Wild Florida Celebrates Seven Years -- Press Release

Wild Florida Celebrates Seven Years of Airboat Tours, Gator Hugs, Buggy Rides and Slothies by offering FREE admission to its Gator and Wildlife Park

This June marks Wild Florida’s seventh anniversary of providing visitors from all over the globe a world of adventure in the Middle of Nowhere.

Celebrate with more than just airboat hair. Beginning this June, Wild Florida will offer everyone free admission to its Gator and Wildlife Park through the end of 2017. Get an up close and personal look at more than 200 animals ranging from native Florida species to more exotic animals like sloths, lemurs, zebras and more. Explore and interact with these amazing creatures and learn about their heritage, habits and what it’s like to care for these animals. That’s right, hug a “Fluffy” gator or snap a “Slothie” (sloth selfie) or two.

Since the opening, the mission at Wild Florida has always been to provide an unforgettable Everglades experience that promotes a connection with animals while inspiring education and conservation.  

“Over the past seven years we’ve shown hundreds of thousands of guests what real, wild Florida is all about. We have built a world-class attraction in the ‘Middle of Nowhere’ and we couldn’t be happier!” says Sam Haught, co-owner and co-founder of Wild Florida. “The best part about Wild Florida is the WILD part. Wild rides, wild animals, wild memories with your family. We’re much more than a roadside attraction with gators. Wild Florida’s a destination where guests can experience both rescued gators at our park and wild gators in the Everglades.”

Wild Florida has grown from day and night airboat tours to a ½ day experience including the expansion of the Gator and Wildlife Park, dining and event space and ranch buggy tours through some of Central Florida’s working cattle ranches. That’s not all. This year, Wild Florida welcomed several species of Crocodiles and some other fun animals to check out on your next visit.  For additional information, visit www.wildfloridairboats.com.

A Day Away: In Kissimmee, FL {#GoodbyeCrowds}

My family and I were provided complimentary accommodations and attraction tickets for the #GoodbyeCrowds event. All opinions are my own.

A couple of weeks ago my family and I had the pleasure of spending the weekend with some pretty amazing friends. Marisa and Carter, along with their families and {our now GREAT friends} Nori and Rochelle, our Experience Kissimmee hosts, met us in Kissimmee, FL for a weekend of NON-STOP fun!!

First stop: I-Drive 360. Sealife Aquarium, The Orlando Eye, and Madame Tusseauds Wax Museum are all fun attractions at I-Drive 360. That trifecta made for an amazing day!!

{This is Chely, the Green Sea Turtle at Sealife Aquarium in Orlando.}

As the kids journey through Sealife Aquarium, they collect stamps in their free Passports. They learn so much as they walk through the aquarium to see more than 5,000 creatures, see pregnant seahorses {did you know the male seahorses are the ones who carry babies?}, a cool, color changing jelly fish exhibit, a 360 degree Ocean Tunnel, and SO much more. There's even a hands-on Rockpool experience at the end! Have you ever touched a sea urchin? You can at Sealife Aquarium!

{the kids all earned their medals. Yay!}

Our next stop was to the TOP of world...or, at least 400 feet above Central Florida. The Orlando Eye has been a pretty hot topic in the news since it's first go-round in May 2015. In about 30 minutes we went to the top and back down, in our private pod, seeing distant sights like, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, the Orlando Skyline and much more. In your pod you have a digital guide to direct you in all you see.

{I might have had a couple of scaredy cats with me that day. Haha!}

 

{How many blogger kids can you fit in one picture? Can you believe this is only two families?? And, Mabry isn't even in the shot.}

While having already done Sealife Aquarium and The Orlando Eye, one might think the day is over. Nope, not yet! We still hadn't seen Taylor Swift, Vin Diesel, and Walt Disney at Madame Tusseauds. My kids thought it was SO COOL seeing Neil Armstrong and Abraham Lincoln in wax-form, as if they were truly right in front of them. It was a history lesson and a fun activity, all in one! Not to mention rubbing elbows with The Beatles, Will Smith and Brad and Angelina.

{Jett jumped in the ring with Muhammed Ali for a minute.}

{Marisa and I pose with an American Icon, Walt Disney.}

Our day at I-Drive 360 was perfect. With countless shops and restaurants that we didn't even get to go to, I can totally see my family going back to experience these attractions again AND have lunch and do some shopping.

Want to WIN a trip from Experience Kissimmee of your own?
Visit goodbyecrowds.com to choose from a Thrill Trip or a Chill Trip for Two. You can also text either ChillsFL or ThrillsFL to 313131 to enter. Limit one entry per person, per day.

As a first responders wife, I feel the need to also let you know of the SPECIAL OFFER that I-Drive 360 has going on for the month of September. Police, Fire, and EMS Personnel can take 50% off of single or combo attraction tickets. That's an AMAZING DEAL!

*****

Other adventures from our weekend include Dinner at Medieval Times, a day of waterslide fun at Seaworld's Aquatica, Wild Florida, Gatorland, Crayola Experience, and lodging at Regal Oaks Resort. Be on the lookout for more posts from these great locations! You can search the hashtags #GoodbyeCrowds and #MyKissimmee, if you want to get see posts from our whole group. 

A Sneak-Peek at Our #Disney24 'Tomorrowland' Adventure with Disney Parks Blog

Last week, I gave you a glimpse into what our 24-hour day at Disney looked like. Today, I noticed that Disney Parks Blog posted a fun little video, and Jake Austin and I can be seen in it more than once! {Look for us next to Mickey at the very beginning and again flapping our "wings" in front of Orange Bird.} Check it out!

{video credit: Disney Parks Blog}

Be sure to follow Disney Parks Blog so you can see when their next meet-up is. Maybe I'll see you there!

A Guide to Disney's Yacht Club Resort

My family and I had the amazing opportunity to stay at Disney's Yacht Club Resort last week. We've stayed at lots of Walt Disney World Resorts over the years. From Value Resorts to Deluxe Resorts, we've seen a BUNCH of beautiful accommodations at Walt Disney World! So far, Disney's Yacht Club is our favorite. Let me show you why.

This is my family. Thanks to American Tourister we all had our very own suitcase to pack for more fun!

The moment we walked through the doors to the lobby, I knew we were home. {That's Disney speak for where you'll stay for the next few days.} I mean, look at how beautiful the lobby is.

Pro Tip: Be sure to look for the Hidden Mickey's around Disney's Yacht Club Resort. They are lots of fun to find!

After we checked in, it was time to go see our room. If the rooms were as beautiful and charming as the outside and the lobby, we knew we were in for a treat. Let's go inside!

Absolutely breathtaking. With two double beds and a daybed, it comfortable sleeps a family of five. Do you crave your cup of coffee first thing in the morning? There's a coffee maker in each room. Need a place to sit and do a little writing, or maybe you want to map out the next day at the Parks. There's a nice desk area just for you. This is a good time to tell you about the free wi-fi in each room, and around the entire resort area. With two sinks in the bathroom area, you won't need to worry about sharing while brushing your teeth. 

My family's favorite amenity in our room?? The mini-fridge. Each night, we filled it with bottled water, small bottles of juice and soda. Each morning, before we headed out for the day, we filled our backpack with cold drinks to keep us hydrated throughout our day. This way we only had to buy drinks when we ate a meal at a restaurant. 

If you've ever stayed at a Disney Resort, you know they have the most amazing pools, sandy-bottom pools. Some will tell you that Disney's Yacht Club Resort has the best pool of all of the Resorts. I'd have to agree that it's really awesome. 

Stormalong Bay is 3 acres of water wonderland and features a looonngg slide that is fun for all ages! In fact, you won't find a waterslide at a Disney resort that is higher than the one at the Yacht Club Resort.

Even the biggest of kids love Stormalong Bay!

A few more fun perks to staying at Disney's Yacht Club Resort:

• You're a five minute walk from Epcot or a short boat ride to Hollywood Studios. 
• Beaches & Cream, the Ice Cream Parlor that is famous for The Kitchen Sink ice cream dessert is located at Stormalong Bay. 
• Want to have an elegant dinner? Visit Yachtsman Steakhouse for a delicious meal after a long day at the parks.
• There's a full-service gym located right on property for those of you who like to pump iron or jog along on a treadmill.
• Take the kids down to the beach for a nightly Disney movie under the stars. 
• Play tennis, volleyball, corn hole and more!
• Run along the jogging path on the boardwalk each morning before the sun wakes up. 
• And so much more!

Disney's Yacht Club Resort is now our favorite resort on Disney property. Next time you plan your family vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort I urge you to look into booking at the Yacht Club.

My family and I stayed at Disney's Yacht Club Resort while attending the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. We were provided with discounted tickets and accommodations for our stay. We were not asked to provide this review. All opinions are our own. 

Even More Things To Do in Kissimmee, FL {During the Holidays and After}

I was provided accommodations, theme park admission and tickets to local attractions in exchange for my feedback. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you, Experience Kissimmee!

Do you live in Florida? Wanna know one of my most favorite parts of living in Florida? The idea that no matter where in the state one might live, it's only hours to the best tourist attractions. And hey, we can be tourists in our own state!!! Did you know Kissimmee is right in the middle of our grand state? That means that we are all so very close to a whole lot of things to do that are super fun! AND, super yummy!

You simply must make your way to Market Street Cafe. We went in for breakfast and I enjoyed a Western Omelette, plus mushrooms, topped with hot sauce, with a side of hash browns. Delicious doesn't begin to describe it. I will certainly be going back!

The next stop on our adventures for the day was to U Can Cook in Celebration, FL.

Once there, we met with Lorenzo who told us that we would be making gingerbread houses together.

Look at how cute the kitchen is!

We're ready for some gingerbread house building!

Each of us had our very own place setting, complete with chef's hat!

Poor, Nori. Her little house just wouldn't stay together. 

Anna and Elsa's dresses were displayed in the foyer with our good friend, Olaf. 

U Can Cook is such a hidden gem. I kept thinking to myself that it would be a really great break in a busy vacay at the parks. If you're going to be spending 5-7 touring the Disney/Universal Parks, why not take an afternoon and go have some fun in a kitchen, learning some really cool things! 

If you live close-by, U Can Cook is the PERFECT location for a birthday party or Girls Night Out! Lorenzo even has some wine and cheese tucked away for you! 

Have you ever heard of these two locations? Ever been? Tell me your thoughts. I'd love to hear about your experiences and what your favorite part/food was!

Fun Spot America in Kissimmee, FL {Lives up to It's Name}

I was provided accommodations, theme park admission and tickets to local attractions in exchange for my feedback. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you, Experience Kissimmee!

If you're looking for a FUN family outing for all ages, I've got a great day trip idea for you! Located right in Central Florida, the heart of the Sunshine State, is an amazing attraction FILLED with thrilling rides, arcade games and tasty treats galore.

While in Kissimmee, FL a couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of going to Fun Spot America and spending the day with new friends and all of the friendly staff. As soon as we met Lola, Fun Spot's Promotions Director, we were told of all of the high standards and expectations of their Amusement Park. I knew after meeting her, we were somewhere that was Top Notch. I knew we were in for an exciting day!

As soon as you pull into the parking lot, the first thing you notice is the Sky Coaster. How could you not? At 300 feet tall, Fun Spot America's Sky Coaster is the tallest in the WORLD. That's right, IN THE WORLD!!

Guess who rode the Tallest Sky Coaster in the WORLD? You guessed it! Jonah and myself, along with our new friend, Marisa of Adventures of Tampa Mama, braved the more than 120 foot free-fall together. {It was windy that day, so we were told that our free-fall was more like 140 feet...but, who's counting?! LOL}

The experience of being hoisted 300 feet into the air, pulling the ripcord and then plunging toward Earth was exhilarating! It was INCREDIBLE! I truly cannot describe it. It was unlike anything else I have ever done before. And to experience it with my son and a new friend makes it even more special. Since the height requirement is only 42", the whole family can ride!! 

Watch a video of our entire Sky Coaster experience here:

That's not nearly all there is to do at Fun Spot America! With more than TWENTY rides to choose from, we were in for a treat! First, we rode Go-Karts on tracks that are so unique they have patents. Patents, y'all! There are four Go-Kart tracks to choose from. The Vortex Track is 4 stories high and features the world's steepest banking curve at 32 degrees. When you come over that embankment you feel the drop. It's such a thrill! 

Jonah and I said more than once that we would love for the rest of our family to be here. The go-karts, the Sky Coaster, the Hot Seat, the Screaming Eagle and so many more rides would make the perfect day of fun for our rowdy bunch! Did I mention the yummy snacks? Our favorite snack stop of the day was to the Dippin' Dot stand. We LOVE Dippin' Dots!

{photo credit: Adventures of Tampa Mama}

{Selfie's were totally invented while the inventor was on a thrill ride. Look at Marisa and I having way too much fun on the Hot Seat!}




{Rochelle, one of our hostesses from Experience Kissimmee joined the boys inside the Monster Truck tire. We had two of the VERY BEST hostesses in Kissimmee!!! Thank you, Rochelle and Nori!} So, next time you're in Kissimmee {Orlando area}, take a break from the theme parks and go spend a day in Fun Spot America. You won't be sorry that you did!
Be sure to follow Fun Spot America on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for special promotions and deals. 
Win a Snowy Holiday of your own from Experience Kissimmee by either texting "snow" to 82257 or going to SnowyHoliday.com. The prize is a 3-day, 2-night stay at a Kissimmee destination resort, theme park admission and tickets to local attractions for the winner and three guests.