Famous for its vast selection of theme parks Orlando is a
favourite holiday destination for families from all over the
world. Walt Disney World was key to the initial success of
this area and continues to be one of the biggest attractions
in the Orlando area. With Four Theme Parks, Magic Kingdom,
Epcot, MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom and water parks Blizzard
Beach, Typhoon Lagoon.
Neighbouring parks include Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure,
Sea World all well worth a visit and have really up the stakes
for Disney over the years.
But Orlando is not just about Disney World, Universal or Sea
World great as they are.
There is a vast array of other things to do in and around
Orlando.
Air boat rides where you can see the Florida wildlife up close.
Some of the best golf courses right on your doorstep. Many
of the villas listed on What Florida Villa are located on
or very near a golf course.
Picture it! Breakfast in the sun, a round of golf, back to
the villa, some lunch followed by a splash in the pool and
then back on the golf course….. bliss.
Shopping! well yes, Orlando has some fantastic outlets and
shopping malls too many to list but all within easy reach
of your holiday villa. Most of our villa owners will have
information and guide packs with details of shopping malls
local to your villa. Community resort offices also stock a
variety of information leaflets as well so information is
never far away.
One of my favourite non theme park attractions is Fantasy
of Flight. Just a short drive from Orlando in Polk City. Fantasy
of Flight owner Kermit Weeks has a large collection of vintage
aircraft on display and also has a flying display of one of
his historic aircraft on most days. Aircraft from the first
and second world wars as well as other famous and rare types.
There is a guided tour of the restoration facilities with
some famous aircraft from the movies as well.
There are simulators and excellent interactive display of
world war two including mock trenches and walk through B25
bomber. With an excellent restaurant on site and aviation
gift shop as well.
Traveling out further from Orlando about one hour 30 minute
drive you will reach Kennedy Space Center Florida Space Port.
If your lucky enough you may even witness a shuttle or rocket
launch.
Kennedy Space Center is steeped in history. There are coach
tours that are run by the space center and travel to the historic
launch pads of the early moon launches at Cape Canaveral.
There is the close up tour which is a bit more expensive but
gets you as close to the shuttle launch pad as possible. The
tours are very informative and allow access to viewing areas
for the International Space Station assembly bays as well
as the Apollo mission control room. A talk from astronauts
about their experiences of space flights happens on most days
and you are free to ask questions as well.
Further on from Kennedy Space Center is Daytona. Famous for
its long beach and Raceway.
Planning ahead you may even catch a race!
UK passport and
US Visa Waiver Program and Travel Advice
UK
Passport Information
The official UK passport website. Apply for a new adlult or child passport
or renew a passport
Most British Citizens visiting the US for less than 90 days do not require
a visa as they qualify for visa free entry under the US Visa Waiver Programme
(US VWP). However, exclusions apply.
Embassy
of the U.S. London: Visa Waiver Program
Details about the Visa Waiver Program including a Visa Waiver Wizard to check
if you qualify for visa free entry under the US Visa Waiver Programme.
For those of you travelling or looking to travel to the USA on or after 12 January 2009 you need to apply online for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) to be entitled to enter the USA. You will no longer be able to travel using the current visa waiver program on board the aircraft. You must apply for an ESTA as soon as possible, please note the current regulations regarding criminal records either current or spent still apply. For more information regarding this please read below and use the links provided, or contact us direct.
US Visa waiver program moves online
IN a major change to the United States visa waiver program (VWP), UK citizens will need to apply online and in advance of travelling from January 12, 2009.
Currently, citizens of VWP member countries – including the UK and Ireland – must complete a green I94 form onboard before landing in the US, but a trial of the new Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program is already underway and will be fully implemented on January 12.
Once approved, an ESTA is valid for multiple entries over two years – or until the holder’s passport expires.
US authorities are keen to highlight the fact that the information required of passengers is no different to that on the current I94 form and that, in the vast majority of cases, a message indicating authorisation to travel – or not – will be instant.
Those planning to travel to the US are encouraged to apply for authorisation as far in advance as possible and no later than 72 hours before travelling, although “there will be accommodations for those flying at the last minute or in emergencies”.
The ESTA itself is an electronic authorisation matched to a passport – rather than a physical endorsement or certificate – and can be applied for even without the passenger knowing their exact travel and destination details. Those in possession of an ESTA should update their travel details (via the same website) for each subsequent journey to the US during its two-year validity.
Travel agents are being asked to help communicate the changes to the public.
