Conference koolit::disney

Rep to  <<< Note 61.0 by FRICK::TRAVERS >>>

>                                 -< Seaworld >-
>    I know this isn't directly related to WDW, but most people visit
>    Seaworld when in Orlando.  If you are flying on Delta, keep your
>    boarding pass, bring it to Seaworld and get a $2.50 discount on
>    up to six people.

    What's this blasphemy in the Disney Notesfile? ;^)
    
    Actually  I  don't  mind  discussing other Orlando area Attractions (or
    Anaheim, California area attractions).  Topics  which are ok to discuss
    are; 
    
                how they compete with the Disney parks
                comparison of similar rides
                trying  to get the tourist $'s attention
                help on planning vacations, and what you should allow for
                etc.
    
    However if we start to discuss Seaworld  Trivia,  Save  the Whales then
    Len or I will set this note/nowrite.
    
    For more info  on  the  Orlando  Area and other attractions beside WDW,
    also refer to JPOIND::HOLIDAY_TRAVEL,  press  keypad  7  to add to your
    notebook.
    
    
    Claude

                                                         
    Claude or Len,
    
    	You might want to rename this topic to refer to any interesting
    side trip outside of WDW so for those that can do the traveling
    and have the time can round out their experience.
    	Personally, I'll have to put my vote in for Silver Springs located
    in Ocala. Ocala is located (guess) 60 miles or 1 hr. northwest of Orlando.
    It is a pleasant contrast to WDW, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, etc.   
    It's a theme park but the atmosphere is toned down a great deal
    from the other parks.
    	I always feel pumped up after going to WDW and find many times I
    need a vacation from a vacation. Silver Springs is a fairly quiet
    park and is built around one of the largest and clearest freshwater
    springs in the world. The immediate area and surrounding areas such
    as Ocala National Forest are extremely beautiful for my family and I.
    In the midst of scrub pine and sand are found these lush oasis and
    crystal clear springs. You can really relax here. My wife and I
    usually stop in the Ocala area first before heading to WDW and other 
    points or we finish our trip with it. Personally, we were both in
    our twenties when we last went but I feel that just about any age
    group will enjoy it. I don't have teenagers (yet) but they may find
    it too quiet; I'd chance it anyhow.
     	There is excitement here also: a jungle cruise with real animals,
    bird show, antique car museum (well maybe not that exciting), etc. and
    of course the glass bottom boat ride. Also across the street is a
    water park. If you'ld like to explore some more, there are hundreds
    of beautiful springs in central and northern Florida. One that is
    not too far from Silver Springs is Alexander Springs in the Ocala
    National Forest. It's probably one of the most beautiful swimming
    holes I've seen with a nice beach and great snorkeling.
     	I thought I'd mention it as I typically see Busch Gardens and
    Orlando attractions referred to. But for a slower change of pace
    and some incredible scenery, Silver Springs and the surrounding
    area is a nice place to spend some time. I don't know exact directions
    but it's easily reached from WDW; just look for Ocala on the map. There
    was a BEST WESTERN we stayed at on the same highway as the park
    (I-40?) and were very pleasant accomodations at the time.
    	Other noteworthy areas are Weeki Wachee (famous for their mermaids)
    and Homosassa Springs on the Gulf Coast. 
    	Although they're not as exciting as the major theme parks, I
    believe you'll appreciate your overall experience more and it will
    bring you a little closer to what Florida must have been like 100+
    years ago. Another nice thing is that it's an easy way to determine
    if you want to explore still more areas in Florida without expending
    too much effort the first time around. 
    	WDW is famous for their conservation measures including the
    7000+ acres of land they set aside as a preserve. Most don't get
    to see this. Seeing outlying areas such as Silver Springs gives
    you an idea just how beautiful this state really is, how delicate the
    ecology is and why it's so important to preserve it. 
    
    Happy exploring,
    
    	Jim Kearns
    

    Is there any transportation(buses?) available that can take a person
    from WDW to, for example, Sea World or Church Street Station and back?
    Or are rental car or taxi the only available options?
    
    Thanks, 
    
    Donna
    

    I, too, am curious as I'm staying on-property (no car rental) and
    would like to go to Church Street Station..
    
    I believe that CSS *does* appear to have a bus (ie. I've seen it
    hanging around the TTC).
    
    George
    

    Yea, the CSS bus came to our hotel in Lake Buena Vista but I don't
    know if it goes to WDW properties.
    
    Richard Bell

	When I inquired about transportation from Disney Hotels to
	off-site attractions, I was told that I'd have to take
	the bus into Lake Buena Vista to catch buses to other places.
        They even gave the price lists.

        I then totalled up the transportation charges which sometimes
        include the admission and decided to rent a car because it
        was about the same.  Then I could use the various discount
        coupons for admission into other parks.  Plus the kids liked
        it better if I drove around WDW instead of taking the buses.
	

    I wasn't really sure where to ask this questions, so move it if
    need be.  Can anyone tell me if there is a notes file pertaining
    to Florida?  I know there is one on Massachusetts and one on New
    Jersey, how about FLorida, and possible New York?
    
    

    According to Easynotes.lis, there is no  dedicated  FLorida conference,
    there a BMT::NEWYORK, but seems to deal  mostly with the Big Apple area
    and little with the Upstate region (based on my  researching for my vac
    next week)
    
    Claude

    Have a AAA member get you a Florida area guide.  It will list
    everything in the area.  Some suggestions:
    
    Boardwalk and Baseball
    Seaworld
    Cape Canaveral/Kennedy Space Center
    Bush Gardens

    re. .8
    A little late but try 2EASY::FLORIDA. It was started in November
    this year so there aren't many topics yet.
    
    dmm

  Does anyone know the status of UNIVERSAL STUDIOS in florida that is
  being built? is it done yet? can I go see it when I am in fla. or
  what?    Tim

    Rep to <<< Note 61.12 by VLSBOS::LECUYER >>>

    Last I heard was now May/June '90 for the opening.
    
    Claude

    Hopefully this note belongs here.....
    
     My parents, they live a short 75 minutes from WDW, told me that
    Boardwalk - Baseball city has shut down.  The immediate layoff of 600+
    people.  The new owners, the Busch corp, after purchasing it
    re-reviewed the books and decided to close the park until a
    re-organization could be put together.
    At this time the only facilities that are going to be used will be for
    spring training.  The K.C. Royals use the ball field in the spring and
    one of their minor league teams use it after that.
    
    Tony
    

    
    This article has been copied without permission from AAA World,
    March/April 1990 issue, page 22- TRAVEL: (any typos are mine)

    **********************************************************************
			A 'REEL-WORLD' Vacation

    Here's a sneak preview of coming attractions at Universal Studios
    Florida in June.

    If you're looking for an escapist vacation this year, how about
    Amityville, Mass.?  You remember Amityville--the seaside town stalked
    by the 24-foot  Great White in JAWS.  Or Hill Valley, Calif., Mary and
    Doc Brown's hometown in BACK TO THE FUTURE? You can choose past,
    present, and future there.  Perhaps you'd prefer someplace quiet and
    homey--like Eliot's suburban development from the movie E.T.?

    Later this spring, you can actually take part in these and other
    attractions from the "reel world" when Universal Studios Florida opens
    its new theme park in Orlando.  The 444-acre complex includes working
    production studios, a backlot (where you can see detailed sets like
    Coney Island, Rodeo Drive, and back streets from THE STING), and rides
    and shows based on hit movie shows.

    The theme park is scheduled to open with all of the attractions (except
    "Back to the Future") ready to roll.  As this issue of AAA World went
    to press, Universal officials were still being  closemouthed about
    certain details for the attractions. But we've outlined a little of
    what you can expect below.

    KONGFRONTATION:  The anticipation begins while you're still queuing up
    for this  ride; a WWOR news broadcast on TV screens along the line
    reports that King Kong has escaped and is on a rampage in Manhattan. 
    Then, you turn a corner to find yourself in New York City (actually, a
    frighteningly realistic sound stage); take a ride on the Roosevelt
    Island Tramway, and off in the distance, you see a 39-foot-tall ape
    hanging off the 59th Street Bridge, batting helicopters from the sky.
    Just when you think you've escaped the wrath of Kong, he cuts off your
    route, picks up your tram car (you can actually smell the bananas on
    his breath!), and hurls  you down on a drop more terrifying than any
    rollercoaster's.

    Later, you can see for yourself the terror on your face, because all
    the while, the cameras were rolling, capturing your "Kongfrontation" on
    film.  Universal officials avoid calling Kongfrontation and other
    attractions "rides" in the traditional sense.  "like the rest of the
    park, this is motion picture experience," says  Universal's Peter
    Alexander, a vice-president for planning and development. "We actually
    put you in the movie."

    E.T.'s ADVENTURE:  Climb aboard your dirt bike.  E.T. himself, sitting
    in basket, leads all those scientists, soldiers, and cops on a merry
    chase through the woods and over the rooftops.  The people pursuing you
    with the flashlights are audio-animatronic figures in real Jeep 4X4's;
    you elude them, soar over their roadblock, and take to the sky.  Of
    course, you'll see yourself framed against the  moon, with John
    Williams' score swelling in the background, just like Eliot in Steven
    Spielberg's classic.  (Spielberg served as consultant for the park.)
    E.T. guides you to his home, where you help him save his planet from
    destruction. By the end, through a little bit of movie magic, E.T.
    thanks you personally--by name.

    JAWS:  On your boat tour of Amityville Harbor, the villagers all seem
    relieved; they think they've captured the shark who's been preying in
    the waters off their beach.  But you know better--you've seen the
    movie.  Sure enough, you spot some signs that Jaws is still on the
    loose:  a sunken pontoon boat, with teddy bears and other debris
    floating ominously on the water.  The Great White stalks you, sinks his
    teeth into your boat, and drags you off on a terrifying ride.  Your
    skipper fends him off with an explosive-tipped harpoon--but nothing
    seems to stop this threeton monster.  You careen around the harbor to a
    unexpected climax that will leave you smiling, yet scared stiff.

    Also at Universal Studios Florida, you'll get to stalk Gozer and his
    spectral minions from the movie GHOSTBUSTERS, discover the secrets of
    movie make-up in a behind the scenes look at THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA,
    and even star in your own adventure flick (to prove tht you got top
    billing, you can take home a videotape of your debut).

    A one-day pass to Universal Studios Florida costs $30.74 for adults,
    $24.38 for kids 3-11; tots under two are free.  AAA members get a 10
    percent discount by showing their AAA card.

    Has anyone heard when Grand Opening of Universal Studios is.  I have
    the opportunity to visit WDW in April or May.  The opening of U.S.
    might sway my opinion...
    
    Thanks,
    Judy

    I called the Orlando Tourist Information Center last week requesting
    a copy of their DISCOVER ORLANDO guidebook. While I was on the phone
    I asked about Universal. The woman told me they expected it to open
    sometime mid to late May. I will be there May 17-21, so I have my
    fingers crossed.
    
    Linda

    I heard that it was pushed to June. I suggest you shhot for late May or
    early June to play it safe.
    
    Mike

    According to my 26-FEB-1990 Amusement Business, page 30 has a story
    about the opening of Universal Studios.  
    
    "Originally scheduled to open May 1, the "ticketed" theme park portion
    of the 444-acre, $600 Million complex has been push back to Juny
    or July."
    
    "The television and movie production side of the facility has been
    in operation and has a busy schedule ahead for 1990."
    
    "Gate price has been established at $29 ($30.74 with tax) for adult
    admissin, $23 (24.38 with tax) for children three to 11.  Two-day
    tickets are available at $49($51.94) and $39($41.34).  Annual passes
    will be going for $85($90.10) and $67.50($71.55)."
    

    Hope this helps for what it's worth.
    
    Joel

    Joel,
    
    Sounds like they are now targeting somewhere between June 15 to July
    15. I'm sure they don't want to push it out any further because they
    will lose mucho $$$$$. Heck, they'll lose some money in May and June.
    
    Two-day passes? Is US going to be that big?
    
    Yestrday I asked Personnel if they had any discount coupons for US.
    They asked me for an adress or phone number so they could work on it
    right away. If anyone gets either please post it here.
    
    Mike

    Note: AAA members get a 10% discount off the price of admission to
          Universal Studios.
    
    Mike

    How much time should be planned for seaworld?  Is it the sort of thing
    you could visit in the late afternoon (4:00 or 5:00), spending just a
    few hours, and be satisfied that you've seen enough?  And, what sorts
    of things could you do at seaworld (with three toddlers) in these few
    hours?
    
    [My family & I arrive in orlando at 2:00 pm.  By the time we get the
    rental car, check into Fort Wilderness, and get to Seaworld, it should
    be about 4:30/5:00.  Thought that this would be a good way to start the
    vacation.....if it's feasible.]
    
    Thanks

  Seaworld is too big to do justice to in an evening. With three tired 
  toddlers you would be better advised to take it easy on your first night. 
  Take them to the petting farm or have a ride on the monorail.
  
  Robin from Warrington

    I visited Sea World in California if thats a fair comparison with
    FLA, & we didn't see half of the park in a whole day. We had 2 
    toddlers along who enjoyed the lot.
    
    Richard

    I think Gatorland Zoo in Kissimmee is a great way to spend several
    hours and the kids will love it.

    We went to Gatorland last year and found that it was'nt a suitable
    place for children. The were feeding live mice to some of the caged
    animals in the view of the public, this upset quite a few of the
    children there. The smell was atrocious. For an attraction in the
    Orlando area it appeared to be very run down and in severe need
    of a lick of paint.
    
    C.L.

    IMO you would be better spending the afternoon exploring FW, and 
    scheduling a full day at Sea World. My kids (5 and 9) were totally 
    captivated during our 'fish' day (9am to 6pm), and there were 
    still some bits we didn't get to see.
    
    Within FW, there are many low key things to attract toddlers. Ride 
    around on the trams, and listen to the drivers spieling out the 
    Loop numbers with commentaries. Visit the pools (sorry, Swimmin 
    Holes!) and let them wander round, find the themed climbing frames 
    (Chuck Wagons, Mini Fort, Teepees etc.), visit the Trading Posts 
    (one in the middle of the site, and one past Pioneer Hall towards 
    the Ferry Dock), visit the Petting Farm, and watch the Blacksmith 
    if he's working. Wander quietly through the woods looking for 
    wildlife (Squirrels, racoons, rabbits and the occasional 
    armadillo). If they can stay awake that long, go up for the 
    campfire singaround and Disney movie (personal attention from 
    Chip'n'Dale!). I think my kids could have happily spent the two 
    weeks without leaving FW if we hadn't been constantly driving to 
    fit in as much of the other attractions as possible!
    
    I also agree with the comments about Gatorland, it was sleazy and 
    run down. There was a sort of gory fascination about 'gators, cos 
    we don't have any in Manchester even with all our rain!, but the 
    rest of the exhibits were unimpressive.
    
    Stick with FW, and as your children begin to show signs of 
    tiredness and irritability, you only have a short journey back to 
    the trailer, sit them in front of the Disney channel or the 
    internal information channel while you make supper, and early to 
    bed to charge up the batteries ready for the heavy demands of the 
    following days.
    
    Mike in the UK (Driving the travel companies bananas, working the 
    best combinations of CBR and FW for summer '91)

    
    
    I was at disney on JULY 4, 1990 middle of main street for the fireworks
    (Biggest crowd of the year but the best fireworks in the nation) But
    I'm ramblimg. I read in the Orlando news that the Earth quake and
    the ride with King Kong weren't open yet at Universal...
    
    
                     -=-=-R~C-=-=-

    
    
    I plan on going to WDW around xmas to use up the last day on a pass
    I bought in july. I want to go to miami and take one of those day
    cruises to the bahamas while down there. Does anyone know the phone#
    of the cruise ship booking agents or Travel agent that Can help me.
    
                       -=-=-R~C-=-=-

Check the following conferences for more information:

	TALLIS::FLORIDA
	PULSAR::CRUISE_TRAVEL
	COMCAD::HOLIDAY_TRAVEL

    Well folks it looks like we might have another park in Orlando soon!!
    Take from the Orlando Sentinel:
    
               YOGI CONTEMPLATES OPENING "TM" PARK
    
    Even for Central Florida, home to Mickey Mouse, killer whales and
    Kongfrontation, its a bit out of the ordinary - a theme park in which
    magic is combined with Transcendental Meditation.
    
    Indian spiritual leader Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is teaming up with world-
    renowned magician Doug Henning to create a $1 billion attraction that
    could open as early as 1993.  Henning, the creative force behind the
    project said Monday.
    
    The Maharishi, the guru credited with spreading the Transcendental
    Meditation, or TM, worldwide, overseas a spiritual conglomerate with
    assets worth an estimated $3 billion and is pursuing development of
    magic theme parks around the world.
    
    Henning said he has known the Maharishi since 1976 when he met him
    in New York.
    
    "I was practicing TM," Henning said.  "I was a satisfied customer.
    The Maharishi had a lot of marvelous ideas for a magical theme park
    that could emphasize man's harmony with nature."
    
    Park features are to include: a building apparently suspended above
    water without supports, a "magic flying chariot" that takes riders
    inside the molecular structure of a rose, robots flying through the
    air performing magic tricks, and a ride over a rainbow seemingly
    constructed only of mist and colors.
    
    Henning said the themes of the attraction will be knowledged,
    enlightenment and entertainment.
    
    The park, proposed for 450 acres near Walt Disney World in north
    Osceola County not only will be magical but will introduce new illusion
    systems and entertainment technology never seen before.  Henning said
    in a telphone interview from the Netherlands.
    
    Earlier this year, plans for a magic park were revealed as the backers
    sought government approvals, but details were sketchy.
    
    The first phase is expected to cost $700 million to $800 million,
    according to projections.  A 500 room hotel and commerical space are
    planned for later development.  Full development will cost up to $1
    billion.
    
    Similar parks are planned for the Netherlands, Brazil, Canada and
    Japan.
    
    The Central Florida park, which is expected to be the flagship, will
    include elements of TM, with one exhibit labeled "the seven steps to
    enlightenment".
    
    All of the parks will be called Vedaland.  Veda is an Eastern term
    meaning knowledge, Henning said.
    
    Maharishi Vedaland International has been set up to pursue the theme
    park development.  Henning is president and creative director of the
    corporation, which has paid the substantial costs involved in the local
    project so far.
    
    The 450 acres planned for the park was purchased earlier this year for
    $20 million cash.
    
    A table-sized, light model of the park shows heavy landscaping,
    ponds, lakes, and buildings with eastern style architecture.  A
    monorail loops the outside parameters of the park.
    
    Henning would not discuss the park in much detail, saying the designers
    must zealously guard the secrets involved to prevent copycar
    competition.
    
    Fifteen new "patentable technologies" have been developed for use
    in the park, he said.
    
    

    I've been meaning to put this information in this note for a long time.
    
    One of the non-WDW side trips we did last Summer was attend a Medieval
    Times Show.
    
    Medieval Times is located in Kissimee and it's about 10-15 minutes from 
    the CBR (depending upon how fast you drive).
    
    We did the combo on the night we went. First we strolled through the
    village known as "Medieval Life". This village was brought over from
    Europe and reconstructed to depict how life was back in those days.
    
    As you walk through the buildings there are people who are dressed in
    garb from those times. They talk to you and describe what they do and
    answer questions you may have.
    
    WE visited Smiths, carpenters, glassblowers, loom weavers, and even
    talked with someone who trains falcons for the show.
    
    My son and I enjoyed the Chamber of Horror the best. It was actually a
    torture chamber which contained devices used by the law enforcement
    people back in those days. Pretty impressive.
    
    The show you attend is pretty entertaining. First you enter the castle
    and you are personally greeted by the King. YOu have your picture
    taking with the King (because they want to charge you for it later).
    
    You wait in a great hall to be called to your table where you are
    served by your "wench". We received complimentary wine in our goblets.
    
    The food was nothing to writwe home about. A veggie (potato), some kind
    of chicken, soup, and a "desert of the castle". It was the lightest
    meal of all the meals I had in Orlando.
    
    Oh yeah, no utensils.
    
    Of course my wife had to embarras me by having the King's right hand
    man announce my birthday over the P.A. system. Yes dear, I'll get you
    for that.
    
    The show is made up of 6 or 8 (don't remember) knights who ride in
    their respective colors.
    
    Each section of the stands represents a color and you cheer for your
    knight. The knights would compete in contests of skill and
    marksmanship.
    
    They through spears, jousted, and did all sorts of things on horseback.
    
    At the end of each contest the highest scoring knight would receive
    carnations from the Queen. The knight would then go over to his
    section, kiss the carnations, and toss them up to a pretty damsel.
    
    The second half of the show got nasty as the knights squared off and
    one by one would engage in combat. It was at this time that we figured
    out who were the good knights and who were the bad ones.
    
    Our knight fared well for a time until he caught a sword in the back.
    It was up to his buddy the black knight (who was a good guy) to defeat
    the green knight (described as the lowest of scoundrels when
    introduced).
    
    Alas, the green knight won to our dismay and went over to his section
    to accept victory. It figured...his section was made up of the 50
    million Brazillians we thought we had left at WDW.
    
    Afterwards all the knights took bows and we all left The Great Hall.
    
    If I remember correctly there are 3 shows nightly...5:00, 7:30, and
    9:30.
    
    They do not allow videotaping of their shows....they want you to buy
    the tape.
    
    The combo ticket cost about $25-$35 per person. I would probably do it
    again. It's a good break from Disney if you need it.
    
    Mike

New Exhibit at Sea World
-------------------------

Reprinted without Permission from the Orlando Sentinel, April 25, 1991.

What:  Terrors of the Deep
Where: Sea World of Florida, Orlando
Opening Date:  Early June
Location: Near Sea Lion and Otter Stadium
Facts and Figures:  15,000 square foot building on a 
1-acres site.  Multimillion dollar exhibit features
eels, venomous and poisonous fish, sharks, and
barracuda living in the man-made coral reefs.  Visitors 
will walk through a 60-foot long acrylic tunnel through
a saltwater aquarium holding more than 1,000 eels.

Theme Park to display sea terrors
---------------------------------

More than 1,000 eels as well as toothy barracuda, sharks, 
and predatory poisonous fish will be the stars at Sea
World of Florida when the marine park opens a multi-million dollar
exhibit in early June, park officials said Wednesday.

Sea World president Bill Davis promises that the new exhibit, "Terrors of the 
Deep" will put visitors "face to face with some of the most feared 
creatures" in the animal kingdom.  

One of the exibit's most spectacular displays will give visiotrs an underwater
view of a 130,000-gallon saltwater aquarium as they walk through one of the 
world's largest acrylic tubes.  The tank will be stocked with more than 1,000
eels undulating through a coralreef environment.

"It'll be as close as we can get you to a coral reef without getting you wet",
Davis said.

Sea World officials would not disclose the cost of the exhibit, which represents
Anheuser-Busch Cos.' largest expenditure for any Sea World Park.

The brewing company, based in St. Louis, bought four Sea World parks and Cypress
Gardens in Winter Haven from Orlando publisher Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Inc.
in 1989.

Terrors of the Deep incorporates a longstanding Sea World exhibit known as 
Shark Encounter, which has been refurbished and has a new preshow film.  In 
that section, visitors are transported along a moving sidewalk through an 
acrylic tube outside which 36 sharks swim.

Frank Murru, Sea World's vice president and general curator, said the eel tank
initially will have 1,000 of the creatures -- some as long as seven feet --
but has room for 2,000.

"We want them to have babies", Davis said.

Sea World purchased some of the eels, and others were caught in Florida's 
waters and along the Eastern Seaboard, Murru said.

The exhibit will include an aquarium, viewed through a concave acrylic surface,
displaying more than 300 venomous stone fish and lion fish.  Other tanks
will hold barracuda, and still others will contain puffer fish, also known
as blowfish, and the surgeon fish, whose spine is sharp as a scalpel, Murru 
said.

In other news for park visitors, Sea World said that beginning about May 15, 
it will begin to charge $3.00 for parking -- the first time it has collected
such a fee.  Visiotrs will be routed to parking booths off Central Florida
Parkway on the park's southwest side.

    That's great....now I have an excuse to go back to Sea World next year.
    
    I was impressed with "Shark Encounter" so "Terrors of the Deep" should
    be pretty good.
    
    Mike

    Has anyone visited Fort Liberty? 

    re: .35, .36
    
    Folks who are headed down to Orlando and are planning a side trip to
    Sea World should be interested to know that a new flight-simulator-
    style ride is being added to the park.  It's called "Mission: Bermuda
    Triangle" and sounds pretty self-explanatory.  You're in a sub this
    time.
    
    This brings the total of simulator rides in the Orlando area up to 5
    (Star Tours and Body Wars at WDW; Back to the Future and Funtastic
    World of Hanna-Barbera at US; and M:BT at SW).  Let's go...
    
    - Skip

    Skip,
    
    Is this simulator ride open already?
    
    Mike

    I'm not sure.  I saw it advertised in a Sea World ad in the Delta
    inflight magazine (and I didn't take my complimentary copy... :-)).  A
    quick phone call may give you the answer, though...
    
    Yeah, I know.  Big help.
    
    - Skip

    I was in sea world yesterday and experienced it. It is about a deep sea
    mission locating a ship wreck. I waited just about 10 mins for the ride,
    by making a dash as soon as the Shamu show concluded. It was a good ride
    but don't expect anything fancy.

    Has anyone ever taken in "Terror on Church Street" on Orange Avenue in
    Orlando? 
    
    Here is the description taken from the Official Orlando Visitors Guide:
    
    "Journey down dark, winding, passageways to the most frightening
    adventures of your life. Experience living, breathing, stalking terror
    as we take you beyond panic...beyond the limits of fear...join us at
    TERROR ON CHURCH STREET...we're dying to have you over!"
    
    Next to the description there's a picture of a zombie holding a candle.
    He's dressed in a monk's robe and is standing in front of a gargoyle
    statue.
    
    Any info on this place would be well appreciated.
    
    Mike

    On Usenet, somebody was just asking about special deals at Sea World. 
    Another person replied saying that for $4.00 more on a one-day ticket,
    you can get a week pass to Sea World.
    
    Can anyone confirm or deny this??
    
    If it exists, it sounds like a decent deal.  It'd be a good way to
    break up some of your Disney days, going to Sea World a couple of times
    for a few hours in the afternoon or to the night-time shows.
    
    - Skip

    Skip,
    
    I recall that for around $5 more you could get a weekly pass to Sea
    World. I'm pretty confident about this.
    
    Mike

    
    Hi, 
    
    Autumn blues are striking me here in the UK and it occured to me
    that I never entered a note about a really enjoyable day we spent
    during our July visit, outside of Orlando for once.
    
    Referring right back to reply .2 by Jim Kearns, one side trip we did on
    our last visit to Orlando was the Juniper Springs Canoe Run.  Juniper
    Springs is in the Ocala Forest (very) approximately 5 miles from the
    Silver Springs park.
    
    If you're a little weary of looking at man-made attractions, and fancy
    a bit of peace and quiet, then I'd heartily recommend a visit.
    
    Juniper Springs has a (v.cold!) swimming-hole and camp site.  There is a
    small store there where you can buy snacks and, if you're taking the
    canoe trip, vital mosquito repellant.
    
    Basically you rent your 2,3 or 4-person canoe from the store ... carry
    it down to the river and off you go.  It takes approximately 4 hours to
    complete and you can't go back once you've started!  We were novice
    canoers, so they encourage you to start early if you decide to go.
    
    The run is a little tricky at first, but even we soon got the hang of
    it ... the scenery was great and it was (apart from the occasional
    Anglo-Saxon swearwords), very quiet and calm.  The first half of the
    trip is through forest and you have to watch out for submerged logs. 
    
    There is a place half-way where you can stop and exit the canoe for a
    leg-stretch and a snack.  Then back into paddle-mode for the second
    half of the trip which is easier as the river widens and you can get up
    speed. 
    
    We survived with only one ducking in the warm water (and that was a
    `sacrificial dip' from one of our party who fell out to avoid the whole
    canoe going over), and very few mossie bites thanks to the repellant.
    
    You reach the finish point (a road bridge) after around 4 hours and
    have to wait for the van & trailer to pick you and your canoe up and
    take you back to Juniper Springs again.
    
    Apart from a few qualms when the lady at the rental store asked me how
    I would react to seeing an alligator at the side of the river (I told
    her I didn't know yet, but would tell her when I got back!), and a few
    wobbly moments at the start ... this was probably the most enjoyable
    non-Disney thing I've done in Florida.
    
    Highly recommended.
    
    
    Andy.
    
    
    ps No alligators sighted at all ...  still can't decide if I was
       disappointed or delighted about that.
                                           

    I heard mentioned a place in/near Orlando called
    
    SPLENDID CHINA
    
    They made it sound like a non-Disney exhibit although it does
    sound like EPCOT.
    
    Has anyone heard of this ?

    re: .47  I drove by it in March. It's on RTE 192 West of DIsney,
    i.e. heading away from Orlando and I-4. It's only a couple miles.
    However, IMO don't waste your time.  There are so many better
    things to do. It is quite expensive, approx like WDW or Universal,
    but nowhere near as good.
                             

  If you have been everywhere else it is definately an interesting place to
go but there are also a lot of better places to go.  It is basically a history
of China.  They have a lot of outdoors display's of China's history and the
events that happens.  I'll bet it cost them a fortune to build this thing.

    I believe they have a scale model of the Great Wall of China.
    
    Mike

    Thought I'd through this in this topic. For those who plan to take in
    Universal Studios and/or Sea World while in Orlando, take note of the
    following admission options:
    
    Theme Park          One Day Admission    Annual Pass  5-Day Pass*
    -----------------------------------------------------------------
    Universal Studios   Adult $40.81         $69.00       $95.00
                        Child (3-9) $32.86   $59.00       $77.32
    
    Sea World           Adult $39.95          ???         $95.00
                        Child $32.80                      $77.32
    
    *The 5-Day Pass includes Universal Studios, Wet 'n' Wild, and
     Sea World. Sounds like a good deal if you can make use of it.
    
     I don't know offhand what the 1996 admission prices are for WnW.

    I guess Sea World is constructing a water ride for 1998. It will be
    called Journey to Atlantis and will feature 2 60 foot flume drops...yes
    they are longer than Splash Mountain's drop.
    
    Mike

    Vacation Value Pass is available in 1997. There are two of them:
    
       3-Park Vacation Value Pass
       --------------------------
       Cost is about $100 for adults and about $85 for kids.
       5 days admission to Universal Studios, Sea World, and Wet 'n Wild.
    
       (Valid for five days from first day of use)
    
       
       4-Park Vacation Value Pass
       --------------------------
       Cost is about $134 for adults and about $106 for kids
       7 days admission to Universal Studios, Sea World, Wet 'n Wild, and
       Busch Gardens.
    
       (Valid for 7 days from first day of use)
    
       
    While looking at these two multi-day passes I think that both can be 
    worthwhile. If you intend to go to Busch Gardens then go for the second
    one.
    
    I may take advantage of one of these offers and make 2 trips to
    Universal and 2 trips to Sea World. I've never been to US or SW at
    night and I'd just go once in the morning and once at night to see the
    nighttime entertainment. 
    
    Anyway...more info can be found at...
    
    http://www.usf.com/tickets/purchase.html#1
    
    Mike   
    
        It's about $100 for adults and $85 for children.
    
        It gives you 5 days admission to Universal Studios, Sea World, and
        Wet 'n Wild.
    
        The only catch is that the extra admission is valid for five days
    from
        the first day of use.
    
        Has anyone used this before?
    
        Mike