A Brit's Guide to Orlando - June/July 2008 Newsletter

CONTENTS

For June and July 2008

-Where Are We Now?

-Let Us Plan Your Holiday

-Monthly Feature – Toy Story Mania and The Simpsons rides

-Orlando Updates – Restaurant focus

-What’s New

-Our Favourite Things

-Our Reader Spot!

-Partner Spot

HELLO from Simon and Susan! Just to let you know, we are off on a series of new travels later this month (Alaska followed by Dallas and Fort Worth in Texas), hence we are putting together this bumper issue to cover both June AND July on this occasion, as we can’t guarantee our internet connection while we’re away. But don’t forget to check out our new Brit Guide 2009 Blog, which we intend to keep ticking over during the coming weeks. To keep properly up to date, just click this link: http://www.venesstravelmedia.com/id75.html.

Where are we now?

Living and working in Central Florida is one of our great joys and we make the most of it by visiting a variety of attractions and locations on a regular basis. We like to share some of our ‘discoveries’ with Brit Guide readers. So, for those who like a bit of a guessing game, can you work out where we are this month? Answer in the next Newsletter…………!

Where Were We Last Month?

Last month’s Where Are We Now picture was taken at North Shore Park in downtown St Petersburg on the fun Segway tours that depart from the Museum of History (Bayside Tours, or www.gyroglides.com).

Special congratulations to ATD Forums member catlady (with an honourable mention to Millie for spotting the general location) for getting the right answer on their General Chat discussion board. Join us there on www.attraction-tickets-direct.co.uk/forum if you’d like to join in this month! Look for a thread at the top of General Chat (it will be a Sticky) called Where are we now?

LET US HELP PLAN YOUR HOLIDAY

In conjunction with the 2008 Brit Guide to Orlando and Walt Disney World, our unique Itinerary Planner Service is just the job to help you get the very most out of your time in Central Florida. Susan will purpose design an itinerary tailored to your individual requirements for your Orlando holiday, including daily touring plans for the theme parks, shopping venues and Orlando attractions. For your own Itinerary Planner, visit http://www.askdaisy.net/orlando and let us do the planning for you!

Don’t forget: in partnership with Orlando Premium Outlets, every Brit Guide Itinerary Planner will include a voucher for a free Platinum V.I.P. Passport, filled with coupons offering extraordinary savings at many of the Outlets’ fine shops. Simply present your voucher at Orlando Premium Outlets Information Station (inside the food court) to receive the coupon book.

NOTE: Please do not contact Foulsham with Planner queries. Use the britsguideplanner@yahoo.com address only.

Monthly Feature

Toy Story Midway Mania and The Simpsons Ride

New attractions are like buses; you wait 6 months and then along come two at once. Well, two in two days, in fact. And they promise to add a whole new level of fun and excitement to the Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Universal Studios parks this summer.

The entrance plaza and queuing area for the new Toy Story ride (note the name!)

Starting with the first opening first, Toy Story Midway Mania is Disney’s newest ride, and it is a true family mirth-fest, with a fabulously interactive shoot-em-up element which is sure to have folks of all ages coming back for more. The name is a curiosity, though. We had been told in advance it would be Toy Story Mania (although it was initially billed as Midway Mania), and all the publicity material calls it that. But, check out the attraction itself and the name is clearly Toy Story Midway Mania. Apparently the two rides in both Orlando and Anaheim were to have different names, until someone in marketing decided if it was the same, they could have the same range of merchandise. Simple, huh?

But the basic idea is terrific. Entering the new Pixar Studios area of the park and guests are all shrunk to toy size, whereupon you enter the ride to find yourself in Andy’s bedroom (from the Toy Story films), where the toys have discover a box of midway games and set them up under Andy’s bed. So off you go through five different challenges, which come up on giant video screens. With the addition of 3-D glasses, the screens turn into vivid shooting ranges from you can see everything that your pull-action shooter fires. It might be eggs, baseballs, rings or arrows, but you can track them all the way to the targets, which are variously farmyard animals, plates, balloon sheep and the little green men. The games come fast and furious, but there are plenty of targets to keep everyone amused, some at the front, others further away, and some which pop up at different times.

More views of the (long!) queuing area before you reach the ride itself

It all encourages plenty of competition but keeps with the overall Toy Story characterisation really well, including a frantic finale with Woody and Bullseye that is eye-poppingly fast! There is also so much to look at and admire in the five different games, you will probably need to try it 2 or 3 times just to appreciate much of the clever detail and visual jokes. Each of the 5 games also includes what they call an ‘easter egg’, targets that trigger the appearance of bonus high-value targets and other changes in scene, so keep a sharp eye out for these to boost your score (we got around 90,000 first go, then gradually increased to around 150,000 after a couple of goes. The high score of the day, though, was well over 250,000).

BRIT TIP EXTRA!

It is worth going through the full queue area for Toy Story Midway Mania at least once as the FastPass queue by-passes much of the clever visual wizardry, including Mr Potato Head.

Finally, the queuing area is a real Disney work of art, full of wonderful imagination and whimsy; just the kind of detail and forethought we have come to expect of the Imagineers, but which we haven’t seen a lot of in some other recent examples (notably Crush’s Turtle Twister in Disneyland Paris and Monsters Inc Laugh Floor in the Magic Kingdom). The centerpiece is also a real gem, a large audio-animatronic Mr Potato Head, who acts as a fairground barker in getting the audience excited for the ride. It is the most complex animatronic ever built and boasts several hundred lines of dialogue, adding a real element of amusement to the queue line (and you can expect some serious queues this summer – make sure you take advantage of the FastPass opportunity here).

Toy Story Mania meet-and-greet character Mr Potato Head

Turning to the second of the two big new openings, The Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios has some similarities with Toy Story Mania (they are both extremely fast-paced and wildly imaginative with their visuals) but goes much, much further in the mirth stakes. In fact, it goes full throttle for your funny bone in some of the most amusing ways imaginable and you will probably be helpless with laughter at various points. And that’s before you have set foot on the ride!

We were fortunate to have a grandstand view of the big opening ceremony (complete with scores of guests in Marge Simpson wigs!) and managed a couple of goes on the ride itself in between all the hoopla.

Razzamatazz – The Simpsons Ride official opening ceremony

For those who remember the old Back To The Future ride here, the basic form of the building is the same, with a series of ramps leading up to the loading area. But every bit of the décor, styling and theming as been changed so it is a much more bright and vivid experience, bringing you through to the ride itself, where you are formed up into groups of 8 for each vehicle. The basic idea of this crazy ‘Krustyland’ theme park is that you are on a journey with the Simpsons on Krusty the Clown’s latest attraction, the Upsy-Downsy, Spins-Aroundsy High-Flying Teen-operated Thrilltacular! And, after some brief explanation in the ‘ready room,’ you are off on the wildest of simulator rides as the attraction – inevitably – gets hi-jacked and things go seriously awry. The dynamics of the ride are superb and the high-tech screening and audio systems are out of this world, providing an authentic experience in the company of the Simpsons which is borderline frenetic but totally laugh-out-loud funny.

BRIT TIP EXTRA!

To complete the Simpsons experience, make sure you visit the Kwik E-Mart to one side of the ride, where there is another welter of Springfield-related gags and visual gimmicks. You can even buy your own luminous Squishee drink outside at a kiosk!

Just on that first day, the queues built up substantially within half an hour of the official opening, so expect this to draw the biggest crowds of the summer in Universal Studios, too. Head here early in the day or expect to queue for an hour or more.

Another look at The Simpsons Ride’s ‘Krusty’ entrance!

Orlando Updates

Restaurant Review

We have been putting ourselves through some grueling work recently to check up on a number of new and recent restaurants (OK, so it’s not so grueling, but it’s very tough on our waistlines!). Here’s a quick look at some of the best we’ve seen.

Fairly standard on the outside – but much smarter on the inside

Village Tavern: brand new next to the Mall at Millenia (off the Conroy Rd exit of I-4) is this very stylish bar/restaurant. Don’t let the rather ordinary exterior put you off, as this is definitely a place for the smart set, with a great selection of beers, wines and cocktails (including an excellent organic Sangria) and a rather chic main dining room, split into three areas, an inglenook-type smaller area with tables and feature fireplace, an elegant central space, with mainly booths, and an end area suitable for larger groups. There is also a large, open display kitchen and a very warm, relaxed ambience that is designed to create a ‘local’ type of atmosphere.

From left, Bacon-wrapped Scallops, Black Cod, Short Ribs and Prosciutto & Cheese Ravioli

The great triumph here, though, is the menu, which offers a really wide range of choice and style, so you can chow down on something as simple as a burger or pizza (from $8.25-$950) or go more upmarket with a tempting array of steaks ($20.95-$27.95), a fresh fish selection (try the Black Cod with Acacia Honey for $22.95) and specialities like scallops, meatloaf, shrimp risotto and some heavenly short ribs ($13.95-$23.95), plus pasta, salads, sandwiches and excellent desserts. The wine selection is truly eye-opening (more than 100 bottled varieties, with half available by the glass and many by the half carafe). Happy Hour is from 4.30-6.30pm Mon-Fri and for the last hour of the day, 11pm-midnight (midnight-2am on Fridays). Oh, and check out their Wine-Down Wednesdays (5pm-midnight), with live music and a wide selection of wines at half-price, and Martini Night Thursdays, with martinis at just $5 in the bar and patio area (5pm-midnight).

The gorgeous interior of the Village Tavern

BRIT TIP EXTRA!

For a real taste sensation at the Village Tavern, try their speciality Braised Short Ribs. Simmered (seemingly forever) in red wine, with porcini mushrooms, tomatoes, rosemary and garlic, they have taken a very ordinary cut of meat and turned it into a rare delight. Look up more at www.villagetavern.com.

The Oceanaire: the newest restaurant at Pointe Orlando (on International Drive) is a true luxury journey into seafood splendour. With a genuinely relaxed 1930s classic cruise liner ambience, this is definitely a place for that special dinner or romantic engagement. From start to finish, expect a fine dining experience with some of the freshest shellfish and other seafood, all served up in expert fashion and with wonderful period background music. The restaurant features one of the most eye-catching lounge-bars, complete with huge shellfish counter, while the main dining room itself is split up into different areas with a mixture of booths and tables.

The wonderful Oceanaire lounge-bar area and Raw Bar

The menu is a veritable feast of all things seafoody (they do also offer steaks, chicken and pork chops, but it doesn’t make sense to us to try those when the fish and shellfish are so good) but changes on a daily basis according to what their buyers can bring in fresh. There is an impressive Oyster Bar (with around 11 different selections) and a signature Grand Shellfish Platter featuring chilled shrimp, crab, lobster, mussels and oysters which is quite stunning (Petite at $55 and Grande at $105). The daily fish selection comes in a choice of Simply Grilled or Broiled, or in a range of specialities like Cajun Dusted Key West Mahi-Mahi, ‘Black and Bleu’ Hawaiian Swordfish and Florida Mutton Snapper ‘Saltimbocca’ (prosciutto wrapped with sage butter sauce). Then there are cold water Atlantic lobsters, Florida Stone Crabs, Maine Lobster Thermidor, outstanding Chesapeake Bay Crab Cakes and a signature Cioppino (fish stew). Seasonally, you can also look out for squid, Alaskan King Crab, Italian anchovies and Icelandic Salmon. Combined with exquisite service (our Colombian waiter Alberto was an absolute delight) and a towering wine and cocktail list, plus a Captain’s List of fine champagnes, this is undoubtedly one of Orlando’s great dining experiences and a true seafood-lover’s delight. Look up more at www.theoceanaire.com.

BRIT TIP EXTRA!

Our personal recommendations for The Oceanaire include the Hawaiian Ahi Tuna appetiser, crispy fried calamari, Caribbean Red Grouper and ‘Black and Bleu’ Swordfish, as well as their James Bond Martinis!

LUMA on Park: head up to Winter Park (just north of downtown Orlando) and you find the boutique world of Park Avenue, where the latest restaurant sensation is right on the corner of Park and New England Avenues. Apart from being a great people-watching venue, this ‘gastropub,’ as it terms itself is highly versatile in offering either a lounge/bar, casual dining or full gourmet meal experience. It is most definitely a hangout for well-heeled local Winter Park crowd, with a young, fresh vibe that is great to pop into just for a drink (4pm-midnight) or a full meal (5.30-11pm). Chef Brendon McGlamery has created a really eye-catching selection that veers wildly from something as simple as a gourmet burger ($12) to Filet Mignon ($32). The full menu varies daily but can include items like Maine Diver Scallops, Colorado Lamb, Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast, Rock Shrimp Gnocchi and fresh pizza.

The main dining room and chic lounge-bar at LUMA on Park

Compared to the rest of tourist Orlando, this is a real contrast, a more contemporary urban venue for the chic and cheerful; you wouldn’t be surprised to find this in somewhere like happening South Beach or the smartest parts of New York or San Francisco. The lounge-bar is wonderfully avant-garde, offset as it is by the restaurant’s Wine Jewel Box, an amazing repository of their 190 varieties of wine, which can be served by the bottle, half-bottle, glass and many even by the half-glass (great for tasting quite a few per visit!). The dining room also features a signature Chef’s Table with full view of the kitchen area and personal consultations from the head chef of the day, which adds further to the more urbane appeal here. Menu-wise, we heartily enjoyed the ceviche and salad starters and the Ashley Farms Chicken and Maple Leaf Farms Duck main courses, both of which scored high for presentation as well as taste. The unusual ambience, part locals’ hang-out and part modern sophisticate, gives this a really different angle on the Orlando restaurant scene and is a natural partner to a visit to the Winter Park area. Look up more at www.lumaonpark.com.

LUMA’s amazing Crystal Wine Box – highly photogenic!

Seasons 52: OK this isn’t new (it recently celebrated its 5^th anniversary), but the upmarket restaurant chain that started in Orlando in 2003 and has gone on to develop another six locations throughout Florida and Atlanta, Georgia, has not been on our radar for a while, so we thought we would take our big restaurant up-date session to check it out again. And are we glad we did. Among the basic ideas of fresh, health-conscious ingredients served in a bright and sophisticated manner, we had forgotten what a refined and fashionable choice this is. Another stand-out highlight – the service. Our waiter was a real star, able to advise in great detail on the intracacies of a complex and thoughtful menu (which changes on a regular basis) as well as offer various different recommendations as we kept changing our minds, pulled first one way by the sound of something as enticing as Caramelized Sea Scallops and then the other by the equally mouthwatering-sounding Oak-Grilled Chicken Citron. The main courses also vary from as little as $11.95 to $27.50, so it need not be an expensive exercise, either, but whatever you do, save room for dessert and the restaurant’s signature ‘Mini Indulgences,’ a plate of nine shot-glass sized samples of such delights as Key Lime Pie, Mocha Macchiato, and German Chocolate Cake, meaning you can try several at a time. Absolute dessert delight! This is also the place to come for vegetarians, gluten-free diets and other allergies, as the chefs are keen to provide a wide range of possibilities. Or just pop in to experience the warm ambience of the lounge bar, with live music most nights, and a terrific wine list that includes more than 140 labels. Nothing on the menu is more than 475 calories but healthful cuisine has never been as tasty as this. Find out more at www.seasons52.com.

Contemporary and stylish – the wonderful Seasons 52

What’s New

Anyone in the Orlando area from September 25-28 this year should make a note of The World Wide Weekend, the latest Disney fan-orientated gathering from the excellent WDWCelebrations group (which we at the Brit Guide help to sponsor through our Veness Travel Media brand). Following hard on the heels of their Wild Decade event, celebrating the 10^th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom in April, this is a more ambitious 4-day event that will touch on all four of the Disney parks in the course of a major opportunity to see Disney World in a whole new way. The signature annual event will include:

* An exclusive experience with members of Walt Disney Imagineering and/or The Walt Disney Company

* A customised behind-the-scenes tour planned as an add-on for Thursday, September 25

* A group exclusive DiveQuest meet at The Seas with Nemo and Friends

* The ever-popular History Walk

* Group Rides, Photos and Meals; a hallmark of WDWCelebrations events

* And even more Special Surprises which they will reveal in due course!

This is also a fabulous way to meet like-minded Disney fans, exchange ideas and experiences, and participate in group events which have a terrific sense of fun and appreciation. We have been impressed with everything this group has put together to date, and will be very keen to support this particular gathering. Online registration is required, and you can look up more at www.wdwcelebrations.com.

The Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa has opened the excellent Reflections Spa-Salon. The elegant 9,000sq ft spa features 12 treatment beds, two private couple’s rooms, as well as separate lounges for men and women. Services include customised massage body therapies, phytoceane body treatments and wraps and hydrotherapy seahorse bath therapies. Look up more at reflectionsspaorlando.com or call 407 597 1695.

BRIT TIP EXTRA!

After a day of shopping at the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, head next door to the LBV Resort Village & Spa and seek out the superb range of treatments and pamperings at the wonderfully tranquil Reflections Spa. After spending a while on your feet, this is the ideal opportunity to kick back, relax and take a vacation from your holiday. Your body will certainly thank you for it!

SeaWorld Orlando has officially announced the development of Manta, a new roller coaster attraction that “transitions riders from air to sea.” Currently under construction in the heart of the park (with surprisingly little impact on the park’s regular operations), guests will experience underwater animal habitats, soar face-down in a horizontal position at nearly 60mph and come within inches of the ‘ocean’ (actually, a new man-made lagoon). Visitors can choose not to ride and instead experience the attraction itself, which provides floor-to-ceiling window views of more than 300 rays, including shark rays, spotted eagle rays and leopard rays. The Manta will open in summer 2009. Look up more at seaworld.com. SeaWorld has also unveiled its new entertainment features for the summer season. A lunch-time safari at Seafire Inn’s Wild Things invites visitors to view an on-stage collection of animals and multimedia presentation, all while enjoying a meal. The interactive experience takes place daily between noon and 4pm. This year’s SeaWorld AfterDark, a rock ’n roll-soaked night-time adventure, began on May 24 and runs through to September 21. Guests experience SeaWorld like never before with Shamu Rocks, a music-driven whale show; Bayside Ski Jam, a new sound-and-vision ski show; and park-wide DJs and fireworks.

The long-overdue re-opening of the Holiday Inn in the Walt Disney World Resort (which closed down after the damage from the hurricanes of 2004) is anticipated for February 2009. The refurbished hotel will feature 323 guest rooms and more than 11,000sq ft of flexible meeting and event space. Guest room amenities include 32” LCD wide-screen TVs, granite bath vanities, wireless and high-speed online connections and a daily newspaper. The property will also include the Atrium Restaurant and complimentary transport to the Disney parks. Look up more at holidayinn.com/hiwaltdisney.com or call 407 828 8888.

The topping-out ceremony for the new Waldorf-Astoria Orlando took place in May, with a superb preview of what is expected to be Orlando’s most luxurious hotel. Actually situated inside the Walt Disney World border, it is a completely separate development which will feature a sumptuous 490-room Waldorf-Astoria and a 1,000-room Hilton Hotel, all set within 482 immaculate and landscaped acres, featuring an absolute wealth of facilities and amenities. It is not due to open until September 2009, but you can see more on www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com.

Our Favourite Things

Chicken Zingers: We may have mentioned these in the past, but we just can’t get enough of these spicy little chicken appetisers, which are a speciality of the Orlando Ale House chain throughout the area.

BRIT TIP EXTRA!

Try the Orlando Ale House for more than just chicken zingers – they feature a huge range of beers and daily drink and menu specials. Our ‘local’ is at 12371 Winter Garden Vineland Road and it is great place to chill out or catch sport on their many TV screens. Find out more at www.millersalehouse.com.

Gatorland: since the completion of their new entrance plaza and gift shop in May (which replaced the old shop and offices burned down in the fire of November 2007), this is even more a worthwhile day out for a taste of the real Florida. Their latest residents are two tree porcupines (natives of South America), which are just so cute it is hard to believe.

Tampa Bay Brewing Co: this British-owned bar and restaurant in the Ybor City are of Tampa is well worth seeking out if you are in the area. With a pleasant outdoor patio in Centro Ybor (the main shopping and dining district) plus cool indoor seating, it is a micro-brewery serving up some great fresh-brewed beers plus a tempting menu, including great Crab Cakes, Salmon, Burgers and Pizza. Look up more at www.tampabaybrewingcompany.com.

Our Reader Spot!

The McConnell family from Blyth, Northumberland, recently took their first holiday to Orlando and found out why everyone who has been there calls it “magical.” When they returned home, David (who is sorting out a way to get his family back to the Sunshine State even as we speak!), shared the following story with us:

“In a holiday full of iconic moments and fantastic memories, I think the best moment I'll hold on to is standing watching the Wishes fireworks display at Magic Kingdom - I don’t mind admitting my wife and I both had tears in our eyes. Does it affect everybody like that?”

We can’t say for sure, David, but we do know no matter how many times we see it, we have a similar reaction. Funnily enough, when we hear about other families whose heartstrings have been pulled as they share such magical moments, that same misty feeling comes over us and we delight in knowing this special place brings so much joy to so many.

David, Heather, Melissa and Rebecca McConnell at Animal Kingdom

We want to hear from YOU! Tell us about the funniest things you have heard or seen in Orlando, or just your Florida experiences and likes/dislikes. Include details such as to what it was, where you heard/saw it and apx. age of person or persons involved (such as: 3 year old girl, group of teenagers, grown man, etc). We will select the best entries and use them in future Newsletters.

EVEN BETTER! Be our Reader Spot family! We love to hear from our readers, especially when they tell us about a special moment or a unique adventure they had. Submit a photo of your family in Orlando along with your story about a funny, surprising, touching or magical moment. Include first names and/or surname), month you visited and your home town (optional). We will select the best stories for future Newslettera.

Send your email to britsguide@yahoo.com

with the subject line: Brit’s Guide Newsletter story

Your entry constitutes permission to use your idea, your picture, and any names you provide, as a one-off addition to the newsletter only.

Our Partners

The huge effort which is the Brit Guide to Orlando and Walt Disney World is considerably helped by our Partnership deals, which not only assist our work directly but, more importantly, offer our readers added value to their holidays. Please use them – as we do – to save money, have a better time and take advantage of the proven experience they represent.

British Homes Group: If you have ever considered buying property in Florida, 2008 looks like being an ideal time to take a serious look as the housing market remains flat, which means it is the perfect situation in which to be a buyer. And there is added incentive to buy with the experienced British Homes Group – the only company we at the Brit Guide endorse – as they have an exclusive new offer at the moment in conjunction with Lennar Homes, one of the area’s longest-established builders. For, if you buy one of the luxurious new 4-bed Lennar townhomes at Paradise Palms or The Shire at West Haven, they are offering a 3-night/4-day trip to Orlando FREE on completion of the sale. You can see all the details on www.britishhomesgroup.com/lennar.php.

And don’t forget, if you are interested in renting a villa, BHG also has a villa referral programme with hundreds of villas throughout Central Florida. Only the most reputable, reliable companies are featured, assuring you of a quality villa rental experience. Once again, you can contact British Homes Group on 0800 096 5989 (free in the UK) or visit http://www.britishhomesgroup.com

Don’t forget our special Partner Deal with Alamo Rent A Car on the inside front cover of the Brit Guide. This unique offer gives our readers, and also our Newsletter readers, a 10% discount off regular rates for any car type, plus you can also enjoy free Additional Drivers on all rentals. Call (in the UK) 0870 400 4571 or book online at http://www.alamo.co.uk/brits . Tell the reservation agent you are a Brit Guide reader and quote contract identification: BRITS

AirTran Airways: Interested in seeing more of the United States while on holiday? AirTran Airways, one of America’s top low-cost carriers and our favourite domestic airline, is offering specially priced non-stop seasonal flights to various US locations, including New York, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, North Carolina and Virginia. See www.airtran.com for more!

An AirTran plane arrives at Orlando International Airport

Picture courtesy Terry Hanson Photography

Florida Dolphin Tours: Don’t forget all Brit Guide readers qualify for our special 12½% discount on all tours booked directly with Orlando’s premier excursion company. You can look them up online at www.floridadolphintours.com or call them in the US on 001 407 352 5151. Just remember to quote ‘Brit’s Guide’ at the time of booking for your discount.