Universal Orlando has just released a new preview of its forthcoming Volcano Bay water park, due to open in Summer 2017, timed to coincide with tickets going on sale. The park is still being built, so the film is CGI but does give some clear ideas about what guests can expect from visits to the park when it opens in June 2017. As well as the towering 200ft-tall “volcano” that...
Central Florida is a beautiful part of the world and it is definitely worth making time to explore beyond the parks if you can.The Ellis team ventured out to Mount Dora recently – a great fun day out for all the family. Here’s what happened. Mount Dora is an attractive lakeside town just forty minutes to an hour or so north of any of our vacation homes. Take a stroll...
November is usually a quiet month for us in Orlando. Yet it can be a wonderful month to visit. Depending which end of November you visit, you could catch the tail end of Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival or the very start of the parks’ Christmas festivities. Either way, temperatures in the 70s are very pleasant for exploring beyond the parks and the opportunity to do some early Christmas shopping...
How many times have you wished you could have a local show you around while on vacation? That ‘fish out of water’ feeling that you’re missing some vital knowledge that would help your day go smoother is particularly acute at big theme parks like Orlando’s Disney and Universal because there is simply so much to see. Jennifer of Magical Edge is a Florida native who specialises in helping visitors to...
October in Orlando is all about Fall festivals and Halloween. There are events here for young and old alike – everyone can join in the hauntingly good fun! Temperatures are turning cooler, but this is Florida after all – so most Brits will be happy soaking up the Winter sun. Here’s the Ellis Exclusive Villas guide to getting the most out of your Orlando vacation when you stay with us...
Have you tried Pokémon Go! yet? I have to admit an interest here: I’m slightly addicted! For me, the opportunity to go hunting Pokémon somewhere new has put a whole new spin on vacations… Here’s what happened when the Ellis team ventured out to Disney Springs, phone in hand… It started out as a new way to get myself moving. Walking around hunting Pokémon surely has to be a low-impact,...
One of my favourite festivals in any of the parks is the Epcot Food and Wine Festival which opens today at Epcot. Here’s our quick guide… Quick Park Overview Epcot has two ‘realms’ – Future World and World Showcase. Future World features technological innovations. World Showcase explores the culture and cuisine of 11 countries in ‘enchanting international pavilions’. Countries featured are: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, the United States, Japan,...
Orlando is great for shopping. Whether you are a bargain hunter or a luxury-label fanatic, you can find temptation at Orlando’s malls. Here’s our guide… Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets The closest major outlet mall to the majority of our vacation homes, Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets is located just off the I-4, north of Celebration. This huge outdoor mall is within a half-hour drive of all our homes. It has a...
September is a great time to visit Orlando. The parks experience some of their lowest crowds and lowest prices, yet some of their best special events begin this month. The weather is still warm, but be prepared for the occasional afternoon storm. Here’s the Ellis Exclusive Villas guide to getting the most out of your Orlando vacation when you stay with us in September. The Theme Parks The parks are...
Halloween is a great time to visit Orlando – you’ll be rewarded with lots of fun events at the parks. European visitors are often surprised at the extent of Halloween celebrations stateside, especially on a first visit to the USA at this time of year. But, if you are lucky enough to be here during Halloween and the period running up to it, you can be sure of having a...
