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!

Until August 14th Disney’s Magic Kingdom Wishes Fireworks display has been replaced with the Summer Nightastic. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend you do so. For those who have been to a Mickey’s Not-so-Scary Halloween Party or the Very Merry Christmas party, you would definitely remember the spectacular perimeter fireworks. Now you don’t have to wait for a special occasion. The Summer Nightastic show lights up the sky with perimeter fireworks everynight!

This summer SeaWorld is hosting SeaWorld AfterDark. With regular park admission, guests will have the opportunity to stay at the park and access all the attractions, as well as new shows and a fireworks display. The highlights include Shamu Rocks, which debuted last summer, Sea Lions Tonite, a new comedy show, and Reflections fireworks spectacular. Guests will also be able to get up close and personal with SeaWorld’s marine life.

Be sure to check SeaWorld’s website for ticket promotions. Typically for slightly more than the cost of admission you can purchase a dual-park ticket for SeaWorld and Aquatica or Busch Gardens.

Here are a few ideas :

Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights-
Very scary, recommended for ages 13 and up.
Select dates Sept 28 – Oct 31, 2009.
If you want to be scared out of your mind, this is for you!
Special ticket for this event. Please go to their website for more information.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disney’s Magic Kingdom-
Select dates in Sept, Oct – Nov 1, 2009 from 7 pm -12 am. Special ticket required for this event. Very fun for all ages, events included are:

• *Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade- with the Headless Horseman and characters from the Haunted Mansion attraction
• *Happy Hallowishes Fireworks display
• *Disney characters & villains in special Halloween costumes

I would really like to get my family there this year to experience the Halloween magic that only Disney can provide!

Sea Worlds Halloween Spooktacular - special dates from Oct 4-31. starts at 12 noon, included in park admission. Trick-or-treat for ghoulish goodies, meet amazing sea creatures, catch silly & spooky shows and more.  Sounds like a great time for all ages and enjoy all Sea World has to offer!

Green Meadows Petting Farm - milk a cow, kid pony rides, train ride, tractor-drawn hay rides,  Free Pumpkin in the Fall, and see & touch many farm animals. Very cute daytime fun for children of all ages.

Forever Florida Eco Tours- Howling Halloween Oct, 23, 24, 30 & 31, 2009. Special events include spooky hay rides for the whole family, a not-so-scary kid zone, costume contest and get as scared as you want at the intensely frightening haunted safaris. Starts at 7 pm.  See their website for more information.  

As you can see, there is plenty of Fall activities in and around Orlando, so come and enjoy all the festivities!

Halloween is still over a month away but beginning this weekend is Disney World’s Magic Kingdom annual event. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party promises no tricks and lots of real treats. The event begins September 5th and runs for 26 nights, promising Halloween fun for the entire family. The excitement starts at 7p.m. after regular park hours and continues to midnight. All guests are welcome to wear their Halloween costume for lots of trick-or-treating and goodies with your favorite Disney characters who will also be wearing their finest Halloween outfits. Event highlights include “Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween parade!”, “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks spectacular and trick-or-treating throughout numerous locations and. This is a popular event and separate ticket is needed to attend, but you can take advantage of the advance purchase price which is available at for all dates. Regular admission tickets are $55.95 plus tax (ages 10-up) and $49.95 plus tax (ages 3-9) but if you purchase your tickets in advance you can save $7 on each ticket you purchase. You can purchase tickets online or call (407) W-DISNEY.