www.flafirst.org http://www.flafirst.org Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000 en hourly 1 Saving Money Visiting Orlando Theme Parks http://www.flafirst.org/2011/07/11/saving-money-visiting-orlando-theme-parks/ http://www.flafirst.org/2011/07/11/saving-money-visiting-orlando-theme-parks/#comments Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.flafirst.org/&p=11 The theme parks in Orlando are fun and exciting, but can also be a budget buster at the same time. The ticket prices increase every year and the food can be very expensive, especially for larger families. There are a few ways that you can save money while visiting the theme parks this year.

Be sure to do your research on ticket prices before you leave home. Most Orlando theme parks offer Florida resident discounts and many times the tickets are cheaper if purchased online ahead of time. Also, consider spending more than one day per theme park, as the ticket prices are much cheaper comparatively for longer stays than they are for just one day.

Don’t be afraid to pack your own food and beverages and bring them with you. Most of the Orlando theme parks will allow outside food and drinks, as long as they are not in glass containers or do not contain alcohol. Bring a soft-sided cooler to keep you lunch in and try not to pack anything that will spoil too quickly in the heat. Refillable water bottles will also save you money and you can refill them almost anywhere in the parks.

No matter which park you visit, you can save a little money and still have a great time while in Orlando.

]]> http://www.flafirst.org/2011/07/11/saving-money-visiting-orlando-theme-parks/feed/ 0 The Best Beaches for Collecting Shells http://www.flafirst.org/2011/07/10/the-best-beaches-for-collecting-shells/ http://www.flafirst.org/2011/07/10/the-best-beaches-for-collecting-shells/#comments Sun, 10 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.flafirst.org/&p=10 Who doesn’t love collecting unusual sea shells along beautiful Florida beaches. Shells can be found on almost any beach in Florida, but the more abundant shells are located on the white sandy beaches of Lee Island Coast, in Lee County, and the Florida Keys, near the Gulf of Mexico and southwest Florida.

The quaint town of Sanibel/Captiva, located west of Fort Myers, south of Tampa, and north of Naples, have over 15 miles of gorgeous sandy Florida beaches. Sanibel/Captiva features over 250 types of sea shells and a wildlife refuge. Also, Marco Island would naturally have a myriad of sea shells up and down its coastline beaches, because the Island houses the largest barrier reef in Florida.Want more? Click here/tag

Marco Island attracts visitors from around the world due to its tropical weather. In addition to Sanibel/Captiva and Fort Myers, Lee County in southwest Flordia, also includes the islands of Cape Coral, Estero Island, Fort Beach, Bonita Springs, and other smaller coastal islands.

Famous politicians and writers have put Lee County and the Florida Keys, on the map with their inspired vacationing in these splendored islands. The Floriday Keys include the isles of Key Largo, Key West, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine, and the Lower Keys, all with growing communities.

]]> http://www.flafirst.org/2011/07/10/the-best-beaches-for-collecting-shells/feed/ 0 Swimming with the Dolphins: An Adventure for Kids http://www.flafirst.org/2011/07/09/swimming-with-the-dolphins-an-adventure-for-kids/ http://www.flafirst.org/2011/07/09/swimming-with-the-dolphins-an-adventure-for-kids/#comments Sat, 09 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.flafirst.org/&p=9 Swimming with dolphins is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many people. Kids and adults both love the friendly creatures, but there are a few things that you should know before you decide to partake in this adventure.

First, you must be a strong swimmer to swim with the dolphins or at least be comfortable enough to be out in deep water with a life vest for support. Dolphins need deep water to in which to swim, so often the dolphin swim adventures occur in water of over 10 feet deep. Many dolphin swims do have a resting place in the water where you can stand if you need a break.

Because of their large size, dolphins can be intimidating to some people once they get up close to them in the water. Younger children may be frightened and change their mind when they get in the water and see the large creatures next to them, so you may need to prepare the kids ahead of time.

Also, be aware that swimming with the dolphins does not usually mean that you are actually going to swim around in the water with them. Most of the time, the dolphins will do a few tricks for you, let you pet them and then you may be able to let them pull you through the water while holding their fins. If your family knows what to expect, they will have a fun-filled adventure while swimming with the dolphins.

]]> http://www.flafirst.org/2011/07/09/swimming-with-the-dolphins-an-adventure-for-kids/feed/ 0 The Top 5 Golf Courses in Florida http://www.flafirst.org/2011/07/08/the-top-5-golf-courses-in-florida/ http://www.flafirst.org/2011/07/08/the-top-5-golf-courses-in-florida/#comments Fri, 08 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.flafirst.org/&p=8 Golf is a fun activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family. But good courses are hard to find. If you are living in Florida and are having a hard time trying to figure out which one to go to, this list of Florida’s top five golf courses should be of some assistance.

Ranking in at number one is Mill Cove Golf Club – Mill Cove Course of Jacksonville. Professional golfer Arnold Palmer designed this course of champions with a 71 par and a slope rating of 129. The course can be played by golfers of all levels. And for those wanting to improve, they offer lessons provided by the Head Golf Pro.

Standing at number two is Pembroke Lakes Golf Club located in Pembroke Pines, FL. The renovated property is open to the public and features the following amenities: a Restaurant and Lounge (Club 19), Banquet and Catering Facilities, Nine Hard Tennis Courts, Five Clay Tennis Courts, and a Swimming Pool.

Third on the list is Mangrove Bay Golf Course of Saint Petersburg, FL. This course is a par-72, Championship golf course sitting on 180 acres of picturesque land. Mangrove Bay features 18 holes on USGA modified greens, a clubhouse, lighted driving range, and a pro shop.

Number four is Calusa Pines Golf Club of Naples, FL. The club opened in 2001, features 7,215 yards of golf for a par of 72 and was designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan.

Last on the list, but not least, is World Woods Golf Club of Brooksville, FL. The course is beautiful, complete with two 18-hole layouts, a 22 acre circular driving range, and a 50,000 square foot practice putting green.The information doesn’t stop now. Keep looking: Pine Ridge Golf Club – July Specials

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