Although a notable number of visitors still flocked to the Sunshine State, there was no growth in visitor numbers for 2006. The first two quarters of the year were statistically flat over the same period last year, and the third quarter reflected a decrease of over a half a million. Did the forecast of another active hurricane season keep visitors away? Or could it have been the overall rise in the cost of travel in higher air fares, gasoline, lodging and theme park admissions? While we may not ever know the answers to those questions, the fact remains that Florida still offers some really great destinations and deals for getaways and vacations.
Let me share with you what you may have missed this year… and what you have to look forward to next year.
The Best (and worst) News
After two years of back-to-back hurricanes, 2006 saw little tropical activity. While forecasters were predicting an active hurricane season, only two hurricanes affected Florida’s weather — a weak Alberto swept across the Big Bend area of Florida in June, leaving little damage in its wake; and, a wimpy hurricane-turned-depression Ernesto left little behind beside rain in Florida’s Panhandle the end of August. This is in stark contrast to the 2004 and 2005 season which saw a record number of hurricanes plummet the state, leaving so much damage that some hotels are just now reopening. The 2007 hurricane season prediction calls for another active year, but I wouldn't let that stand in the way of planning your vacation.Most theme parks were quick to recover from the hurricanes, but Cypress Gardens suffered enormous hurricane damage to their gardens. In 2004, just before they reopened as Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, they were hit with three hurricanes in a row. While they were able to open in December 2004, and crowds during 2005 and 2006 exceeded attendance projections, that didn’t stop September’s Chapter 11 Bankruptcy filing that cited $25 million in debts that occurred from hurricane damage. According to its owner, Kent Buescher, insurance disputes forced the action. While this great little park seems to be on a roller coaster ride of its own... the ride doesn't seem to be over yet. In a surprise and gutty move the first of December, expansion plans were announced. An addition of a historic roller coaster and new play area will be built in an effort to increase the park’s appeal as a family destination and find a niche in Florida’s tourism market.
Late in the year, theme park news got worse when fire raged out of control at the historic Gatorland attraction in Orlando. The November 6th blaze, which was believed sparked by a heating pad in the snake exhibit, charred the attraction’s landmark gaping gator mouth entrance, ruined the park’s 7,000 sq. ft. gift shop and killed two pythons and a dwarf crocodile. All was not lost, and on November 22, the park made good on its promise to reopen using an alternate entrance while rebuilding takes place.
In what has become an annual ritual, theme parks raised their admission ticket prices again this year. This is bad news for those of us with limited vacation budgets. In August, Disney World and Universal Orlando raised their tickets to $67. The first of December saw sister parks SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay raised their tickets prices to $64.95 and $61.95 respectively.
Best New Attraction
When Disney World rolls out an attraction, the media is there to take notice. Such was the case when Expedition Everest roared to life at Disney's Animal Kingdom in April. Yes, I was there with all the other media. No, I didn't ride it. Why? I'm a real coward when it comes to thrill rides, but now I have an even better excuse. My colleague, About's Theme Parks Guide, plainly states that it "will put hair on your chest." So, now I have a real reason not to ride it! Seriously, read his review, view his photos and fabulous on-board video and decide for yourself. Would you dare to ride?
Best Beaches
Two of Florida's beaches were included in Dr. Beach's annual list of America's Best Beaches — Caladesi Island State Park and Barefoot Beach Park. I'm not ready to argue with the expert; but, as far as I'm concerned, Fort Desoto Park should be on the list every year.Also, although I'm partial to Florida's West Coast beaches, I found a beach on Florida's East Coast that now ranks high on my list. Little Talbot Island State Park, is one of the few barrier islands left undeveloped. Over five miles of white sand beach along the Atlantic Coastline is accessible by long wooden walkways that span natural sand dunes. Add in the ample parking and facilities, as well as a large picnic area... well, it's close to perfect.
Best Resorts
While new hotels and resorts continue to open across the state, it is some of the very old standbys that get my nod this year. What are often referred to as "Mom and Pop" motels have for years been the mainstay of Florida's beach communities. Now though they seem to be on their way to becoming extinct.Across the state, rising insurance and property taxes have made staying in business more difficult than ever for these small properties. Many are selling out to developers, causing affordable lodging to disappear at an alarming rate. In their place, taller than ever condos are being built that not only cast a shadow on the beach, but on the future of your vacation.
What can you do? Consider a Superior Small Lodging property for your next vacation or getaway. They provide a one-of-a-kind experience along with personalized service. Besides, you'll want to experience a little of ol' Florida... before it disappears.
