Dawn's Florida Travel Blog

The abundance of bed and breakfast inns and its plentiful shopping makes Mount Dora a popular weekend retreat. If you enjoy antiquing, you won't want to miss next weekend's antique fair at nearby Renninger's — the largest market of its kind in the Southeast. Held several times a year, its Antique Fairs bring together over 400 dealers of antiques and collectibles, both indoors and outdoors, for the Saturday and Sunday event.

• What: Renninger's Antique Fair
• Where: Renninger's, Mount Dora (about 20 miles northwest of Orlando)
• When: May 17 & 18, 2008

Read more:

• Renninger's Twin Markets
• Mount Dora, FL
• Mount Dora Photo Tour
• Inland Lakes Railway Tour

Last summer marked the 30th anniversary of the very first Star Wars film, Star Wars: A New Hope. Has it really been that long? If you're a Star Wars fan, There is no place else to be on weekends than at Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly Disney-MGM Studios) for Star Wars Weekends — scheduled for consecutive weekends (Friday-Sunday) June 6 through June 29, 2008. It's an out-of-this-world treat that is included with regular park admission.

Related links:

Star Wars at 30: Revevant or Relic? by About.com Sci-Fi/Fantasy Guide, Mark Wilson.

^{Photo © The Walt Disney Company}

It's summer... well, almost. The kids will be out of school soon and it will be time for the family vacation. If you haven't already, it's time to make your final decision about where you'll be going. While Florida is one of the top vacation destinations in the nation, summer travel in the Sunshine State can present some challenges — not the least among them is the heat. Crowds and budget-busting costs are also a concern. If you're planning to travel in Florida during the summer, I've gathered some resources that address these challenges to help make your trip a little easier... and a whole lot more fun!

Summer Travel in Florida is a step-by-step guide to the best times, the best ways to get there, best deals, as well as the weather, top destinations and cool tips for hot summer days.

^{Photo © Universal Orlando}

Arrrggghh Maties! Now youngsters of any age can step right into their favorite fairytale and live out an adventure at Mickey's Pirate & Princess Party. The family-friendly after-hours event invites wily pirates and pretty princesses to the Magic Kingdom in search of treasure — chocolate doubloons and colorful beads — and entertains them with themed shows and access to some of the most popular attractions. In addition, guests are treated to Disney's Enchanted Adventures Parade and a spectacular fireworks display, Magic, Music and Mayhem.

The event is being brought back on select nights this month. Advance tickets are available. Click for dates and details.

^{Photo © The Walt Disney Company}

May is one of my favorite months for Florida travel. Although temperatures are heating up, they haven't reached the uncomfortable stage; and, the afternoon summer rains haven't started their daily appearance. While the beach is a favorite destination for many, my picks for the month include festivals that celebrate tomatoes, corn and flowers:

• The Ruskin Tomato & Heritage Festival will celebrate the ripe red fruit in its two-day family-friendly festival that features plenty of food and fun.
  When: May 3 & 4, 2008
  Where: E.G. Simmons Park, Ruskin (20 miles south of Tampa)
• Zellwood Sweet Corn Festival attracts thousands of festival-goers looking for the family-friendly entertainment... and, of course, plenty of sweet corn cooked to perfection!
  When: May 24 & 25, 2008
  Where: Zellwood (30 miles north of Orlando)
• The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will continue to bloom throughout May at Disney World. I've already attended this year and it's better than ever. The Flower Power concerts are a real treat too! >2008 Flower & Garden Festival Photos

^{Photo Epcot Flower & Garden Festival © Dawn Henthorn, licensed to About.com}

Hum along with me... love bugs on windshields... mosquitoes that buzz you... these are a few of my least favorite things! I just saw my first love bugs of the season, so soon it will be that time of year again when so many love bugs splat against your windshield that you can hardly see and you're slapping mosquitoes from sunset to sunrise. Love bugs aren't so lovely... they can eat the paint off your car, and mosquitoes carry disease. Florida's flying bugs don't have to "bug" you... arm yourself with the information needed to do battle against these pesky armies of insect intruders.

• What's Bugging Florida? takes a look at pesky flying insects that bug Floridians and visitors alike.
• Crocodile! Insect Repellent is a chemical-free alternative to popular insect repellents.

What else is bugging Florida? Alligators! According to experts, this is the time of the year these dangerous reptiles are on the move — they are looking for mates... and that's apparently hungry work. The protected species that was once on the verge of extinction, are now found in great numbers in just about every fresh-water pond, lake and river throughout the southeast. Although alligator nuisance complaints number in the thousands each year, actual attacks are unusual — as of 2005, only 356 total attacks since 1948, including 25 fatal ones. Recent encounters attributed to the reptiles this month — one ended up in Sandra Frosti's kitchen and the other attacked a guy fishing golf balls out of a pond — underlies the importance of taking these critters seriously. Here's what you need to know to stay safe:

• Living with Alligators - Online brochure with safety tips from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
• Nuisance alligator hotline 1-866-FWC-GATOR.

If all this isn't enough, just yesterday there were two surfers bitten by sharks at New Smyrna Beach. Did you know that numerically speaking, you are more likely to be struck by lightning than be bitten by a shark? Here's a look at sharks, their habits, and steps you can take to lessen your chances of attack.

^{Photo of alligator © 2001 Lee Island Coast CVB
Photo of shark © Cathy Stultz}

Travel can be a hassle for people without disabilities, so imagine the challenges of traveling with disabilities. Fortunately, the possibilities for travel within Florida is limitless for the disabled... even our water is accessible with special beach wheelchairs and zero-entry pools. The Sunshine State gets high marks from the disabled for its access to attractions, beaches, state parks, camping, cruises, hotels, resorts and restaurants — most all provide excellent access for the traveler with disabilities and special needs visitors. Whether you are wheelchair-bound, hearing impaired or need a companion dog... most situations can be managed with a bit of advance planning.

• Florida Special Needs Traveler Guide provides information on access to Florida's beaches, parks and attractions and special equipment rentals.
• Disney World Special Needs Visitor Guide for guests with children, those with disabilities and International visitors.
• Disney Speaks International Language with the help of wireless technology and talented multilingual staff.
• Disney World's Handheld Captioning Device for the hearing impaired.

If you're planning a trip to Disney World, and have a special need, this guidebook — PassPorter's Open Mouse for Walt Disney World — can be a valuable planning tool. It covers 24 special need categories, and must-know detailed theme park ride information.

^{Photo of Polynesian Resort Pool © The Walt Disney Company}

Amelia Island may be one of Florida's best kept secrets. When husband and I visited the island, we were surprised by the friendly southern hospitality and wide variety of activities — all within such a small area. The island doesn't feel crowded though, remaining one of the most beautiful and natural areas in Florida.

I had always heard that Amelia Island was only for those that consider money no object. That couldn't be farther from the truth. While its two largest and best known resorts — Amelia Island Plantation and Summer Beach — are quite pricey, there are other accommodations that are very reasonable. So, if you're looking for an island getaway or vacation... Amelia Island may just be that little piece of paradise you are seeking.

• Amelia Island Photo Tour
• There are a variety of things to do on Amelia Island, including carriage rides, river cruises, shopping in Downtown Fernandina Beach... plus much more!

^{Photo © Amelia Island Plantation}

Imagine winning $10,000 while on your summer vacation. It's possible! Gaylord Palms Resort is giving guests an opportunity to participate in their all-new Summer Treasure Hunt Challenge package and compete for a $10,000 prize. Packages start from $219 per night, based on a two-night minimum, and include:

• Florida-view accommodations
• Registration to compete in Summer Treasure Hunt Challenge (one per guest room per stay)
• Treasure seekers logbook and official treasure map
• Little Pirates Treasure Hunt available to package guests ages 10 and under
• Daily resort fee which includes scheduled shuttle service to Disney World theme parks, wireless and high-speed Internet access in your guest room and two bottles of Dansani water delivered daily to your guest room refrigerator.

With 1,406 guest rooms, the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center is one of the largest in Central Florida, and is just minutes from all the major theme parks. Its signature architectural feature, a 4.5-acre glass-enclosed atrium featuring a variety of themed environments that depict popular Florida destinations, has become a hub of special events throughout the year.

The Summer Treasure Hunt Challenge, first introduced last year, is a competition of skill. Points are awarded for each clue or activity related to the challenge. For official rules, please visit www.SummerTreasureHuntChallenge.com/rules

Rate is per room, per night, based on occupancy of no more than four persons (ages 18 and over) per room. There is a two-night minimum stay required to be registered to compete in the Summer Treasure Hunt Challenge. Applicable taxes and parking are additional. Rate varies by date. Packages are valid for arrivals May 2 through August 27, 2008 only and subject to availability. Some restrictions may apply. Book now by calling 407-586-HUNT.

Disney World is adding a little pixie dust to their "Magic Your Way" packages on certain dates in August and September. Book a five-night/six-day package before June 22 for stays most nights August 24 through September 20, 2008 and receive the Disney Dining Plan at no additional charge! This is a great value because the Dining Plan includes one quick service meal, one table service meal and one snack a day, per person.

Packages for families of four start at:

• $57 a day, per person in a standard room at select Disney Value Resorts
• $73 a day, person in a standard room at select Disney Moderate Resorts
• $104 a day, per person in a studio at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

The number of rooms available for these offers is limited. In addition, no group rates or other discounts apply. Other packages are available for larger and smaller families, or for other lengths of stay. To book the "free dining" offer call 407-W-DISNEY or contact a travel agent and ask for booking code AYG.

Of course, don't forget about the "perks" of staying on Disney World property, such as Disney's Magical Express and Extra Magic Hours, where each day one of the Disney World theme parks open one hour early or stays open up to three hours later, to provide extra time in the parks.

Learn more about Disney World and begin planning your vacation by either signing up for Disney World 101 — presented in daily emails... five in all — or click on my Disney World Vacation Planner for planning information at your fingertips any time.

^{Photo © The Walt Disney Company}