Florida Real Estate, Tourism and Immigration News

This is great news for European Visitors as the German Airline, Lufthansa have finally opened their new route between their main hub in Frankfurt to Orlando International Airport.

This route will be popular with German and other European tourists, it could also be used by UK residents who are looking for an alternative route to the direct flights from Gatwick to Orlando.

The route will be served by a Airbus 330-300 beginning October 30th, the 221 seat plan will accomodate passengers in comfort and style. The inaugaral flight leaves Orlando International Airport at 8.25pm and arrives local time at Frankfurt (UK +1) at 11.20am the following day and will be available five times a week.

This is definately exciting news for Central Florida Tourism!

Disney Year of a Million dreams was launched in October 2006 and has helped the company drive a large number of visitors to the parks. The Year of  Million Dreams has been such a sucess that Disney Executives are extending it through to the end of 2008.

So far 846,000 dreams have been awarded – including the selection of a family to stay in the Cinderella Suite in the Magic Kingdom Castle.

It is expected that they will reach 1 million dreams by the end of this month.  

Within the US, nationwide the state is number one on the list for travellers. A survey by Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown & Russel, a Central Florida travel marketing and research firm said that nearly a third of all leisure travellers are interested in visiting Florida sometime in the next 2 years – just beating California to the top spot!

It is thought that the usage of the internet as a planning tool has helped boost the figures, people now book flights and reserve hotel rooms online. Also with the theme parks in Central Florida there is more reason to visit!

Zagat Walt Disney World Insiders Guide was published on April 25th and is the latest amongst the crowd of Disney guidebooks.

It may be the first to base ratings on the opinions of thousands of frequent customers. Zagat polled customers about everything, hotels, rides, restaurants etc!
\
The survey polled 4,841 people by computer between Nov. 16th and Dec 3rd 2006. The average person surveyed had been to Disney World 36 times and 58% had annual or season passes.

Even though Disney World did not participate it is believed officials aren’t displeased.

Here are more findings:

However Expedition Everest at Disneys Animal Kingdom (See out previous blog post with photo’s) received the highest average rating by adults and the Wishes Spectacular fireworks show at Magic Kingdom got the highest from the Kids.
I in fact went to Epcot last weekend and found it amazing, the test track would be one of my favorites. Soarin’ is great, but only lasts 5 minutes, hardly worth the 70 minute wait (this is in the off season) however it is spectacular.

Epcot is also known for is ’11 countries’ which you can visit, these include, Morocco, America (which happened to be the biggest..of course!), Norway, Germany.. etc.. but of course GREAT BRITAIN!

The Great Britain area was very cute, it combined typical town homes you would find in London with the kind of cute chocolate box Cotsworlds town. (if you have been to Stow-on-the Wold you will know what I mean.. or even Winchester in Hampshire!) There are a couple of pubs, a fish and chip shop and a few quaint country stores. Very authentic.

All in all Disney represents as always a fun day out!