Florida Real Estate, Tourism and Immigration News

Guest staying in top flight hotels as well as you more ‘run of the mill’ luxury ‘chain hotel are expecting more for their buck nationwide. This trend is sure to effect Central Florida due to its thriving tourist industry and the number of chain hotels in residence…with many already offering such services!

The average guest is now looking for more than a bed for the night, they want to know after a hard days shopping and doing the sights that they can have a relaxing massage or perhaps a spot of Yoga?…perhaps this is a little too much activity? Maybe just stick with the brandy and indian head massage…

There are a whole range of spa treatments from massages to other holistic therapies including hydrology and aromatherapy…cool!

The Swan and Dolphin hotels at Disney World share a spa complex which includes a meditation garden and 13 treatment rooms! Gaylord Palms off International Drive and the Osceola parkway also has fabulous spa facilities. Keith Salwoski, spokesperson for Gaylord Palms said:

"Traditionally, Orlando hotels were a bit short on amenities because there was a feeling that most people would spend their time at theme parks during the day,"

This means that many of the older luxury hotels must move with the changing market.

Having only one week ago taken the plunge and embarked on Expedition Everest myself. – The mere thought of the experience sends shivers down my spine – This amazing ride is definitely not for the faint hearted – I prefer the more serene rides, the teacups, the dodgems at fairgrounds etc…not plunging at high speed from one of the highest points in Disney. With fake snow on the mountain top…what did this ride cost them? A decidedly cool $100 million.

However I must say, Disney have done a fantastic job of the ride, Mt. Everest Disney style does look like a real mountain in miniature. The ride is nestled in he heart of Animal Kingdom’s ‘Asia’ where you actually feel like you have stumbled across a village at the foot of the Himalayas. All in all the park itself is fantastic, you can wander around a realistic African village (realistically named Harembe) and go on a wild safari! (Which is immense fun for young and old..especially when things get rough as you chase poachers!)

Animal Kingdom, whilst it is Disney’s newest park, it good for a day out..there is even Rafiki’s lodge (the monkey guy from the Lion King) which you reach by an African style train, where there is a petting zoo for the kids with goats and cows. The Orlando Sentinel says today that the park attendance figures grew 8.6% to 8.91million visitors last year.. whist Epcot and Magic Kingdom saw growth of around 3%. The other parks however have had small decreased in numbers.

What does this mean… well asides from the obvious, leave early for Animal Kingdom and get fast passes (allowing you quick access to the ride at certain times)- I embarked on Everest at 2.30pm (I rode as a single rider, the wait time was 10mins, Vs. waiting 50mins if you want to ride with friends next to you) If you want a fast past to Everest, get it quick as at 2.30pm when I rode they were giving fast passes for 6.30pm!

All in all this demonstrates one of the great attractions that we have here in Orlando Florida, so if you are thinking about a holiday home here..then hop to it.. and contact us on 0800 096 5989 from the UK and 1-888-407-2748 from the US to help us help you find your dream home in the sun!