What isn’t so perfect is that those bound for the Sunshine State have had to deal with some of the same travel related issues this year as other destinations — airport security and delays, as well as hikes in almost everything including gasoline, airline tickets, room rates and theme park admissions.
Despite all that, visitors continued to stream into Florida. According to data* released by Visit Florida, the state’s official tourism research and marketing corporation, the first three quarters of 2007 saw an overall increase in visitors over 2006 — 67.4 million vs. 66.3 million.
Meanwhile, in 2007, theme parks rolled out the expected new attractions and promotional gimmicks and a couple of our beaches again captured Dr. Beach’s nod for his annual “Top 10” list, but there was little that happened otherwise that was especially impressive.
Best (and worst) of Florida's Theme Parks
In looking back over the last three years, Cypress Gardens remained at the top of my list as the best attraction and success story, but now its future could be in jeopardy again. In 2004, I named it the “best new attraction of the year” as well as mentioning its reopening as “the best news of the year.” In 2005, I bragged that “the park will never be the same... it's better!” And, last year at this time, despite the fact that Kent Buescher’s insurance dispute over the 2004 hurricanes was forcing him into Chapter 11 bankruptcy, I wasn't worried. After all, there were plans for an expansion at the park and attendance was above expectations. Unfortunately, things didn’t go well and Buescher was forced to sell Cypress Gardens and his Valdosta, Georgia adventure park. While Cypress Gardens Adventure Park remains open and Buescher remains involved in its operation, it will be interesting to see how the park fares over the next year. It is still one of the best entertainment values in Florida.In other theme park news, nearly a year after a devastating fire destroyed the entry and gift shop to the historic Gatorland attraction, construction began October 15 on its replacement. It is hoped that the new construction will be completed by the summer of 2008, in time for the Alligator Capital of the World's 60th Anniversary.
Disney World unveiled The Year of a Million Dreams highlighted by a Disney Dreams Giveaway. In true Disney-style, the giveaway awarded one-of-a-kind prizes of all sizes. The 15-month promotion was so successful, that Disney World is extending it into 2008.
On the down side of the theme park news was the what-are-they-thinking annual ritual of raising admission ticket prices. Disney World and Universal now charge $71 for a one-day, one-park adult ticket. SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay $67.95 and $64.95. While the parks try to soften the blow by offering special Internet advance purchases and discounts on multi-park and multi-day admissions, it has still priced many out of enjoying theme park vacations and getaways.
Thankfully, there are many more memory-making vacation and getaway options in Florida that won't bust the budget. Beaches are especially popular with most location offering a wide variety of lodging for just about every budget.
Best (and worst) of Florida's Beaches
Dr. Beach again weighed in on Memorial Day with his Top 10 Beaches list. Three of Florida's beaches were included — Caladesi Island State Park, Lighthouse Point Park and Siesta Beach.While Clearwater Beach has always been one of my favorites, 2007 was not the year for a visit there. Construction of a "Beach Walk" project played havoc with traffic, parking and nearby businesses.
Best (and worst) of Florida's Resorts
Florida has a wide variety of lodging choices with something for every budget. While I've got my favorites — Florida Family-Friendly Resorts and Disney's Resorts — it is some of the very old standbys that get my attention again 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? I'm pleading with you to 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.
*First quarter 2007 (January-March) 22.8 million, -1.6%.
Second quarter 2007 (April-June) 23.5 million, +2.3%.
Third quarter 2007 (July-September) 21.2 million, +4.8%.
Percentages represent figures under and over same time period 2006.
