If you’re looking for something fun and exciting to do outside of Orlando, check out Crystal River. Less than 2 hours away, Crystal River is a Wildlife Sanctuary where you are almost guaranteed to see Manatees. The natural springs in the river keep the water at a constant 72 degrees, which in the winter months brings in hundreds of Manatees. In the summer months, there are only a few “regulars” who remain in Crystal River and Crystal Bay. Most manatees will migrate to warmer waters. We went last weekend, and while we spotted only a handful of manatees, we had a great time cruising around the bay and still had the opportunity to get up close with them in the water. We have already made our plans to go back in the winter! Local tour companies offer guided snorkel excursions, as well as kayak rentals. We used RiverVentures who I highly recommend. Be sure that the company you choose provides all equipment needed, including a wetsuit!

Discovery Cove is planning an exciting expansion, set to launch in 2011. It’s reported that the new attraction will be an 875,000 gallon salt-water reef where guests can snorkel with sharks, rays, and tropical fish. The park, most famous for its Dolphin Encounters, also plans to add a nature trail for those who want to experience the reef without getting wet. Although the expansion has not been officially announced yet, SeaWorld spokesman Nick Gollattscheck has confirmed that there are plans in the works. The official announcement with attraction details is expected to occur sometime this fall.

Starting July 2nd, Michael Jackson will return to Disney in his popular 3D role of Captain EO. The musical 3D film, produced by George Lucas and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, originally opened on September 12th, 1986. The show ran at Disney’s Epcot theme park for 8 years before being replaced by Honey I shrunk the Audience in 1994. With the recent passing of the beloved Michael Jackson, fans petitioned the Disney Company to bring back the Captain EO show. Now renamed Captain EO Tribute, the show has reopened in Disneyland and Disneyland Paris and is scheduled to reopen here in Walt Disney World and Tokyo Disneyland in early July.

If there is one thing you must see while visiting Florida, it’s a real-life alligator! While there are plenty of them in the wild, Gatorland gives guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with the reptiles. Gatorland has just announced a million dollar attraction coming to the park, the Eco Zip Line. For $60, you can cruise along the 56 foot high zip lines over the Cuban Crocodile and Alligator Breeding Marshes. The experience is expected to last 45 minutes and also includes a scenic nature walk through the swamp. No opening dates have been released yet.

Florida Spirit Vacation homes are Simply The Best! We have never been disappointed. This company is truly a head above the rest. The homes are clean, well maintained and provide all the comforts of home. As with all things nothings ever perfect however any unforeseen issues such as equipment failure etc. only took one phone call and someone was there immediately to take care of it. Having stayed at the various resorts in Orlando some of which were on the grounds of Disney none matched the comfort and quality the Florida Spirit Vacation homes provided. With our family of five it felt great to stay somewhere and have my children feel free to play and I not worry about them disturbing the neighbors. Our family will continue to support this great company and hope you and your families find the same comfort, warmth and pleasures these homes provided us.

A Very Pleased Guest,The Scott Family.