never carry your shopping bags when you are in the park for a day or so.. Just put your name on the card and send it to trade co. Of IOA which is near to the gate. You can always get your shopping bags and still enjoy the rides without lockers.

5) If you have access to get into the park an hour early, go to Hulk first, then Spider-Man. We once did hulk 4 or 5 times in a row, without waiting and got front row every time.

6) Get a MealDeal for $18-$25. Flash your wristband just three times ($9 average per meal) and you're ahead of the game.

Florida Attractions

Walt Disney World in Orlando will take you some time to fully enjoy. Allow at least a week for all it has to offer. There are four main theme parks. Magic Kingdom is the one full of popular characters, the huge Cinderella, and Mickey Mouse. Then there’s Epctot which is the populist area for science and technology for all the family. Marvel at Disney MGM Studios’ special effects. Be amazed by wonderful Disney’s Animal Kingdom zoo and theme park in the swamplands of South West Orlando.
Water Mania on Kissimmee, and Wet ‘n’ Wild water parks on International Drive have wild rides.

Universal Orlando is another attraction to rival the best of other fantastic tours with its Universal Studios to start with and its state of the art TV and film technology.
Then go for Universal’s Islands of Adventure with its daring roller coaster rides and the latest special effects and water slides. Try Summit Plummet the most exciting ten second experience in Disney World. Typhoon Lagoon is a false tropical island around a lagoon which occasionally ripples with six foot high waves.

For the most sought after natural attraction hit the The Everglades. Oh boy! They are in the most amazing and vast piece of scenery with its grasses, waters and alligators. They are a unique adventure and must be visited. It has been called a river of grass. The best time to visit is winter when you can go on the most guided tours, the wildlife and flowers are in abundance and there are more guided tours at that time.

The City of Sarasota on the Gulf Coast is the capital of Florida in the Sarasota Area. Shop on Palm Avenue or Sarasota Bay. Visit the Gulf Coast World of Science where you can touch a live snake and get to grips with static electricity. Play with 1200 music boxes. Charter a boat from the city marina. Stretch out under the pines on North Lido Beach. For a change stroll through the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens along tropical beautiful gardens and Gasp at the variety of waterfowl.

Sanibel and Captiva on the Gulf Coast has sunsets to set your heart racing, white sandy beaches, breathtaking wildlife, and delicious fresh seafood.
Miami Beach is the most famous swankiest beach area in America. See the Art Deco buildings on Ocean Drive in Miami City. Visit the Bass Museum of art to look at a Rubens, or Rembrandt and many other brilliant European Paintings. And there’s always plenty of golf!

Palm Beach the absolutely super rich glamorous resort is on the Gold Coast. Famous people have lived in beautiful mansions such as Kennedys and Rockefellers.
Busch Gardens has always been a favourite for family fun and adventure with live shows and nearly 3,000 animals in imaginary reinvented African habitats such as ‘Edge of Africa’. There is also a zoo and a theme park. Lose yourself in the 4d adventure ride called Pirates.

On Marco Island and the Southwest visit the mangrove islands as well as the laidback beaches.Be taken aback by Lowdermilk Park and The Tin City Complex for its shells, and The Naples Nature Centre with its 3000 gallon marine aquarium.

Sports in Bonita, Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami include horse racing at the American Airlines Arena, and professional football with the Miami dolphins to name but a few. Gasp at speed car racing in Daytona on the most challenging tracks in Florida.
For theatre and concerts there is the Theatre of Performing Arts oin Miami Beach or Coconut Grove Playhouse for musical hits. See if a star is playing at the The Sunrise and Music Theatre.
Key Largo shopping malls are an event in themselves.

Theme Park Information And Tips

Theme Park Information and Tips
　
Theme parks in Florida are usually open all year round. The parks usually open daily at 9:00 am and close anywhere from 6:00 p.m. to midnight depending on what part of the season it is. Certain parks do change its hours of operation throughout the year, but there are many places to find the hours of operation including calling the theme park and certain web pages.

The busiest periods at Florida theme parks are from mid-February to August and from Christmas Day to New Years Day. The slowest months are January, September, October and November. The busiest day of the week seems to be Tuesday with Friday and Sunday being the least crowded.

Hurricane season is roughly from August to October. This is probably why these months are less crowded. Though it may rain every day during this season, the showers are often short and sometimes very light. Having a plastic rain parka can make this a very minor inconvenience. The theme parks are generally less crowded after 4:00 p.m.

Attraction boards are located in all of the theme parks. It is a large board that lists all the attractions in the park and approximate waiting times for that attraction. This can be helpful in choosing what to see based on the length of the line. There is also a staff member stationed at each board to give you directions to attractions. Find out when parades are taking place at the park you are visiting. If you have already seen the parade or are not interested in seeing it, this is a good time to see one of the more popular attractions, as lines are generally shorter.

Florida Holiday Driving Tips

As you already know, Americans drive on the 'wrong' side of the road. When on holiday in Florida, the times when you are more likely to make a mistake when driving are when you are tired, when you first set off in the morning and when you are turning or pulling out of a driveway or garage/gas station. Take special care to concentrate at these times.

All the rental cars are automatic you don't have to worry about changing gear but sometimes their handbrake is different to UK ones, basically. a foot pedal up under the dashboard. Make sure you understand the controls of your rental car before you drive away from the rental station and, if in any doubt, ask your rental company!

Here are some driving tips that you MUST follow :

(1) Always stay on the RIGHT of the road.

(2) Florida law requires safety belts for all front passengers, regardless of age.

(3) Florida law requires that you turn on you headlights at dusk, in fog, or in rain. Be especially careful when driving in rain as this can be very heavy and cause extremely slippery roads.

(4) DO NOT drink and drive! Its that simple. Under Florida DUI (Driving whilst Under the Influence), if you are caught driving with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) of 0.10 or higher, or if you refuse to submit to a roadside test, you will be arrested and your driver’s license suspended indefinitely.

(5) On approaching a “STOP” sign, Florida law requires that your vehicle comes to a complete halt before proceeding. At 4-way STOP signs, the vehicle that arrived at the cross-section first has the right of way first, then the next vehicle and so on. You may turn RIGHT on a red light after you have come to a complete stop, check the road is clear, DOUBLE there are no signs up stating “NO RIGHT” turn on red.

(6) Use a sat nav or map to plan your route before you head out. If you miss a turn or exit, don’t stop, just proceed to the next corner or exit. Never back up! Ever! Always pull completely off the road if you must stop.

(7) Try to keep a full tank of petrol and stay on well-lighted and well-travelled roads.

(8) When filling up with petrol/gas, you must pay for your fuel before filling.

(9)Always lock your vehicle. Lock valuables in the boot (trunk), glove box or luggage compartment so that they are out of sight.

(10)Keep your house key in a safe place on your person when travelling. Florida law states that you MUST carry your driver’s license at all times. You Must also carry your car rental and proof of insurance documents with you at all times.

(11)If you are stopped by a police officer (who will always be in a marked vehicle), STAY in your vehicle and the officer will approach you and advise you of the problem.

Introduction to Florida (The Sunshine State)

Holidays in Florida are all fun in the sun. Why else would it be called the Sunshine State? A firm favourite, Florida holidays aren't just about theme parks. Of course, this is the theme park capital of the world and the masses come for Disney, Universal and Sea World. With fairytale castles, Dr Suess and Shamu the killer whale putting the excitement into Florida holidays. But step away from the smiley happy atmosphere of the parks and you'll find a different vibe instantly.

The central hub of all the action is Orlando but as it covers such a large area you'll find mini-resorts aplenty. Lake Buena Vista, Kissimmee, International Drive to name but a few. A stay in one of these areas means you'll be perfectly placed for all of the attractions. But a half hour drive north and you'll come to the real Orlando, with its business district, history and plenty of great restaurants and bars.

Head west for a coastline blessed with golden beaches. Powder soft sands await you at St Petersburg, Clear Water and Tampa. Further south you'll find chic Naples and the Everglades National Park home to wildlife such as manatee and crocodile!

Dripping off the southernmost tip of Florida are the Keys, total heaven for the diving enthusiasts and those who love the laid back vibe. Kick off your shoes, slow yourself down and get ready to chill. In sharp contrast nearby Miami is party central. With its art deco heritage and Spanish influences you can be sure of an amazing time here.
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A trip to the east coast is a must for any summer holiday to Florida. The Atlantic seas bash dramatically against the shore. And with Fort Lauderdale, also known as Little Venice and the NASA Kennedy Space Centre you'll be spoilt for choice!

So are holidays in Florida all go? You bet. Pack your bag and book a last minute holiday to Florida, the state with everything! You wont regret it.

Holiday in Florida

Florida offers a multitude of holiday destinations, attractions and options for every traveller. You can build your vacation around action packed and exciting theme parks, beautiful Florida beaches, or the breathtaking diversity of wilderness attractions unique to Florida. Your Florida experience is endless in its possibilities. Everyone must discover exactly what Florida has to offer!

The Sunshine State, as it is well known, is America's most popular holiday destination thanks to its superb weather and the man made attractions that have turned some areas into giant playgrounds for the young at heart. In addition the Florida coastline is blessed with mile upon mile of fantastic beaches that attract sun-seekers from all over the united states and the world.
The subtropical climate ensures that temperatures are mild almost all year round with the summer months sometimes hitting the 90’s and beyond. Florida holidays in Orlando give you the huge Disney World theme park, which provides thrills and rides for children and big kids alike. Package holidays and cheap Florida flights are available from a wide range of retailers at any good travel agent.


Holidays in Florida also offer plenty of facilities for enjoying the warm surrounding waters, with scuba diving and fishing being the most popular pastimes for locals and visitors alike. The relaxed attitude of the locals ensures Florida holidays are a very laidback affair for everyone.