What's New (and what is hot!)

Elsewhere

Kennedy Space Center brings visitors one step closer to the real thing through The Shuttle Launch Experience, a fully immersive, one-of-a-kind attraction. Astronaut Charlie Bolden briefs ‘trainees’ on their mission (via plasma screen projections), packing 3 months worth of training into a few entertaining minutes. Sound, fog and lighting effects add to the big-screen experience as Charlie describes launch day, resulting in a surprisingly effective recreation of an actual shuttle launch viewing. Then, the Shuttle Bay doors open and ‘new recruits’ enter their Shuttle capsule. Once everyone is safely seated, Charlie reports in from ‘Mission Control’ and that’s when the real excitement starts! What follows is a highly thrilling ride, from super-charged lift-off, through teeth-rattling Max Q and Solid rocket Booster separation, then, suddenly, the peaceful transition during External Tank separation. Finally, the cargo bay doors open above you revealing a tranquil—and quite moving—view of Earth from Space. As you wind your way back to Earth along a serene spiral walkway, take special notice of the plaque commemorating every Shuttle launch since they began on April 12, 1981.

PRO SPOT: The Shuttle Launch Experience module is a custom-designed motion platform, created by NASA, park owners Delaware North and its consultants. It features an unprecedented range of motion, with each maneuver programmed to exacting standard. Much of the realistic sensation comes directly from your seat, which has rumblers and other effects to give you the feeling of speed, lift and a surprising few moments of ‘zero-gravity’.

And, of course, there is a smattering of the ‘something new’ factor right throughout central Florida, with an ever-changing vista of new shops, restaurants and small-scale attractions, from mini-golf to dinner shows.

Some of the biggest news to spring up in Orlando concerns a fantastic new attraction slated to open in late 2009.  Giant Wheel Corp. plans to build a 120 meter observation wheel, similar to the London Eye, as part of a projected International Drive resort complex. The wheel will feature 24 air-conditioned pods with a 960 person total capacity, allowing a 30 minute ride with a spectacular, one of a kind view over Central Florida.

Unicorp National Developments Inc announced construction on the The Square, a 350,000 square foot shopping and dining mecca, would begin shortly after the leveling of the Mercado on International Drive is complete. The Square will feature upscale dining such as Brazilian steakhouse Fogo De Chao, Truluck crab house, Ra Sushi, Rock Bottom restaurant and stylish nightclub, Martini Park.

Skull Kingdom closed permanently in 2007 and the wonderfully iconic skull-shaped building has been razed to the ground. But fright fans have not been left hanging. Terror In Orlando, located International Drive next to Wild Jacks, opened in summer 2007 debuting Mayhem Manor, the first of two Haunts (3-D Funhouse due to open in 2008). Traverse Dr. Morpheus Mayhem’s hideous labyrinth, where the mad doctor carried out unspeakable experiments designed to induce fear so intense it drove unsuspecting victims into cardiac arrest. Dr. Morpheus died of self-electrocution, leaving his grisly laboratory open to pubic inspection. Enter, if you dare!

Gatorland on South Orange Blossom Trail has recovered from a devastating fire in 2006 that claimed their gift shop and the park’s iconic ‘gator mouth’ entrance (which are both due to reopen in Summer 2008), adding a quarter-acre-plus extension to the park in 2007.  Gator Gully Splash Park is so much fun for under-12s you’ll be hard pressed to pull them away once they get their hands on the dueling water guns or find a spot under a giant, bobbing egret with a beak full of water. Run-through water play can be found under a nearby oversized jalopy that has sprung a leak from its radiator and tyres, Grandma’s Wet Shack randomly dumps bucket-loads down on unsuspecting youngsters and even the trees get in on the watery fun. It’s a delightful area for children and every bit as relaxing for parents, who can stake out a chair or picnic table in one of several covered areas, then sit back with a cold drink. Gator Gully is included in your park admission for a full day of entertainment away from the hectic pace.

Wet ‘n Wild water park on International Drive debuted another multi-million dollar, world-class water ride in June 2007. Two- and four-passenger raft slide Brain Wash lands firmly in ultra thrill ride territory, with a six storey climb leading to a 53ft vertical drop into a 65ft. domed funnel. Riders spin through pitch blackness, punctuated by special lighting effects, on a dizzying race to splash down. Hang on tight; this one is a real brain scrambler!

PRO SPOT: Orlando is known for its world-class entertainment and the area’s dinner shows do not disappoint.  Children gravitate toward Medieval Times, Arabian Nights and Pirates Dinner Adventure, with lots of hootin’ and hollerin’ for their ‘team’; Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede pits North against South in a patriotic rivalry the whole family will enjoy (the food isn’t bad, either!), and the teen-and-up crowd will appreciate the slightly macabre humor at Sleuth’s Mystery Dinner Theater, where your best Sherlock Holmes note-taking could win you a coveted Sleuth’s engraved coin. The addition of a dinner show to your holiday line up insures a complete and well-rounded sampling of the best Orlando has to offer.

Pirates Dinner Adventure on Carrier Drive opened a 3,000 square foot, 100 person capacity VIP lounge in 2007, adding an element of luxury to the pre-show area. VIP guests enjoy a special selection of appetisers, character meet and greets with photo opportunities, a full service bar (drinks not included in upgrade price) and early entrance to the main show area.

Fun Spot USA, located next to Old Town on Highway 192, (not to be confused with sister park Fun Spot Action Park on International Drive) brought extreme go-karting to Kissimmee in June 2007. Vort-X four storey kart track has banked turns that are steeper than those found at Daytona International Speedway, while multi-level Chaos has been dubbed ‘a chaotic track on steroids’. SkyCoaster, G-Force dragster, 6 NASCAR simulators, laser tag, bumper cars and 18 holes of race-themed indoor mini-golf round out the offerings. Parking and admission are free.

It’s hard to imagine Orlando without thinking of a dozen mini-golf locations, but Gator Golf and Adventure Park thought there was room for one more, and they were obviously right. Not only will you find 18 holes of miniature golf fun, but the whole thing is set against a backdrop of 300 live alligators (safely confined!) and there are live gator shows throughout the day, for an added fee.

A bit further off the beaten track, Dinosaur World in Plant City (just off I-4) has even more to keep the 3-10 year old crowd happy. 2007 saw the addition of Skeleton Garden exhibit, featuring six replica dinosaur skeletons (including a T-Rex skull!) and a paleontologist field worksite.
Scenic Lake Tours in Kissimmee have expanded, now offering a nature tour. Start with a two-hour scenic boat ride on Lake Tohopekaliga (say, ‘Toe-hoe-pick-AH-la-gah, or call it Lake Toho, as the locals do), then dock at Makinson’s Island for a stroll along the nature trail. Eagles, owls, armadillo, mountain goats, raccoons and wild pigs are among the wildlife you may spot during your nature walk.

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