Tourist Information

While staying in your Orlando vacation rental or vacation rentals why not visit the abundance of Florida  tourist attractions.

If it is a fun packed action child friendly holiday you’re after then the Disney area Orlando Florida is the ultimate place to visit whatever age you are whether your young or just young at heart Disney World offers you a magical holiday experience.

Orlando is teaming with unsurpassed theme park entertainment that is guaranteed to keep thrill seekers of all ages well and truly entertained. This is by no means the end of Florida ’s appeal it really does have something for everyone.

Besides the theme parks Florida Orlando has championship golf courses, shopping, and plenty of top quality restaurants. Even when the sun goes down the magic lives on in Disney town.

December 2011 calender

Triple Crown Dancesport Championship

General Information November 30th - December 4th 2011
This is our motto for the 40th anniversary of the Triple Crown Dancesport Events,"Expect the unexpected!!" Come join us and let us wine, dine and entertain you in the evenings after dancing all morning and afternoon.You deserve it!!!

Exciting Show by World Class Latin Dance Champions - "Vaidas & Jurga Skimelis" and American Smooth Finals & World Country Western Champions "Gary McIntyre & Susan Kirklin". ,on Friday & Saturday Evenings at The Renaissance Orlando Resort At SeaWorld! SOUTHEASTERN STATES DANCESPORT

Please note that we are now offering entries in the Proficiency category. In this category you will compete against a point system instead of other competitors. All levels can be entered as proficiency except multi-dance & scholarships. Please just write proficiency on the entry form. The points from proficiency categories will count as half of the value toward Top Awards including Top Teacher and Top Studio

Winter Wonderland

• December 02, 2011
• Location: Central Park, Downtown Winter Park
• Address: 251 S. Park Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789
• Time:5:15 pm
• Admission: Free
• Phone: 407-644-8281
Description:
Historic downtown Winter Park will transform into a winter wonderland during the annual tree lighting ceremony. There will be performances by children's choirs and family-friendly events. The ceremony is broadcast live on local television stations.

59th Annual Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade

• December 03, 2011
• Location: Downtown Winter Park
• Address: 251 S. Park Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789
• Time:9:00 am to 10:00 am
• Admission: Free
• Phone: 407-644-8281
Description: The 59th Annual Winter Park Christmas Parade is Central Florida's longest running Christmas parade. It features more than 100 bands, dance troupes, floats, local dignitaries and an appearance by Santa Claus.

Paul Simon - Dec 04, 2011 7:30 pm

When: Dec 04, 2011 7:30 pm
Where: UCF Arena - Orlando
UCF Arena Address: Bldg. 50 North Gemini Blvd. Orlando, FL 32816
Parking is available in Garage F, Garage D, Garage H, and lots D1 and D2. Please see Parking Map for more information. If you have any questions, please call the Box Office at (407) 823-6006.
Paul Simon will be live in concert at the UCF Arena on Sunday, December 4th at 7:30pm.
Tickets on sale Friday, October 21st at 10:00am!

FHSAA Football Finals

Description: The 2011 Florida High School Athletic Association Football Finals features eight state championship games to be played over two weekends at the Florida Citrus Bowl.
• December 09, 2011 - December 17, 2011
• Location: Florida Citrus Bowl
• Address: One Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando, FL 32805
• Time:1:00 pm and 7:00 pm on Dec. 9, 10, 16, 17
• Admission: $12
• Phone: 407-648-4900, ext. 15
• Friday & Saturday, Dec. 9 & 10, 2011
• 1A, 2A, 3A & 4A Games
Friday & Saturday, Dec. 16 & 17, 2011
• 5A, 6A, 7A & 8A Games
The Central Florida Sports Commission, the City of Orlando, Edgewater High School and Orange County Public Schools will serve as co-hosts for the 2011 FHSAA Football Finals. In this event's fifth year in Orlando, we hope to eclipse 2007's mark of more than 55,752 spectators (the second largest crowd in FHSAA history) and break the FHSAA record. The four-day event consists of eight state championship games to be played at the Florida Citrus Bowl. It is held over two weekends, with two games played on Friday and two games played on Saturday of both weekends. The dates for the 2011 football finals are Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17.

Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens with Pinewood Estate Holiday Home Tour

Bok Tower Gardens, a "must see Florida attraction" centrally located between Tampa and Orlando, is open every day of the year from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with last admission at 5 p.m. The Visitor Centre is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission tickets are good for one day only and do not include specially ticketed events. You can also become a member of Bok Tower Gardens and enjoy the beauty of the Gardens 365 days a year. Visit our Membership page for more information. Capture the holiday spirit when you tour the 20-room, Mediterranean-style mansion at Pinewood Estate during the Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens holiday home tour. See what's new and different when Central Florida designers transform the 1930s winter retreat into a glittering holiday showcase with this year's theme, "Picture Perfect." Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Open Christmas Eve (10 to 2 p.m.) and Christmas Day (1 to 5 p.m.). School field trips ( grades 3 - 8 ) with special activities just for kids will be available
Additional ticket required for holiday home tour. Tickets available for purchase starting on November
Bach Festival Society of Winter Park
Announcing the 2011-2012 Season
The Bach Festival Society of Winter Park is pleased to announce its 2011-2012 Season, and it's not just about Bach! Join us for a full season of diverse artists and repertoire-come to just one or two concerts or give yourself a monthly treat with our wide selection of great classical music.
The 77th Annual Bach Festival will be an All-Bach Festival with guest Dr. Christoph Wolff, Director of Leipzig's Bach Institute and today's premier international Bach scholar.
Get ready for a season 77 years in the making! Experience masterworks of the centuries and be moved by the power of music. Let the Bach Festival Society take you on a journey inspired by the greatest music talents of all time. View the 2011-2012 Brochure or purchase tickets online.

A Classic Christmas

December 10, 2011 | 7:30 pm
December 11, 2011 | 2:00 pm

This anticipated annual tradition features music arranged specifically for the Bach Choir and Orchestra, paired with selections from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite.

Choral Masterworks | Knowles Memorial Chapel. Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra Performance

For more information visit us on the web at www.BachFestivalFlorida.org or call 407.646.2182.

Breakfast or Brunch with Santa

• December 10, 2011
• Location: Central Florida Zoo
• Address: 3755 NW Hwy 17-92, Sanford, FL
• Time:9:00 AM and 11:00 AM
• Admission: Call for seating times, pricing and availability
• Phone: 407.323.4450 ext. 136
Meet Santa at Orlando's Central Florida Zoo for breakfast or brunch. After eating, everyone can enjoy creating special animal treats that zookeepers will feed the animals during a live demonstration.
First established as the Sanford Zoo in 1923 with a collection of donated animals held by the Sanford Fire Department. In 1941, the zoo was relocated to new facilities in downtown Sanford, on the site of the present City Hall.

The Zoo of today, opened its doors at its present site on July 4, 1975 and it continues to grow as Seminole County's premier recreational and educational attraction.

December 10, 2011
Breakfast (or brunch) with Santa!*
Breakfast 9:00 a.m. and Brunch 11:00 a.m.
Reservations required
Meet Santa at the Central Florida Zoo. There will be lots of fun holiday cheer and activities for the whole family. Share your holiday wishes with Santa and enjoy up-close animal encounters. After breakfast everyone can enjoy creating a special animal treat and then watch as the Zoo Keepers give the animals these special holiday gifts that were made. Call 407.323.4450 ext. 123 or email education@centralfloridazoo.org for more information.

                                                                             

New! The Santa Claus Express at the Central Florida Zoo!
All aboard the Santa Claus Express at the Central Florida Zoo! Join us for a special holiday book reading and meet some of Santa's animal friends. Enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, receive a special gift, and take a ride on the Zoo train with Santa himself!
Date: Saturday, December 17, 2011 Time: 1:30pm-2:30pm Cost: $15.00 per child (ages 3-12), $10.00 per adult, children 2 and under are $3.00 Reservations are required. Please call 407.323.4450 ext. 123 or email education@centralfloridazoo.org for more information. Seating is limited. Zoo admission not included.

My Morning Jacket with Delta Spirit

December 11, 2011; Location: Hard Rock Live Orlando
• Address: Universal Studios CityWalk - 6050 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819
• Time:8:00 pm

• Admission: $56.50 reserved, lower balcony; $51.50 reserved, upper balcony; $41.50 standing floor, general admission
• Phone: 407-351-5483
Description: "The new record, Circuital, is named after the title song," explains Jim James, of My Morning Jacket's sixth studio album. "On that song I sing about ending up in the same place where you started out. And that makes a lot of sense for this album... I hate the phrase ‘going back to our roots', but for this record we came home and made it in Kentucky. And it just felt a lot like it did when we were first starting out..."
My Morning Jacket formed at the tail-end of the 1990s, when Jim James' group Month Of Sundays folded, and he began recording new songs with ex-members of local rockers Winter Death Club. At Above The Cadillac Studios - in reality, a shed on the grounds of guitarist Johnny Quaid's grandparents' farm - the group took shape, drawing upon their rich knowledge of classic rock, country, soul.

Reptile and Exotic Animal Show

• December 17, 2011 - December 18, 2011
• Location: Central Florida Fairgrounds
• Address: 4603 W. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32808
• Time:10:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday; 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Sunday
• Admission: $10 adult; $5 ages 5 to 12; teachers and school employees get in free with a school ID or recent pay stub
• Description:
• A large mix of local and regional breeders and vendors offering reptiles, amphibians, other exotic animals, supplies and merchandise. For eight years, Repticon has been bringing great shows to Central Florida Fairground in Orlando. One of Repticon's original series of shows, the show has continued to grow until it is now one of the premiere shows in the industry and THE show to go to in Orlando. The show currently runs three times a year and has only bigger & better things in store for guests in the future, so stop by Repticon Orlando in 2011 and have some family-friendly reptile fun!

Please Note the regularly scheduled Repticon Orlando October show has been moved to December dates due to the Repticon FIRExpo being now held at the Twin Towers in Orlando

SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration

From--11/25/2011 - 12/31/2011

Waves of holiday spirit splash over you during SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration! Carols fill the air, a sparkling sea of trees lights up the water and skaters dance on ice. Here in our wintery, watery wonderland, you can journey to the North Pole on The Polar Express Experience, share a smile with a sea lion, and enjoy stunning live shows inspired by the natural world. With everything from elves to Elmo, and from Santa to Shamu, SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration is where holiday memories are made.

 

CHRISTMAS PARADE SCHEDULE AT DISNEYWORLD

From ---11/08/11 - 12/18/11

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade will feature costumes and floats themed to Family and Friends: A Winter Wonderland, Christmas Sweets, A North Pole Christmastime with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and Fairytale Christmastime.
This parade runs twice nightly at 8:15 pm and 10:30 pm. It is often easier to get a seat for the second parade.
Cinderella's Holiday Wish Stage Show
From---- 11/8/2011 - 1/3/2012
The "Cinderella's Holiday Wish Stage Show" will take place in front of the castle. Immediately following this performance, the 'Castle Dream Lights' will be lit featuring over 200,000 twinkling lights draped on the towers and turrets.

There will also be special holiday themed entertainment. Even the Cast Members join in the festivities with red and white scarves snugly wrapped around their necks and an extra big holiday smile waiting to greet you!

 

MEET SANTA CLAUS

Santa Claus will be meeting and greeting Magic Kingdom guests from 10:00am - 6:00pm at the Tour Guide Gardens next to City Hall

You can also visit Santa during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party until he's needed for his very important role in the parade.
While the 2011 schedule has not been released, Santa should be there starting December 1 (or earlier) through Christmas Eve

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

From----11/8/11 - 12/18/11
What happens when you combine one 30,000 pound, 65 foot tree, one 40 foot star, 5500 twinkling lights, 430 feet of garland, 325 ornaments, 275 feet of strung popcorn, 400 flickering candles, 135 candy canes, 100 gingerbread cookies and the Disney Characters? Why you have the perfect recipe for Christmas at the Magic Kingdom!

The spectacular tree seems to touch the sky. With delightful oversized toys displayed at it's base, it's an amazing sight. What's that? Is there a hint of gingerbread and cinnamon in the air? No detail is too small when Disney magic is being made.

 

Animal Kingdom

2011 PARADE SCHEDULE: 11/8/11 - 1/03/12
You can "DAK" The Halls at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. There's a special animal themed tree that's displayed outside the entrance. Once inside, you'll want to visit Camp Minnie-Mickey. Here you'll find trees trimmed with a delightful Disney character theme. Of course, a visit to the "Adirondacks" means that there will be a hint of frost in the air. Look for snow topped light poles that are bedecked with garland.
A visit to Santa takes on a new twist when you head to Santa Goofy's Wild Wonderland. Complete with red suit and white beard, Goofy is ready for a unique holiday picture. Live entertainers complete the festive mood found at the Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade - A lively music-filled holiday parade will be performed. Join Mickey and his Savannah friends as they as they celebrate the season safari style!

New Year's Eve 2011 at Universal CityWalk

• December 31, 2011
• Location: Universal CityWalk
• Address: 1000 Universal Studios Plaza, Orlando, FL 32819
• Time:TBD
• Admission: Call for admission prices
• Phone: 407-224-4233
• Description:
• Universal CityWalk, a 30-acre (121,406-square-meter) entertainment complex with themed restaurants, nightclubs and shops, hosts one of Orlando's hottest New Year's Eve parties. The evening features live performances by national acts, an expansive gourmet buffet, a champagne toast and live entertainment at its nightclubs, including the groove, an electrifying dance club; CityJazz, a hip jazz venue; Jimmy Buffett's Magaritaville and others.
• Buy Tickets

New Year's Eve at SeaWorld Orlando

• December 31, 2011
• Location: SeaWorld Orlando
• Address: 7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando, FL 32821
• Time:TBD
• Admission: Included in daily admission
• Phone: 407-363-2259
• Description:
• SeaWorld Orlando is throwing a big New Year's Eve party complete with live music and fireworks. Dance to the beat of a live DJ as the countdown to 2012 begins at The Waterfront, where guests can
also enjoy shopping, dining and entertainment venues. At the stroke of midnight, witness the Orlando sky radiate during a brilliant fireworks show that will light up the night.

Celebrate our connection to the sea, sea life and the world we share as we ring in the New Year, SeaWorld style. A spectacular musical celebration and bold fireworks display send a wave of welcome to the new year ahead.

New Year's Eve at the Walt Disney World Resort

• December 31, 2011
• Location: Walt Disney World Theme Parks
• Time:TBD
• Admission: Theme park events are included in regular park admission. Adults $82, children ages 3-9 $74, children ages 2 and under free.
• Phone: 407-824-4321
• Description:
• The parks come alive to say farewell to 2011. Epcot celebrates the New Year "around the world" with DJs and evening dance parties located throughout World Showcase and lasting late into the evening, as well as a special presentation of the "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth" lights, lasers and fireworks display. Disney's Hollywood Studios celebrates New Year's Eve not only with multiple presentations of "Fantasmic!" a spectacular of Disney movies and music, but also with a special "Lights! Camera! Happy New Year!" fireworks spectacular, as well as a DJ dance party around the Sorcerer Hat Stage. Magic Kingdom features special presentations of the "SpectroMagic" parade and multiple night time fireworks displays. "Holiday Wishes" lights up the sky early in the evening and guests who make it to midnight can see "Fantasy in the Sky" fireworks, which begin just before the New Year kicks off. 
 

Come discover the exciting new look of some of your favourite stores!

Orlando is home to 8 major shopping malls. From themed shopping boutiques to outlet malls and everything in between, makes Orlando area a shopper's mecca. We have compiled a list of some of the hottest shop till you drop places.
Altamonte Mall - has added 15 new stores this year to their outstanding line-up of specialty shops, department stores and restaurants, including the area's only Gap Body and Charlotte Russe.

Belz Festival Bay Mall -  Exciting 1,000,000-square-foot retail and entertainment centre with the finest one-of-a-kind-to-the-Orlando-market retailers! Join famous names like Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Cinemark Theaters, Vans Skatepark, Sheplers Western Wear, Steve & Barry's University Sportswear and Ron Jon Surf Shop.

Florida Mall  -  270 stores in one mall! Very popular with locals and tourist. Fabulous fashion. Exceptional eateries. Delightful diversions. That's what shoppers find at Orlando's fabulous fashion destination... Florida Mall. Conveniently located just minutes from Orlando International Airport, International Drive, Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal Studios, Florida Mall is on the corner of South Orange Blossom Trail and Sand Lake Road in Orlando, Florida.
 

Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores -   

Located just over a mile from Walt Disney World.
Your favourite designers and name brands at incredible savings every day, a delicious food court, and our exciting events make Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores a shopper's paradise.

Mall at Millenia - 150 of the world's finest stores, services and eateries providing visitors an unparalleled shopping experience. Central Florida's only Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale's anchor Mall at Millenia along with Macy's. Visitors will be tempted by an international collection of brand name stores, including Chanel, Gucci, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo, Jimmy Choo and Zara. Other tempting stores include, Tiffany & Co., Apple, Abercrombie & Fitch, Tommy Bahama's, Juicy Couture, Coach and David Yurman.
4200 Conroy Road
Orlando, FL 32839

Osceola Square Mall -  Enjoy Kissimmee's only enclosed mall with over 50 great specialty shops, movie theatres and food court. Features Beall's, Upton's, Eckert Drugs, Ross Dress for Less, Morrison's Cafeteria.
3831 W Irlo Bronson Mem. Hwy
Kissimmee, FL 34741

Oveido Marketplace -  Brand new mall with many brand name stores.
Located near Seminole towncenter mall.
Oveido Marketplace Store Directory
Orlando Premium Outlets - Stroll through their Mediterranean style village that offers a large collection of designer brands at great savings of 25% -65% off every day. 150 stores featuring AG Adriano Goldschmied, Barneys New York Outlet, Burberry, Coach, Diesel, Dior, Fendi, Frette, Giorgio Armani, Lucky Brand Jeans, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Salvatore Ferragamo and more.

Prime Designer Outlet Center  -  Save up to 65% off at more than 40 stores like Bass, Camille Studio, Geoffrey Beene, Guess Clearance, Izod, Maidenform, Cole-Haan, and Kitchen Collection. Dine at Texas De Brazil the new authentic Brazilian style steakhouse.

Prime Outlets International -  Welcome to Orlando's newest kingdom, devoted to shopping! With over 125 of the hottest brands including new additions like HUGO BOSS Factory Store, Tourneau, Tumi, White House|Black Market, Converse, Espirit, Gymboree Outlet, ClarksBostonian Outlet and Central Florida's only Neiman Marcus LAST CALL, as well as favorites like Coach Factory, Gap Outlet, Ann Taylor Factory Store, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike Factory Store and The Children's Place... imagine finding everything you need or want in one unbelievable location.

Seminole Towne Center - Discover the elegance of shopping at Seminole Towne Center. Delight in visiting your favorite stores, including Burdines, Dillard's, CPenney, Parisian and Sears. Find just what you are looking for when you explore the more than 120 specialty shops located throughout the mall.
220 Towne Center Circle
Sanford, FL 32771

Florida Tourist Attractions

With so many exciting things to do and see in Florida it would be a shame to miss anything from the dinner shows to. You are spoilt for choice. Here a just a few listed below.

Kennedy space centre.

Where astronaut heroes have left their mark. From NASA’s earliest manned missions to the cruise of today’s space shuttles. Here you can explore the history of America's space programmes. By nature, human beings are explorers. For thousands of years, we've pushed beyond our boundaries, broadening our minds and imaginations with each new discovery. That same spirit of exploration is the driving force for Kennedy Space Center.  Be sure to include the IMAX theatre when visiting where you can watch exciting large motion pictures and the rocket garden which is home to eight authentic rockets. After exhausting your self with the thrills of the centre you can relax on the soothing sands of cocoa beach which is only minutes away.

Daytona Beach

Sun sea and surf being the biggest attractions Daytona beach Florida has over 20miles of beautiful white sandy beaches which help make this the perfect place to relax after enjoying Orlando theme parks. Daytona Beach has a bounty of shops, food to suit every taste; nightlife and entertainment are in abundance. Daytona Beach is famous for its fast cars and attracts a large multitude of who enjoy the thrilling races at the international speedway. If it’s a beach escape or an adrenaline fix your after Daytona Beach fits the bill.

Golf

With plenty of Florida sunshine and very little rain the only trouble you should have is deciding where to play. Orlando Florida is home for big prize tournaments Champions Gate Golf is regarded as one of the top courses not only in Florida but all of the United States. View a variety of Orlando golf, golf courses, discount Orlando golf packages and golf resorts. Vacation travel in Florida's most popular golf travel destination and great hotel deals.  Orlando Golf.

Night Life in Orlando

It's New Year's Eve every night at Pleasure Island with fireworks, confetti cannons, live dancers and giant video screens.

Your admission tickets get you onto the 'island' then you're free to enjoy the various clubs and entertainment venues with no additional cover charges. Check listings to find out which band is being featured on the West End Stage - typically big names from the past who have still got what it takes! Enjoy the highly amusing Comedy Warehouse which takes an irreverent dig at the whole Disney experience.

Across the street is the equally entertaining Adventurer's Club with its eccentric residents and talking masks which engage you in conversation.  NightGuide Orlando brings you information that includes club locations for areas in and around Orlando.

Universal City Walk 

As popular with locals as it is with visitors, this 30-acre entertainment complex is Orlando's ideal destination for a night of family fun, a place to hang out with friends, or a romantic evening for couples. In addition to its nightclubs, restaurants, shops and cinemas, CityWalk is also host to a variety of concerts and special events throughout the year.

 Practice Makes Perfect!
St. Practice Day The 17th of Every Month
• Starting at 4pm $7 Cover
• FREE admission before 9pmJoin the party each month at Pat O'Brien's® as we get ready for the big day, one month at a time!
Live Entertainment
Traditional Irish food & drink available for purchase
$2 Draft Budweiser & Bud Light; 4pm-9pm
$7.95 Hurricanes®†† all night
Party Passes, Multi-Day Tickets and BounceBacks are accepted for admission

Hospitality Night Takes Over The City!
Thursday Nights 10pm-close Get a reward for working hard with specials throughout Universal CityWalk.Free admission and free parking†
Beer, cocktails, food, and non-alcoholic drink specials at almost every CityWalk® venue
Drink specials and ticket discounts at Universal Cineplex 20, an AMC Theatre®
Club-hop non-stop with live music and entertainment at all venues
Some venues require ages 21 or older, valid photo ID required
Industry ID or pay stub required for discounts

 

Additional Tourist Information

Find your villa and the Theme Parks, whatever you're looking for in Orlando it’s all here, community map.

For additional tourist information please visit Orlando Information. to squeeze in more fun in the sun!

 

Holiday Passport And Visa Information

From the January 12, 2009, all English travelers who want to go to the United States of America must
be approved by internet-based ESTA in advance to be entered.
Estauk.com is a website that received related information and applies ESTA for the English clients who want to enter the US for the various purposes such as traveling.

For Visa Information and applications please visit  ESTA.CO.UK

Who needs a visa?
Anyone who is not eligible to enter the United States visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), or is not exempt from the visa requirement. Please note: Travelers born in the United States and those who hold dual citizenship with the United States must enter and depart the United States on U.S. passports.

The following is the site where it explains about the new Program:- Embassy of the U.S London;

 
International travelers who are seeking to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program are now subject to enhanced security requirements. All eligible travelers who wish to travel under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for authorization using the following process:

 on-line  application:-