Dawn's Florida Travel Blog

I just got back from the debut of Toy Story Mania! — the newest attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly Disney-MGM Studios) theme park at Disney World. The attraction, inspired by the Disney·Pixar films "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2," is nothing short of interactive genius... a great ride! Learn more in my Toy Story Mania! review.

As delightful as it was to experience Toy Story Mania!, the highlight of my day was when, as part of the "Year of a Million Dreams" promotion, I got to play "dream maker" and hand a lucky family a pass to preview Toy Story Mania! I "surprised" the lucky family as they dined in the ABC Commissary. I noticed them because their two young sons were being so well behaved. So, girls and boys, remember two things: be on your best behavior... it isn't just Santa that's watching, and you just never know who might sprinkle the pixie dust at Disney World.

Read more:

• Disney's Hollywood Studios
• Disney World Vacation Planner
• What's New at Disney World in 2008

^{Photo © The Walt Disney Company}

Beautiful Southwest Florida sunsets and refreshing Gulf breezes provide the perfect backdrop for the 23nd annual "Summer Jazz on the Gulf," a free concert series in Naples. The smooth sounds of jazz will be heard one Saturday evening per month from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. on The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club's expansive Watkins Lawn overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

• Saturday, June 21, 2008 the saxophonist Mike MacArthur kicks off the concert series.
• Saturday, July 19, 2008 the versatile six-piece group, Lounge Cat
• Saturday, August 23, 2008 features the crowd favorite of Women's Blues Revue. Headlining the group will be Patty Sanphy on lead vocals and guitar with seven of Florida's best female blues, R&B, rock and jazz musicians.
• Saturday, September 13, 2008 concludes with the Stacey Knights Group, lead by the talented vocalist/songwriter/saxophonist/flutist Stacey Knights, performing a blend of tunes with contemporary and pop/jazz influences.

Bring your blanket. Food and beverages are available throughout each concert. Coolers are not permitted.

The Naples Beach Hotel, a beach front resort in Southwest Florida, features 318 guest rooms and suites, onsite championship golf, award-winning tennis center, large beach-side swimming pool, fitness center and world-class spa. >Compare Rates on Kayak

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}