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.

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.

Nothing says summer like live music! From June 12-July 31 the American Pavilion at Epcot’s World Showcase will host the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series! Performers include Hotel California – A Salute to the Eagles, Karin Lawson – A Tribute to Janet Jackson, 2U – a Tribue to U2, and more! Each performer has 3 shows daily! Please visit the official website for more information!

Universal Studios offers their own Summer Concert Series. From June 12 – July 17, every Saturday night will have a different live concert! Highlights include Train, Rob Thomas, and the Counting Crows! Please visit the website for more performers and showtimes!

I know what you are thinking: “Vacation is about unplugging my kids from their video games”!  I agree with you completely.  The only problem is the fact that video game consoles, next to wireless internet service are one of the most popular amenities we offer in the vacation rentals besides the private heated pool. 

Many of our Orlando vacation home rentals  offer a video game system such as Sony Play station, Xbox 360 or the Wii system.  Since all the homes are individually owned it is the choice of each property owner which game system they put in the home.  Many parents like the kids to have something to do while they have some down time.  When reserving one of our vacation rentals it is listed if a home has a game system and if so what kind.  We do recommend the following tips for everyone to get the most enjoyment out of them:

1. Confirm what kind of game system is in the home
2. Bring your own games.  Most of the homes may have a few games, but most likely not the hip game of the month.
3. You can rent games from a local Blockbuster rental store or through www.Netflix.com.
4. Parents beware of what your kids are playing. Some families do not have a game system at home and may not be aware that video games have ratings just like movies.  E is for everyone, T is for teens and M is for mature.  Some game systems even have online capability to play live online over the internet.  Parents need to be very cautious of who they are playing with online.
5. Limit how much time children can play video games .

It has been our experience that most families are out enjoying the theme parks and our great weather in Florida, rather than over playing video games.  We find most parents have more trouble getting kids out of the pool rather than turning off the television while staying in one of our beautiful vacation rental homes in Orlando.

Brought to you by Florida Spirit Vacation Homes

Sake is a new Sushi, Steak and Wine bar and restaurant not far Walt Disney World.  Last night me and two other from Florida Spirit Vacation Homes were in the mood for a really nice meal but didn’t want the hassle of driving into the congestion of Highway 192 and Disney property.  Sake is in the new Posner Center just a few exits west of Disney World Drive off Interstate 4.
Sake’s has a great relaxing feeling to it and is very well decorated in a kind of contemporary Zen look for lack of a better description.  The staff was really friendly and explained the vast menu to us in detail.  The Sushi selection is a good as it gets in Orlando.  The Wine list is also very extensive.
We started off with the sweet chili calamari and a bowl of the clear soap.  Not everyone with me was in to Sushi so they ordered the seared duck which he loved.  After sampling different sushi dished I ordered the sushi grade Ahi Tuna steak seared and it was amazing.
After a great meal and a really enjoyable time I did ask about the deserts.  Even if you can’t eat anymore you need to order their version of a Key Lime pie.  It is very similar to a normal Key Lime pie but not as tart.  They make the pie on the property and it is worth taking home for later.
They offer lunch and dinner.  To learn more go to www.sakesushisteak.com.