Lake Tibet Butler Preserve

Last time we visited Florida we sought our Lake Tibet Butler Preserve – visiting is free so we thought we would give it a go.  The preserve is not a well publicized tourist attraction – it is a wildlife preserve in the main Orlando area.  There are 4 miles of hiking trails – some of which are on elevated board walks and a really great Environmental Center (with aircon) where you should start your trip to get an idea of some of the wildlife you might see.

It was a really hot September day when we went, we were glad we had our sunscreen, hats and bottled water.  I really liked the center, well set out, nice and cool, lots of info.  Then we set off to explore.  Maps are provided and the routes are well-marked.  I was absolutely fine on the elevated boardwalk pieces of the routes, when it came to the ground level pieces, I was less sure and to be perfectly frank expected to see a snake at every turn.  We didn’t.  We did see one of the park rangers who told us he had lived in Florida all his life and had never yet seen any of the venomous snakes despite seeking them out!

On our day we saw and heard lots of birds.  It was a really relaxing environment and a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks and shopping malls.

I would recommend it for half a day.  Take wellies (rubber boots) and binoculars if you have them to get the full experience.

Located off the CR535, exit 68 off I4.

Disney Princess Half Marathon

3 weeks today I will be taking part in my 3rd Disney Princess Half Marathon.  I am not a runner – in fact, I hate running, but I am running for a great cause in the UK called @caverescueorg.uk who rescued me when I fell 300ft down a mountain on Valentines Day 2009.

Back to @RunDisney – the Princess Half Marathon is a very special event.  You need to complete each mile in 16 mins or less – so for the last 2 years I have done fast walking, this year I hope to jog all the way round.  The reason I love the race is that I get totally distracted because there are character opportunities, floats, live bands, loads of spectators and locations that you recognise all the way round.  You even get to run through the castle en route.  Women from all backgrounds, countries and of all shapes and sizes take part

At the end of the race you get the blingyest of all medals which you can have etched with your race time, there and then.

Orlando Balloon Rides

On many mornings while staying at our villa we have been woken by a strange sound above our rooftop.  We soon realised that it was the gentle roar of the hot air burner in a balloon being fired up.  What an impressive sight they make, so for our 15th Wedding Anniversary we booked a hot air balloon flight with Blue Water Balloons.  It cost about £100 each so we wouldn’t have done it if it wasn’t a special occasion.  Flights go every morning from the Disney area (weather permitting).

It is an early start as you need to be ready to fly at Dawn.  We met the team and other flyers at one of the hotels on the 192, where we were then taken to our departure site.  The balloon was inflated while we all boarded the basket and enjoyed photo opportunities.  There were about 8 of us plus the pilot in the basket.  About 5 other balloons went out with us.  I’m not an early bird but it is worth it.  It is the most relaxing and interesting way to view Florida.  You get a real understanding of how much greenery, water and swamp land there is.  We flew for an hour and were extremely lucky in the fact that we flew right over our villa and then landed further down the US27 in a farmer’s field.

We then met up with the other balloons which were out that morning for a champagne toast before returning to the hotel were we set off from to have a full buffet breakfast.  This was also where we received our flight certificates.

Thoroughly recommended for any special occasions that you might celebrate in Florida.

Mount Dora, Florida

Mount Dora is about 40 – 45mins drive from Orlando but it is million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks. Mount Dora has become a favourite day out with all our family – grandparents, parents and children.  It has a more ‘villagey’ feel and has lots of shops, places to dine, a lovely Aveda spa and plenty to do – with a huge lake where you can kayak, take a boat ride or fish.  Much to my Dad’s delight there is also a railway with an Engine called Herbie and a perfectly preserved signal box.

There are even lots of options on how you can view the village – a trolley bus, segway tours, bicycles and on foot.  There is free parking.

A few of our favourite things to do in Mount Dora – no. 1 for me is a visit to the cupcake shop – Cupcake Delights, after that I love to visit the Aveda spa, walk around the little gift/card/souvenir shops.  Hubby loves to go to the cycle shop – Mount Dora Cycles.  We love to have lunch or tea (watching the sunset) at Pisces Rising.  Pisces Rising overlooks Lake Dora and the setting sun. It’s focus is fresh seafood and hand-cut Certified Black Angus Beef served with fresh seasonal vegetables and flair. Watch out if you are in the restrooms when Herbie trundles past – the building does shake!!  My favourite is the crab cakes with mango salsa.

On the way to Mount Dora we have also called in at a small hamlet/village called Tangerine – where the houses are orange and where there is a quaint little post office to send you postcards home.

Mount Dora is also well known for it’s annual festivals and events.  One of the best that we have experienced is the Christmas lights – absolutely magical.

All in all, in our view a worthy day trip out, a different view of Florida.

We take the toll road 429 to Mount Dora – its a lovely straight and generally quiet road, when you turn off Mount Dora is easy to find as it is very well sign posted.

Hard Rock Cafe, Universal City Walk, Orlando

Whenever we visit Universal/IOA our preferred lunch/tea location is the Hard Rock Cafe.   It’s the biggest in the world, modelled on the Coliseum.  Not just a cafe also a Hard Rock Live venue.  Theming is abundant – a car sticks out of the exterior wall as well as a full size car dangling from the ceiling inside.  The cafe holds more pieces of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia than any other location and some very famous items from the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley to name just a few.

Portions are large and American in style.  Hubby usually has the grilled veggie sandwich while I favour the Chicken club sandwich.  Alternatively we will have the burger – grilled to your liking.  The onion rings are great and there is a brilliant selection of beverages.

It gives you a great break from the parks, in the air con, recharging your batteries to head back for more.  You will be full though so maybe go to a show while your stomach settles and not straight back onto one of the coasters!

Souvenir shop has plenty on offer – loads of t-shirts, caps, glasses etc.