Giant Flamingo welcomes you to Tampa, FL

Florida 2025 – MPC & Time Zones

So Heathrow Airport decided that due to showers to the south of the airport that they were staggering the departing flights on 01/09/2025. The flight was completely boarded at least 45 minutes before the scheduled departure of 14:30. Heathrow didn’t allow VS129 to push back until 15:00 and then we waited in line for another half an hour before being allowed to take off.  Not … Continue reading Florida 2025 – MPC & Time Zones

Planning in Progress – 2025

After ticking off 49 states visited with only Hawaii to complete all 50 of America’s states I decided that 2025 will be a return visit to the Sunshine State of Florida. I found a deal with Virgin Holidays for early September that was too good to miss. Flights and a resort hotel in Celebration for just over £750! It was like getting the hotel or … Continue reading Planning in Progress – 2025

Remembering Lu the Hippo: A Homosassa Springs Legend

For visitors to Homosassa Springs on the West coast of Florida there was really sad news yesterday 09 June 2025 that the popular resident and obviously not a Manatee passed away. Lu the Hippo was 65 and recorded as the oldest surviving Hippo in North and South America.  Originally he was an animal actor and was living out his years in the very attractive Ellie … Continue reading Remembering Lu the Hippo: A Homosassa Springs Legend

WDW – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Having experienced the Christmas Parade at the Magic Kingdom in 1994 and the absolute enchantment on my little daughters faces as the last float came into view with all their favourite Disney Prince and Princesses waving and blowing kisses at the guests I know what a show Disney put on for their adoring fans.  Fast forward to 2024 and now there is a paid for … Continue reading WDW – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Walt Disney World – Raise Prices & Introduce a ‘Lightening Lane Premiere Pass’

Universal Studios Announce Opening Date For Epic Universe Cost of living crisis? What cost of living crisis? It seems that the powers that be at Walt Disney World are not aware of such things happening outside of the most magical place on earth.  If you are planning to visit any of the Florida parks in the near future you need to be aware of price … Continue reading Walt Disney World – Raise Prices & Introduce a ‘Lightening Lane Premiere Pass’

Magic Kingdom – Disney Villains’ Land Announced

Have you ever heard of D23? Formerly known as D23 Expo but now known as D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience. This is the Disney Fan experience and has been held bi-annually since 2009 in Anaheim – CA. It is akin to a Star Trek Convention for Disney Fans and ticket prices range from $79 to $2,999 for the die-hard fan complete package and access … Continue reading Magic Kingdom – Disney Villains’ Land Announced

Theme Park News – Universal Epic Universe

Exciting things are happening in Central Florida and Orlando with the construction of Universal’s Epic Universe due to open in 2025. This is going to be a completely separate Theme Park located about three miles from the rest of the Universal Studios Florida Resort. There will be shuttles provided between the parks but there won’t be any access from the main parking garage that currently … Continue reading Theme Park News – Universal Epic Universe

The Magic Kingdom – Country Bear Jamboree Re-opens

Having been in darkness for the previous 6 months a corner of the Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland is due to re-open on 17 July 2024. The popular Country Bear Jamboree has had a make over and is now called the Country Bear Musical Jamboree.  The well loved bear characters are singing interpretations of well known Disney songs including ‘A Whole New World’ from Aladdin and ‘The … Continue reading The Magic Kingdom – Country Bear Jamboree Re-opens

Disney Announce Date for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

The re-imagining of Splash Mountain at Disney World as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has an opening date for expectant fans. Disney reveal that 28 June is the big day and will be later in the year at Disneyland. Tiana is a recent Disney Princess and starred in the animated The Princess and the Frog film in 2009. The film is set in New Orleans of the … Continue reading Disney Announce Date for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Orlando Visitor Toll Pass – Save up to 80%

Toll FL Having enjoyed the freedom of the Illinois Tollway on my recent Road Trip  to visit Nebraska and North Dakota I was researching Central Florida for any of the latest attractions to write about but came across the joined up thinking of Toll FL instead. The issue in the past has been trying to avoid the horrendously greedy charges that rental car companies try … Continue reading Orlando Visitor Toll Pass – Save up to 80%