orlando area insider's guide january 2015
DESCRIPTION
Our quarterly Insider's Guide to the Orlando area for Allen Vacation Rental Homes. Edition January 2015TRANSCRIPT
ORLANDO AREA
INSIDER’S GUIDE
Nearby Beaches
Restaurants
Golf
Shopping
Nightlife
Dinner Shows
And Lots More!
October 2015
Orlando is the most visited destination in the United States. Visiting the Orlando
area can be fun and adventurous. With limited time, most families prioritize the
most important aspect of their vacation. This guide is designed to help you decide
on what is best for your family.
There is so much to see and do. This free guide will provide only a sampling of
things to do in the Orlando area and is provided to you from Tropical Paradise Villa
in the Emerald Island Resort and Sunset Palms Retreat in the Encantada Resort.
Major Theme Parks
Walt Disney World Parks
Magic Kingdom, Epcot,
Hollywood Studios, Ani-
mal Kingdom, Blizzard
Beach, Typhoon Lagoon
Lake Buena Vista, FL
Universal Studios Flori-
da & Universal’s Is-
lands of Adventure
6000 Universal Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32819
SeaWorld Parks
SeaWorld, Aquat-
ica, Discovery
Cove
Orlando, FL
Wet n Wild Water
Park, Orlando, FL
LEGOLAND, Winter
Haven FL
Busch Gardens, Tampa, FL
New Disney FastPass+ enhancement
“Now, not only can you reserve some of your must-do fun be-
fore you leave home, you can also add more during your visit.”
Here's how. Reserve up to three experiences before you arrive*.
Then, after your three selections have been used up, you can
make an additional "rolling" Disney FastPass+ selection at a Dis-
ney FastPass+ kiosk in the Park to use that day. And each time
you use your rolling Disney FastPass+ selection (or after it has
expired), you can select a new one.
You can even enjoy this new enhancement at more than one
park in a day. Just remember, while your rolling Disney
FastPass+ selections can be used at any one of our four Theme
Parks, they must be reserved at a kiosk in that park and are
subject to availability.
Here's an example...
You might plan to start your day at Epcot® and reserve your
three Disney FastPass+ Epcot® experiences from home. Then
once you've arrived and enjoyed all that fun (or your selected
time has expired), you can head over to Magic Kingdom® Park
in the afternoon, go to a Disney FastPass+ kiosk there and re-
serve another experience. And once you've done that experi-
ence, you can hit the kiosk and sign up for another. (Subject to
availability)"
*https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/plan/my-Disney-experience/?CMP=KNC-
WDW_FY15_DOM_NGE_SitelinkMDX|G|4151322.NG.AM.02.01
The latest on the FastPass+
Any park-goer can use the
FastPass + using My Disney ex-
perience website or app or com-
pleted at FP kiosks located
throughout the park
If you have advance tickets you
can start planning your experi-
ence 30 days in advance
Magic bands are mailed to park-
goers when purchased online, or
you can purchase them at the
parks for $12.95
Purchasing Tickets
Directly through Disney
Reputable dealer displaying
this logo
Here is a link to one we recom-
mend: http://www.villadirect.com/
orlando-attraction-tickets/
Concierge services at Encan-
tada and Emerald Island club-
house
Beware of the roadside “cheap
ticket” booths. While some of
them are legit, many are not. Au-
thorities have been working hard
to prosecute those who are
scams.
Disney’s FastPass+ Wristband
There are hundreds of apps for the Disney area. You can find apps for any subject, such
as planning your trip, navigating the parks, line times and many more This article will fo-
cus on free apps for the iPhone. (Sorry, I do not have an android device to test for you).
MY DISNEY EXPERIENCE
This app is owned by WDW and for the price (free) it is the most comprehensive app avail-
able. You do not need to be a WDW resort guest to use this app.
Features for the app include: Purchasing tickets, link-
ing party tickets together for the FastPass+ experi-
ence, and planning your FastPass+ up to 30 days in
advance. Also included is a wait times list, ability to
manage your dining experiences, and creating a wish
list of attractions to see.
FAMILY FINDER FOR WALT DISNEY WORLD
All members of your party need to download the app to their iPhones. Each
member is given a My Finder Id. Link the ids of all the members to your de-
vices and you will be able to see where each member is located. The app
will update every two minutes to avoid draining your battery. It works for an
eight mile radius of the parks.
WALT DISNEY WORLD TRIVIA
This app is for those who like trivia. The questions are timed and a high
score can be recorded. This app would be great for tweens, teens and
adults.
WDW MAGIC
I find this app to be most useful for the latest news, however
there are other components to the app. The most useful to me is to watch for
park closings and openings due to maximum visitor capacities. They also
keep up-to-date on rides closed for refurbishment. I also like the forum sec-
tion. Here you can find lots of information regarding all things Disney.
Do you have a favorite app? We would love to hear about it. Email us with your information to
We are beta testing a new online Welcome Package for our guests.
When you book with Allen Vacation Rental Homes, we provide
you with an interactive online Welcome Package that contains
a wealth of local and household information.
Features:
Direct link to Google maps- just type in your destination and
Google maps will automatically take you to and from the home
Links to area entertainment venues and theme parks
GPS addresses to local venues
Check-in and departure information
Helpful hints to keeping your family safe
Household and pool information
We can add information for you while you are on the go and it
updates immediately right to your device
Accessible from any mobile device or PC
If you prefer a PDF for printing, we can provide that too
TROPICAL PARADISE VILLA
New carpet in September
New side and cocktail tables for the great room
Added Disney themed elements to twin bedrooms
Added desk and chair to great room
Added ceiling fans to master and second master bedrooms
SUNSET PALMS RETREAT
New dining table and bar stools New chaise lounges and pads for the pool area Extensive pool work completed in November Had all floor tiles professionally cleaned and sealed
THE LATEST NEWS
2014 was an exciting year for us. We are approaching our first year anniversary in busi-
ness and we have enjoyed every moment. Here are some of our highlights:
Permitting has been approved for the resurfacing of Tropical Para-
dise Villa pool to take place in Spring of 2015
New enhanced features will be coming to our website! Stay tuned.
WHAT IS IN STORE FOR THE FUTURE Updated our website to prepare for a more user friendly
experience that will be coming in 2015
New interactive posters with QR codes for google maps
and local information will be hung in the homes.
Added online booking portal to our website.
RESTAURANTS
Fine Dining
Morton's Restaurant, Steakhouse, Dr. Philips Blvd,
Orlando $$$$
Brios, Italian, Millennia Mall $$
Rangetzu, Italian, 8400 International Dr., Orlando
$$$
Melting Pot, Swiss, Dr. Philips Blvd, Orlando $$$
Antonia’s, Spanish, 649 Front St, Celebration $$
Le Cog au Vin, French, 4800 South Orange Ave.,
Orlando $$$*
* not suitable for children
Fun Fact:
Did you know there are over 5000 restau-
rants, and more opening every day. If you ate
at a different restaurant for all of your meals
everyday, it would take you more than five
years to eat at every restaurant.
Family Restaurants
TGI Fridays Formosa Gardens Pla-
za, Kissimmee
Carrabba’s Formosa Gardens Pla-
za, Kissimmee
Outback Steakhouse Formosa Gar-
dens Plaza, Kissimmee
Ruby Tuesday’s 13145 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando
Rainforest Café, Downtown Disney,
Lake Buena Vista
Planet Hollywood, Downtown Dis-
ney, Lake Buena Vista
Tony Roma’s 8560 International
Dr., Orlando
Hard Rock Café 6050 Universal
Blvd., Orlando
Logan’s Roadhouse 5925 W. Irlo
Bronson Memorial Highway, Kis-
simmee
Our Family
Favorite
East Coast Beaches
Cocoa Beach, driving time:
about 1 hour, 5 minutes.
Daytona Beach, driving time:
about 1 hour, 7 minutes.
New Smyrna Beach, driving
time: about 1 hour, 8 minutes.
Canaveral National Seashore,
driving time: about 1 hour, 9
minutes.
Melbourne Beach , driving
time: about 1 hour, 24
minutes.
Gulf Coast Beaches
Treasure Island (Near St. Pe-
tersburg) driving time: 1 hour
57 minutes.
Clearwater Beach (Near Tam-
pa ) driving time: 1 hour, 59
minutes.
Fort De Soto Park (Near St.
Petersburg) driving time: 2
hours, 3 minutes.
Caladesi Island State Park
(Near Tampa ) driving time: 2
hours, 7 minutes.
Anna Maria Island (Near
Bradenton) driving time: 2
hours, 17 minutes.
NEARBY BEACHES
Cocoa Beach Pier
Clearwater Beach
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Kennedy Space Center https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/
Cirque du Solieil http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/lanouba/default.aspx
Gatorland http://www.gatorland.com/
Air Boat Tours http://www.bcairboats.com/
Balloon Flights http://www.orlandoballoonrides.com/
http://thompsonaire.com/
Wide World of Sports https://www.espnwwos.com/
iFly Orlando http://orlando.iflyworld.com/
Horse World Riding Stables http://horseworldstables.com/
P51 Stallion Flights Mustang flight ops
http://www.stallion51.com/p51-flight-
ops/p51-orientation-flights.shtml
Did You Know
Approximately 59
million travelers arrive
in the Orlando area
annually
For about 60% of the
travelers, the primary
reason to go to Orlan-
do is to go to the
theme parks
Magic Kingdom is the
most visited park,
followed by Epcot in
second place
The Orlando area
consists of three
counties equally 2538
sq. miles
The Orlando area is
split into seven re-
gions: Orlando
North, Orlando South,
Orlando Central, In-
ternational Drive,
Lake Buena Vista,
Kissimmee West,
Kissimmee East
There are an estimat-
ed 1.25 million alliga-
tors living in the state
of Florida. It is said
that every body of
water has at least
one alligator. It is
against Florida State
law to feed or catch
alligators and other
wildlife.
WHO WE ARE
We are the Allen Family and we live in the Northeast where the winters are long and cold. The warm Florida sun is a
great break for us. Our children love the theme parks, so Orlando was the ideal destination. We found ourselves travel-
ing to the Orlando area over and over again.
Over time we found that hotels did not meet our needs and we wished for more space and a kitchen to prepare home
meals. I have several dietary restrictions that make it extremely difficult to eat out. Our children were getting older and
wanted their own private space. Renting a vacation home was
the ideal solution.
In the fall of 2013 we purchased Sunset Palms Retreat as an
investment home for our family. This home is located in the gat-
ed Encantada resort about 5 miles from Disney. It is a four bed-
room, 3 bath, lakefront townhouse with a private screened-in
pool. We love the Encantada Resort because it is a tropical
oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the area. The resort
clubhouse has plenty of amenities to keep us active during our
stay (when we are not in the parks!).
Owning Sunset Palms Retreat worked out so well for us, in the
winter of 2014 we purchased Tropical Paradise Villa as our fu-
ture retirement home. This home is located in the exclusive
Emerald Island Resort. This single family home has four bed-
rooms, 2 baths, a game room and a private screened in pool
and is about 2 1/2 miles from Disney. This resort is a lot busier
and active than Encantada, yet we have our own space to relax
in.
These homes are special to us because we can relax by the pool after a long day at the parks, have family time togeth-
er, and also have plenty of space to spread out. Everyone gets their own bedroom and space. There is room if Grand-
ma and Grandpa want to come along, and we are so close to everything we need; shopping, restaurants, groceries,
theme parks, the beach, and more.
Golf Courses
Here is just a sample of area
golf courses. We list links to
many more in our Welcome
Package that you receive
when you book with us.
Celebration Golf Club
407-566-4653
Champions Gate Golf Club
888-588-9301
Disney courses
407-939-4653
Eagle Creek
866-324-5342
Orlando is home to over 170 courses that allow all skills of golfers to
enjoy the game. Because there are so many other activities for the
rest of the family, the golfer in the family can play without feeling guilty!
When my family and I trav-
eled to the UK last sum-
mer, we found links like
these to be very useful.
A USA Tourist site
Traffic signs and what they mean
Currency Exchange Converter
Nearby banks that will do curren-
cy exchange
Mercantile Bank 7801 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy Kissimmee, FL 34747 (407) 397-2771 TD Bank 3090 Formosa Gardens Blvd Kissimmee, FL 34747 (407) 396-0523
Voltage Adapters
If you bring any electrical appliance to the
USA, you may need an adaptor to fit the US
electrical receptacles. You may also need a
converter to change the voltage from 110 volts
to 220 volts.
A HELPFUL TRAVEL HINT
Many of the roads in the area
are toll and Florida has many
un-manned toll booths. Not all
rental cars provide the Sun
Pass Transponder.
Be prepared and have a few
dollars in quarters handy if you
do not have the Florida Sun
Pass.
I have seen countless times the
desperate traveler stuck at the
booth exiting the highway only
to find out they do not have
quarters.
FOR OUR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS
The Mall at Millennia
4200 Conroy Rd
Stores include: Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales,
Chanel, Tiffany, and many fine restaurants.
SHOPPING
Pointe Orlando
9101 international Drive
Pointe Orlando has a wide selec-
tion from designer clothing to toys
to gifts.
Premium Outlet Mall
8200 Vineland Avenue
and
5259 International Drive There are two outlet malls with many designer shops, such as Calvin Klein and Nike, at discounted prices. Seri-
Florida Mall
located at the intersection of Sand Lake Rd
and
S. Orange Blossom Trail
This is Central Florida’s largest mall and has
Saks, JC Penney, Dillard's, Nordstrom, and
lots of eateries. Be sure to stroll through the
Food Court before lunch for lots of samples.
Pleasure Island Downtown Disney
The Coolest Bar in Orlando has over 20 tons of ice sculpted into
tables, chairs and barstools. Cool off from the Florida sun for an
evening of chilling fun! Located at 8967 International Dr.,
Orlando, FL.
The best nightlife is found in Pleas-
ure Island at Downtown Disney
(soon to be called Disney Springs)
and at Universal Studios City Walk.
Choose from a variety of restaurants
and bars and music venues.
Universal Studios
City Walk Universal Studios
Medieval Times 4510 W. Vine Street
Kissimmee, FL
Capone’s 4740 W. Irlo Memorial Hwy
Kissimmee, FL
Sleuth’s Murder Mystery 8267 International Dr.
Orlando, FL
Pirates Dinner Adventure 6400 Carrier Dr.
Orlando FL
DINNER SHOWS
It’s Time To Play
“What’s my Villain?”
Who is the villain and what movie were they in?
1. "I think it's time to say goodbye to Prince A-boo-boo."
2. 'You get down there and find the big diamond, or you will never see that teddy again"
3. "How very clever. These beads....they give it just the right touch. Don't you think so, Drizella?"
4. "A most satisfying day."
5. Thirsty? Have a drink!"
6. "Aneee-ta-daahh-ling!"
Answers on back cover
Did you know....
That your little one can write to a favorite character and they will
receive an autographed picture in return? Here is the address:
An
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TROPICAL PARADISE VILLA AT EMERALD ISLAND
Four Bedroom, Two Bath Single Family
Home with a Private Pool and Game Room.
Located 2 1/2 miles from Disney. All Resort
Amenities are included.
http://www.tropicalparadisevilla.com
SUNSET PALMS RETREAT AT ENCANTADA RESORT
Four Bedroom, Three Bath, Lakefront
Townhome with a Private Pool. Located
5 miles from Disney. All Resort Amenities
are included.
http://www.sunsetpalmsretreat.com
We hope you have a
great vacation in the
Orlando area. See
you soon!
There have been several an-nouncements made as to new at-tractions coming to the Orlando area. We will keep you posted!
Spring 2015
I-Drive 360 will be Orlando’s newest
entertainment destination. Popular
attractions and establishments will
include the Orlando Eye, Madame
Tussauds, and Sea Life Orlando
Aquarium. No official word yet for
opening dates. The Skeleton Muse-
um of Osteology is slated to open
March 7th.
2016
Disney Springs (expansion of the
current Downtown Disney)
2017
AVATAR at Animal Kingdom. Here is
an article on the progress.
Contact Us
Allen Vacation Rental Homes
978=928-9154
9AM-9PM EST
Please leave a message
www.allenrentalhomes.com
www.tropicalparadisevilla.com
www.sunsetpalmsretreat.com
Be sure to visit us on social media for up
-to-date events in the area.
Have you visited the Orlando area
recently and want to share an ac-
tivity or restaurant?
Email us at
1. Jafar ; Aladdin
2. Madame Medusa; The Rescuers
3. Stepmother; Cinderella
4. Maleficent; Sleeping Beauty
5. Queen; Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
6. Cruella de vil- 101 Dalmatians