Ryan's Blog » FL-Orlando

Dixie Crossroads – Titusville, FL (Orlando Area)

admin — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 22:26:55 +0000

On our way back from Kennedy Space Center, we stopped at the Dixie Crossroads seafood restaurant off a recommendation from my Aunt. Even though she gave great directions, there was no trouble finding the place with its huge red neon sign.

We arrived at around 6:30PM on a Sunday evening and the waitress was quoting us a 40 minute wait. From the size of the waiting area, 40 minutes seemed to be pretty quick. They have a beautiful outdoor waiting area set in a lush park-like fashion. While you’re waiting, you can take a look at the Dixie Crossroads merchandise, or head over to the bar to get a drink.

The wait was well worth it. We were actually seated in about 30 minutes, so that was a nice surprise. The Rock Shrimp was absolutely amazing. You could tell they were very fresh and were seasoned to perfection. We will definitely be coming back next year!

Official Website:
http://www.dixiecrossroads.com/

Contact Info:
1475 Garden Street
Titusville FL 32796
(321) 268-5000

Restaurant:
28°36′54.78″N
80°49′14.30″W

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center – Cape Canaveral (Orlando Area), FL

admin — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 03:04:53 +0000

We got a late start to Kennedy Space Center, but were glad to find that they reduced their rate in the afternoon. We just missed the last bus to the launch pad the day before an Atlantis launch! There were still plenty of things to see.

New in 2007, the Space Shuttle Launch Experience was an A+ attraction. Even though it was quite busy the day before the launch, the wait wasn’t very long at all. The simulator actually raises you to a 90 degree angle and shakes you like the real thing. On its own it was worth the price of admission.

Next to the simulator is a full size replica of the space shuttle you can go inside to explore.

Also notable was the 3D IMAX movie of the International Space Station. It felt like you were really there! It uses the same 3-D technology the new movie Avatar uses, which is a bit more realistic than the old fashion red and blue cardboard glasses.

After the movie, of course we had to stop at the gift shop and stock up on souvenirs.

The next day we saw the shuttle launch from the airport. Hopefully we’ll be able to come back before the end of the program to whitness it closer.

Official Website:
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/home/index.html

Contact Info:
State Road 405 East
Cape Canaveral, FL 32899
(321) 449-4400

Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Orlando, FL

admin — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:09:18 +0000

While in Orlando, we debated what Disney park to go to. Since we were all adults, we shyed away from the Magic Kingdom and opted for the Animal Kingdom (even though we had already been to the San Diego Wild Animal Park earlier in the year).

While both parks have their advantages, Disney’s Animal Kingdom stood out as the clear winner. The attention to detail was absolutely amazing in all aspects of the park. You could tell a lot of thought went into making the experience be as close to the native habitat as possible. Also enjoyable was the native entertainers who actually come from the region each area the park was representing.

At first we were a little taken back at the admission price, however once inside we thought the price was well worth it. We only allowed a 1/2 a day for the park, and we didn’t get to see everything. You could easily spend an entire day here. One other suggestion – ditch out of the end of day parade early to avoid gridlock in the parking lot (if your kids will let you).

Official Website:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom/

Contact Info:
2901 Osceola Pkwy.
Bay Lake, FL 32830
(407) 938-3000

Park:
28°21′16.09″N
81°35′23.49″W

Hilton Bonet Creek – Orlando, FL

admin — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:42:55 +0000

My Dad turned 60 this year, and I thought it would be a good idea to take him bass fishing in Florida. I looked at several bass fishing destinations; however Orlando had not only good fishing, but also good entertainment.

Hilton just opened their brand new flagship hotel right inside Disney World in Bonnet Creek. I can truly say that I was thoroughly impressed with every aspect of my stay. The staff were extremely helpful and courteous.

Every morning we had the buffet breakfast in the Harvest Bistro. Everything was incredibly fresh and perfectly cooked. The variety of food made it feel like a Sunday brunch every day of our stay.

I also had the opportunity of ordering a pulled pork sandwich from the pool restaurant.. Fantastic! The pool area itself has a relaxing lazy river that connects two pools. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the water slide.

The Muse Cafe offers freshly brewed coffee and light desserts. The brownies and muffins were excellent.

The hotel was very well thought out. Everything flows perfectly together and the decor is fresh and airy. Even the elevators only take 10 seconds to go from the lobby to the top floor! It truly is a destination in itself.

Also onsite was a golf course, affiliated with the attached Waldorf Astoria. The convention center connecting the two hotels is massive. I can’t wait until we go back again next year!

Official Website:
http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/ORLHHHH-Hilton-Orlando-Bonnet-Creek-Florida/index.do

Contact Info:
14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane,�
Orlando, FL 32821
(407) 597-3600 Phone
(407) 597-3701 Fax

Hotel:
28°21′32.08″N
81°32′6.12″W