Discovery Cove’s Best Kept Secret

As I mentioned in my previous post, I truly believe Discovery Cove to be the best kept secret in Orlando.  However, within the walls of Discovery Cove there lies another well kept Orlando secret.  Imagine a place in which exotic birds and wildlife are so tame, they will literally eat from your hand.  This is exactly what you will experience at Discovery Coves jungle aviary.

As you wait for your dolphin encounter, make sure you allocate a portion of your day to exploring the three aviaries of Discovery Cove.  The aviary, spanning both land and water, is home to over 200 exotic birds representing 30 different species from all over the world that you can mingle with, touch, and feed.  As you enter the aviary there are trainers who provide you with various types of bird food and will happily answer any questions you may have about the wildlife that lives within the aviary.  Most of the birds have been hand-raised by these trainers and are so tame that they have no problem eating right out of your hand!  So, as you walk through the three aviaries of Discovery Cove be prepared for birds to unexpectedly land on your hands, arms, shoulders (and sometimes even your head)! 

As I pointed out above, the trainers will provide you with food as you enter the aviary with the specific type of food they give you determining which birds you will attract.  You can pick from grain pellets, fruit, or meal worms depending on what species you are interesting in seeing up close and personal.  If you are in to bird watching and want to test out your skills, make sure to pick up a laminated chart that identifies all the species in the aviary when you first walk in.

There is no time limit while visiting the aviary, so go slow and be sure to take in all that Discovery Cove’s three aviaries have to offer!  Discovery Cove was conveniently located only minutes from my Orlando vacation rental at Windsor Hills Resort and offered free, complimentary parking for all its guests. 

Jordan

Aquatica: SeaWorld’s Newest Water Park

On Friday, February 8, 2008, Aquatica (SeaWorld’s brand new water park), opened its doors to members of the Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau (OCCVB) and I was lucky enough to get an early glimpse of this one-of-a-kind water park.

I would classify myself as a seasoned water park enthusiast, having been to Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon countless times.  Because I am the General Manager of Global Resort Homes, I am fortunate enough that Disney allows me to visit each park (water parks included), free of charge, one time every year.  I have yet to visit Wet-n-Wild; however my children’s opinion is that it is not nearly as nice as Disney’s water parks, being smaller and not as clean.  They concluded that Wet-n-Wild was geared more towards an older crowd, looking for more intense and extreme rides.

My first impression of Aquatica was an overwhelming WOW!!  I love SeaWorld and would rank it as my favorite park in Orlando and one of the coolest things about Aquatica is that it has the SeaWorld feel.  Aquatica is painted in all the beautiful and tropical colors that SeaWorld is known for and you can’t help but feel like you are in the tropics with the festive calypso music in the background.

One of my initial observations was that Aquatica is huge.  Not the, “Oh my gosh we are going to have to walk for miles huge,” but the huge were there is something for all ages and for all tastes.  You can float down a river through an undersea world of colorful fish or tube slide in an enclosed tunnel through a lagoon filled with black and white Commerson dolphins.  You may be wondering, what is a Commerson dolphin?  If you are like me you have never heard, let alone seen, such a creature.  Commerson Dolphins are black and white, similar in color to that of Shamu, and absolutely stunning.  Remember, Aquatica is a part of SeaWorld and as such is abound with birds, fish, exotic animals, and plant life.

I also noticed that the park has extreme rides for those looking for an adrenaline rush in addition to white sandy beaches for those looking to relax, catch a snooze or soak in some Florida Sunshine.  Additionally, there are ample areas of spouts and play areas for guests with small children.  Aquatica also has a dual wave pool where you can choose to ride the huge waves or bob along serenely.  I did not have the chance to indulge in any food or beverages during my visit but am certain the refreshments will be outstanding – don’t forget that Aquatica/SeaWorld is owned by Anheuser Bush!

Aquatica opens to the public March 1st.  They will have some soft openings beforehand for SeaWorld employees and their friends/families.  Ticket prices are $38.95 for adults and $32.95 for children ages 3-9.  I received two free tickets at the OCCVB event so I will definitely be one of the first to enjoy the newest of water parks in the Orlando/Kissimmee area.  I’ll follow up with another review, but my initial impression is, DON’T miss out on visiting Aquatica during your next Orlando, Florida family vacation!

The Best Kept Secret in Orlando

Truly the most underrated park in the Orlando Area, Discovery Cove is a secluded dreamland that offers once in a life time experiences for all ages and demographics.  As you plan your vacation, be sure to allocate a day spent relaxing at one of the best kept secrets in Orlando! 

From the moment you walk into Discovery Cove you may begin to think that you have stepped into a tropical paradise.  Soft sand beaches, palm trees, lazy rivers, and coral reefs only further add to your confusion. Discovery Cove offers its guests a relaxing alternative to exhausting days spent at Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal Studios as well as several unique and rare experiences unparallel to anything I have personally experienced.  

Most notably, a day at Discovery Cove includes the chance to swim with dolphins!  Upon arrival, guests are assigned a time slot for their swim and are provided with wet suites, snorkeling gear, and sun screen.  While waiting for your face time with the dolphins, you can fill your day by floating down the lazy river, snorkeling in the coral reef among sting rays and  tropical fish, or visiting the bird actuary where it is not uncommon for rare and exotic birds to land on you arm (or head)!  

The admission to Discovery Cove is a flat fee and includes the dolphin swim, all food and drinks, wet suits, snorkeling gear, sunscreen, and parking as well as a free pass to SeaWorld and/or Bush Gardens good for the next seven days.  Best of all it offers you a vacation from your Orlando vacation and a day of unrivaled experiences set in a serene and tranquil environment. 

If you are looking for places to stay as you plan your vacation and day at Discovery Cove, consider looking into Orlando vacation homes as an affordable and luxury alternative to hotels.  Specifically worth mentioning is Windsor Palms Resort, conveniently located only minutes from SeaWorld, Disney World, Universal Studios, and of course, Discovery Cove.

Jordan

How to Select an Orlando Vacation Home or Condo Part 2

As a second installment to my post last week, I will now address the factors to consider when buying an Orlando Vacation Home to be used for enjoyment and long term stays. 

Use and Enjoyment

For some people their primary goal is simply to purchase an Orlando vacation home or condo to use and enjoy with their friends and family.  Their choices include golf resorts, beach properties, resort properties, etc.  If the primary goal is use and enjoyment, it will open the buyer up to a lot of additional options on properties.  However, some people that are buying for use and entertainment also want rental income to offset some of the ownership expenses.  If this is the case, the buyer needs to make sure they are in a community offering good rental potential.  If you are just buying something for yourself to use, obviously buy what you like! 

Long term properties

If the goal is to use the property for several months at a time or eventually live in it permanently, you are most likely going to want to avoid some properties that are primarily designed towards rental.  This may hurt your income potential with rentals, but will meet your long term objective and open up a lot of options on the purchase side.  If you are not going to utilize the property for longer term stays in the near future, another strategy would be to buy more for investment.  Then, when you are ready to use a property for a longer stay, sell the investment property and purchase a property that matches that particular objective.  The other option is to purchase where you want to be now while prices are low and let us help you obtain a long term tenant to cover some or all of your expenses.

Introducing Jordan…

My name is Russ Kraft and I have been the General Manager of Global Resort Homes for over 3 years now.  Global manages vacation homes in the best communities in Orlando and Kissimmee – Windsor Hills Resort, Windsor Palms Resort, Vista Cay Resort, Oakwater Resort, Glenbrook Resort and Cypress Point.

Being in the hospitality industry for over 12 years, I have personally managed both Vacation Homes and Hotels.  I do love the hotel industry but a hotel room is just that, a hotel room.  For example, if you’re traveling by yourself on business, a hotel room is a fine choice.  However, if you’re traveling to Orlando or Kissimmee for any length of time or with the family, there is no better choice than staying in one of our luxurious condos, spacious townhomes or single family pool homes.

Let me list just a few reasons why…fully furnished kitchens, which allow you to choose when to eat in and when to eat out, spacious living rooms with large screen TV’s, private screened in pools and spas for catching some Florida sun and ample bathrooms where everyone has there own space….Oh, and speaking of space, I almost forgot that everyone can have there own bedroom.  No more having to share a hotel room with 2 double beds and no privacy.  Remember, you’re on vacation and romance does not have to be just a wishful thought.  When the kids go to bed after a long day at the parks, don’t forget that the spa is just outside your master suite begging you to hop in.  Having room for everyone now that sounds like a vacation to me!

Okay, like I said, I am the General Manager so you might want another opinion, other then from the guy that runs the company.  So, Global asked Jordan Burnside to come visit Orlando and stay in one of our vacation homes.  All we want her to do is to write about her experiences and give us her opinion.  Jordan will not only write about her stay in a vacation home but she will write about her visit to some of the attractions in the Orlando and Kissimmee area.

I can’t wait to hear what she has to say…….

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