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New & Revitalized
Attractions
Can
you remember your first visit to Florida? Do you remember what captured
your attention? The Sunshine State is known for its quirky and one-of-a-kind
attractions meant to entice and captivate visitors.
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From giant oranges to neon signs that cheerfully point the way, Florida
is famous for alluring roadside attractions that beckon the first-time
traveler to their amusements.
Rediscover these attractions, many which have been completely renewed,
and fall in love with that fun side of Florida all over again!
Medieval Times
In 1983, the first castle was erected in the heart of Kissimmee and entranced
visitors with its jousting tournaments, Royal trumpeters, falconry, and
horsemanship. All the while, Serfs and Wenches attend to guests who feast
on a utensil-free, four-course dinner.
Relaunching its show, creators of the new Medieval Times production say
non-stop action, will keep first-time visitors and returning fans on the
edge of their seats.
The Medieval Life Village is where guests can observe the crafts, and
daily traditions of the medieval period when walking through each of the
eight authentic cottages. Then it's indoors to the Grand Ceremonial Arena
where the pace quickens and a Tournament of Games begins. The valiant
Knights on horseback face their competition in games of skill, such as
the ring pierce, flag toss, and javelin throw. Word of the missing Prince
finally reaches the King, and an evil villain is revealed to the crowd.
As a battle ensues to maintain good over evil, guests cheer their own
Knight to victory in authentic jousting matches and dangerous sword fights.
The show is approximately two hours in length and admission price includes
the show, dinner, and two rounds of select beverages.
888-WE-JOUST | www.medievaltimes.com
Gatorland
Opened as a roadside attraction in 1949, Gatorland has been completely
renewed and today provides affordable-priced family fun. On display are
thousands of alligators and crocodiles. In addition visitors can stroll
through the onsite aviary, breeding marsh with observation tower, petting
zoo, nature walk, or take in one of the educational wildlife programs.
Gatorland recently opened its updated and modern gift shop.
First time visitors will love Florida's best train-ride, Gatorland's onsite
restaurant, Gator Gully Splash Park, and one-of-a-kind reptilian shows
including the Gator Wrestlin' Show, Gator Jumparoo, and the Up-close Encounters
Show.
800-393-5297 | www.gatorland.com
Aquasino
Deemed the South Beach Casino, Aquasino is Miami's hottest new attraction!
Accommodating up to 600 passengers, the 228-foot vessel underwent a $10
million transformation allowing guests to experience Las Vegas style gaming
with the luxury and sophistication of Miami Beach. With more than 20 years
of experience in operating resorts, the Chapur and Ardid Families collaborated
to launch South Beach's newest hotspot.
Cost per person for cruising with Aquasino is $40.
305-532-0021 | www.aquasinosouthbeach.com
Brevard Zoo
After an extensive renovation the new Paws On Children's Play Area is
now open and features about 40 animals on exhibit including mammals, snakes,
lizards, tortoises, amphibians, and invertebrates. The new 1,800-square-foot
play area allows children to practice caring for plush patients in a pretend
vet lab, and solve animal mysteries involving real animal artifacts throughout
the Zoo.
In addition to its numerous animal attractions and hands on opportunities,
zoo goers can participate in a rare kayak ride down the Nyami Nyami River
where guests will encounter a wide variety of African wildlife: birds,
primates, gazelles, antelopes, rhinos, and of course, giraffe.
321-254-9453 | www.brevardzoo.org
The Annika Academy
The Annika Academy, named for Annika Srenstam, the world's No. 1-ranked
female golfer, opened in October 2007 at Ginn Reunion Resort. A 5,400-square-foot,
state-of-the-art teaching facility that is surrounded by private chipping
and putting greens serves as the centerpiece of the academy. Students
have the ability to sharpen their skills on Reunion's three Signature
golf courses designed by golf legends Tom Watson, Arnold Palmer, and Jack
Nicklaus. Class sizes, which include approximately seven to nine people,
will be led by Sorenstam's longtime coach, Henri Reis.
407-662-1100 | www.reunionresort.com
Kissimmee Air Museum
This unique air museum gives visitors an up close look at actual WWII
airplane restoration projects and vintage fighters. The Kissimmee Air
Museum which is affiliated with Warbird Adventures, sends guests soaring
in a vintage aircraft from its hangar at Kissimmee Gateway Airport. Standouts
of the museum, along with various vintage aircraft, engines and WWII memorabilia
on display, are the restoration of the White 1 Focke-Wulf project and
the world's only flying AEROCAR, a car and plane in one. Watch and ask
questions as enthusiasts carefully restore these historic aircraft. After
visitors learn the history of these fascinating planes, they can take
the controls of a fighter-trainer airplane and execute aerial tricks over
Kissimmee. No flying experience necessary.
www.kissimmeeairmuseum.com
John's Pass Plaza and Boardwalk
A Madeira Beach landmark for years, John's Pass Village and Boardwalk,
deemed Pinellas County's #1 attraction, has been revitalized and now features
John's Pass Plaza. New to the plaza and boardwalk is plenty of parking
in the new six-storey parking garage, in addition to new and revamped
shopping areas. The boardwalk features more than 100 shops filled with
one-of-a-kind treasures, restaurants that will have your mouth watering,
and watersport rentals including jetskis, charter fishing, and parasail
rides.
727-397-8764 | www.johnspassplaza.com
Tallahassee Museum
Experience Florida at its finest with a visit to this unique Museum. Featuring
an 1880s farmstead, historical buildings, natural habitat zoo, and scenic
grounds, visitors of all ages can engage themselves with a taste of Florida's
natural and cultural history.
In celebration of their 50th Anniversary, the Museum has revitalized many
of their historic buildings and attractions.
Current renovations include new roofs on the historic barn, caboose, and
the repainting of the Museum's historic church building.
Several new educational animals have been added, including a skunk, screech
owl and turkey. The Museum also features a "new" Florida Panther
in the native animal habitat collection and the addition of a 20 month
old mule on the historic farm.
850-575-8684 | www.tallahasseemuseum.org
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