Dec 16, 2011

Magic Kingdom & Epcot Christmas Displays

Goofy and Donald have the Holiday spirit

Disney sets the bar for going all out for Christmas in Florida by decorating anything they can. Goofy and Donald have the Holiday spirit as they play in front of Spaceship Earth at Epcot.

Let the Memories Begin

"Let the Memories Begin" was the theme at Disney's Magic Kingdom for 2011, as New Year's Eve approaches, what will the theme be for 2012? Possibly "The Year of More Magic".

Timeless favorite toys

Timeless favorite toys are displayed under a giant Christmas tree at the Magic Kingdom.

Mickey and Minnie Topiary

Topiary shaped like Mickey and Minnie in the Christmas spirit.

Nutcracker

Epcot's tribute to the Nutcracker, a traditional Christmas favorite.

Christmas tree at Epcot

The Christmas tree at Epcot looks amazing, even at night.

Lorraine Bracco at Epcot's Candlelight Processional

There are many special Disney Christmas events like Epcot's Candlelight Processional where Lorraine Bracco was one of the guest narrators.

Sep 18, 2011

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel in Orlando

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel in Orlando captures the spirit of Italy and the Riviera with the romance of a Mediterranean seaside resort.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

The resort is just outside Universal Studios and is considered one of the top Florida resort hotels. Every guest room features authentic Italian furnishings and marble accents and a festive harbor piazza filled with Italian sports cars and Vespa scooters.

May 30, 2011

New Lego Creations at Downtown Disney

Buzz & Woody Legos

Lego Imagination Center at Downtown Disney has reopened with new Lego scenes. Buzz Lightyear & Woody pictured are pictured above.

Maleficent Dragon Legos

With all the excitement about Legoland Florida opening in October, this is a great opportunity for Lego fans to preview what's ahead for the new Orlando area attraction. Pictured above and below are Maleficent Dragon vs. Prince Phillip.

Prince Phillip Legos

A few of the Seven Dwarfs.

Seven Dwarfs Legos

Mar 19, 2011

Daytona Bike Week 2011

Daytona Main Street during Bike Week

We had a great time at Daytona Bike Week this year, the weather was good and so were the crowds.

Bike Week 2011
Bikers of all shapes and sizes were there and everybody was having fun in Daytona Beach.

Girl at Dog House

The girls at the Dog House were outa control, dancing on the bar and all. Want to see more, view all Daytona Bike Week 2011 pictures, and make your plans to be there next year.

Girls at Dirty Harry's

Dirty Harry's Beer Girl

Rider at Bike Week

More Daytona Bike Week 2011 Pictures

Feb 16, 2011

Lake Dora

Blue Heron on Lake Dora

On a recent visit to Mt. Dora we saw this Great Blue Heron sunning itself on the shores of beautiful Lake Dora. The Great Blue Heron is the largest and most common heron in North America.

Cormorant

Lake Dora has many water birds that grace its shores; this Double-Crested Cormorant was alert looking for food in the reeds.

Lake Dora Marina

The marina at Lake Dora is a great example of the 'old Florida' style marina; it's quaint just like the rest of the town. We were visiting Mt. Dora as guests of WhatToDoInMtDora.com and were attending the Central Florida TBEX Chapter Meetup.

Lake Dora Waterfront

Many of the houses on the shores of Lake Dora have boats docks with covers or boathouses. The city of Mt. Dora has all the peaceful charm of old Florida while being only an hour's drive from the busy Orlando attractions area.

Lake Dora Lighthouse

This lighthouse is at the very end of Grantham Point on the shores of Lake Dora. It's lit by a 750-watt photocell that powers a blue pulsator guiding light to all boaters sailing at night on Lake Dora.

Dec 29, 2010

Blue Spring State Park

Manatees at Blue Spring State Park

On a cold December morning I ventured to Blue Spring State Park for a few pictures of manatees that tend to gather whenever the mercury drops.

Blue Spring Manatees

Manatees are very sensitive to cold weather and hold up in Blue Spring Run which empties into the St. Johns River. The water emerges from Blue Spring is 72 degrees year round making it a popular hangout for manatees.

Blue Spring State Park

Blue Spring State Park is one of most popular Florida state parks and also popular with tourist who visit Orlando between now and March. If you go, get there early as the park tends to fill-up before 10 am on really cold days when viewing is the best.