Last Minute Villas

Last minute vacation home owner, Terry Gale, sent in some fascinating facts about the origins of Orlando and Disney.

Orlando, Florida, the world’s biggest playground, was named in honour of Orlando Reeves, an army sentry killed during the first Seminole War.

In early 60s, Walt Disney’s secretly and anonymously bought thousands of acres of farmland, orange groves, and swamp marshes to build a theme park where he envisioned an oasis where travellers could take their families and live out the kind of fantasies he had as a child.

Today his dreams draw more than forty million visitors a year.

Read the complete article on the origins of Orlando and Disney.

Vacation home owner, Christine Creasey, sent in this article about Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, which is well worth a visit and not only for the beautifully manicured gardens.

There are currently 38 rides to enjoy, as well as Splash Island Water Park (June 2005), Nature’s Way, Jubilee Junction, shows and concerts. There are also plans to introduce some interesting animals!

More than fifty all-star concerts will take place annually at Star Haven Amphitheater. General seating is included in the admission price.

Mango Bay features spectacular daily water ski shows as well as “Pirates of Cypress Cove” – a comedy show depicting life on the high seas.

Admission price provides access to all activities in the park including rides, shows, attractions and concerts. Also included is a second day free, up to six days following the park visit.

Read her Florida vacation tips and check out some beautiful photos here.

Last Minute Villa owner, Geoff Leach, a self-proclaimed Disney fanatic, sent in this article about extra attractions you may not know at Walt Disney World.

They include -

The Electrical Water Pageant - a nightly display that makes its circuit around Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake.

‘Wishes’ fireworks at Magic Kingdom - a display that can be seen nightly from the beach at Disney’s Polynesian Resort.

Disney’s Boardwalk - home to a wide range of entertainment.

Disney’s Miniature Golf - including has four courses in two separate locations each having 18 holes.

Read more about them here.