Kissimmee offerings

Submitted by the Kissimmee Convention and Visitors Bureau

KISSIMMEE, FL — Travelers have been on an economic roller coaster lately, one with few thrills or reasons to celebrate. But, when it comes to vacations, counting the nickels and dimes to take that needed getaway from everyday concerns, Kissimmee is a great value. Just look at what the new year is bringing in the Heart of Florida.

Theme Parks in 2010:

The wait will be finally over for the highly anticipated Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Opening in the spring 2010, the magical land will bring the world of the boy wizard from the page to the stage, including stores pulled straight from the iconic novels, such as Ollivanders wand store where guests will choose, and be chosen by, a wand. Eateries and treats stores include Honeydukes, Three Broomsticks and Hog’s Head. The Dragon Challenge attraction also brings to life the Triwizard Tournament, a pivotal event in the books. The highlight of the land will be a state-of-the-art attraction in Hogwarts castle that is something never seen before in a theme park.

At Walt Disney World, when visitors volunteer their time for a participating charity, they will receive a free, one-day admission to a Walt Disney Resort theme park. To participate in the “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” program, families should visit www.DisneyParks.com to research and sign up for a volunteer activity in their local community through the HandsOn Network. Opportunities include planting and tending a community garden, reading to children in daycares and shelters, assembling backpacks for under-resourced schools and more. Participants must be at least 6 years old.

In March 2010, Aquatica, SeaWorld’s acclaimed waterpark will debut the first new ride since it opened in early 2008. Omaka Rocka, which means “rocking river,” will feature half-pipe maneuvers through three funnels and provide near weightlessness for riders aboard the two-seater floats. There will be no height restrictions but riders must be able to hold onto grips and maintain a riding position throughout.

Staying in Kissimmee, the heart of Florida, means visitors are only an hour’s drive from the beaches and other diversions that make the state a fantastic destination. One of those, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, also will open a new “sunny, funny” playland in 2010: "Sesame Street Safari of Fun." The area will be filled with rides, shows and adventures featuring Elmo, Big Bird and all their friends that celebrate the spirit of Africa. Adventures include "Air Grover," a twisty junior roller coaster that takes families through the Sahara; “Rosita’s Djembe Fly-Away,” a swing ride sending kids above the African canopy, and "Oscar's Swamp Stomp," a water ride and “Bert & Ernie’s Water Hole,” a water feature. "Elmo's Safari Go-Round," a tribal-inspired carousel rounds out the attraction.

Where to Play, Eat in Kissimmee

In addition to the many ways visitors can take to the skies above Central Florida, the Kissimmee Air Museum and Warbird Adventures is expanding flight operations to include helicopter flights and instruction with Kissimmee Helicopters.

The new venture offers flights and instruction in a Robinson 44 helicopter to pilots and non-pilots alike under the supervision of an experienced instructor – or solo for a qualified pilot. Introductory flights start at $125 for a 15-minute flight, $199 for a 30-minute flight and $375 for a 60-minute flight, all recorded and available to share and re-live. “Pilots” also can bring along two friends at no extra charge!

The lush and challenging Falcon’s Fire Golf Club reopened after a $1 million refurbishment project that saw improvements to the greens, fairway bunkers and the property’s clubhouse. One of the region’s mostly highly rated public courses, Falcon’s Fire on Osceola Parkway was closed for these renovations over the summer. Reserve a tee time to be among the first to play on the newly designed course, which stays true to the original but enhances the course’s natural beauty and level of difficulty.

Families looking for a quaint, low-key place to spend some time and get away from the hustle and bustle of a theme park vacation should venture out to take in the sights around the historic downtown Kissimmee.

Kissimmee Outdoor Adventures, previously known as Scenic Lake Tours, launched a new venture in January: kayak and guided tours, birding adventures and nature walks, including a tour of the 132-acre Makinson Island. A local favorite and fantastic way to see Florida, Kissimmee Outdoor Adventures launches daily from Big Toho Marina on Lake Tohopekaliga in downtown Kissimmee. Lake Toho is popular for wildlife-watchers fascinated by sightings of the bald eagle, Florida sandhill cranes, egrets and gators. Besides the sights and sounds, visitors also learn of the history of Lake Toho while enjoying an hour-long scenic eco tour.

In addition, stop by for a tasty treat at the new Pure Magic Ice Cream parlor, featuring delicious and unique ice cream made to order on the spot! Choose as many flavors from among dozens of add-ins, then watch as it is added to a vanilla base and flash frozen with liquid nitrogen, creating a rich and creamy ice cream under a beautiful cloud of vapor within seconds and mixed by a friendly staffer. The parlor also offers pizza and hot dogs in a park-like setting where guests are encouraged to create chalk masterpieces on the concrete floors and kids can run off some of the sugar on the playground equipment.

Where to Stay in Kissimmee

Kissimmee has long been known for its accommodations to fit any size budget, offering more than 47,000 total lodging options from well-known chain hotels and motels to vacation homes and villas and campgrounds.

ChampionsWorld Resort recently completed a more than $2 million renovation, updating the family-friendly resort to meet the needs of modern travelers, including improvements to the resort’s 450 sleeping rooms. The resort boasts a picnic area with charcoal grills, in addition to a restaurant and lounge, a kids’ fun park and three swimming pools, including one that is heated and covered. The hotel also has a small meeting space and is great for reunions and sporting groups with its new basketball and volleyball courts and its practice fields.

The value of making Kissimmee the home base of a Central Florida vacation is evident in the number of incredible experiences visitors can share, coupled with the savings they realize at once of the destination’s more than 47,000 diverse accommodations. To start planning a vacation to Kissimmee in 2010 and to find vacation packages and the best deals on lodging and attractions, visit www.VisitKissimmee.com.

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