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New attractions and expansions pave the way for adventure in Kissimmee

14th January 2015 Print
I-Drive 360

Some resolutions were meant to be broken. Do you really want to spend this New Year finally learning the guitar or do you want to go out and experience world-class entertainment and adventure at our Central Florida destination? From new eateries to ongoing expansions to enjoying Kissimmee's waterfront charm, now is the time to plan your next family vacation. Make your New Year's resolution to experience Kissimmee!

Attractions

See monster alligators climb out of the water and jump for food in Wild Florida's Gator Park feeding show. You'll be amazed when 13-foot alligators come completely out of the water and if you are feeling really adventurous, you can ask about entering the observation deck to feed them yourself!

Join Marsh Landing Adventures as they explore the headwaters of the Florida Everglades on their new 4-hour photography and educational tour. This 4-Hour Half Day tour is sure to satisfy eco-enthusiasts, avid photographers and adventurous tourists alike! On this tour you can come face to face with American Alligators, bald eagles, egrets, Blue Herons, snakes, turtles and wild hogs! You'll get an up close view of two different islands that served as Seminole Indian encampments in the 1800s and then head up Shingle Creek to explore the source waters of the Florida Everglades. The boat will make several stops for fantastic photographic opportunities and for more in depth encounters. These tours are strictly by reservation so you must call (407) 572-3561 to book in advance.

Swing in the trees, enjoy the Florida outdoors and test your mental and physical skills at Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park! Kissimmee's newest attraction is an aerial adventure course built in a beautiful 15-acre tree canopy. The park has six color-coded courses, each with obstacles for kids, juniors and adults. Obstacles include Tarzan-like swings, ladders, suspended bridges, scramble nets, swinging logs, surf boards and more. Altogether the park has 97 games or elements for various challenge levels.

Scheduled to open in spring of 2015, I-Drive 360 will feature three new attractions, in addition to numerous shopping and dining options in the complex, adding a new dimension to Orlando's world-class entertainment options. The Orlando Eye, the 400-foot observation wheel at the heart of the complex will feature breathtaking views of Central Florida in all directions within fully enclosed, air-conditioned glass capsules. Madame Tussauds, the world's most famous celebrity figure wax attraction will provide visitors with the ultimate fame experience and its signature red carpet treatment. SEA LIFE Orlando will offer a new wave of underwater adventures with beautiful displays of colorful fish, sharks, jellyfish, sea horses and more, that turn the traditional aquarium observation on its head.

Located minutes from Kissimmee, Walt Disney World Resort has broken ground on a three-year transformation of Downtown Disney, representing the largest expansion in its history. It will be transformed into Disney Springs, a unique destination that will treat guests to more shopping, dining and entertainment offerings amid beautiful open-air promenades, meandering springs and waterfront charm. Slated to open in 2015, Disney Springs will feature The Landing, a colorful and thriving commercial district with inspired dining, beautiful waterfront views and rustic buildings.

The comedic sea lion duo, Clyde and Seamore, star in SeaWorld Orlando's newest show, “Clyde & Seamore's Sea Lion High,” opening spring 2015. It's a hilarious tale, filled with amazing animal behaviors and splashy audience fun. Clyde and Seamore find themselves in slippery pursuit of their high school diplomas and judging from the slapstick, high-energy pranks and hijinks, there's no doubt Clyde and Seamore will emerge as heads of their class.

The Force grows even stronger at LEGOLAND Florida Resort with the announcement of LEGO Club Weekends featuring the LEGO Star Wars Miniland model display as a new addition to 2015 events. On Feb. 21-22, LEGOLAND brings the Force to its guests through meet and greet opportunities with LEGO Darth Vader, Star Wars building activities, costume contests and giveaways plus an interactive guided LEGO Star Wars Miniland tour!

The City of Kissimmee announces that the third and final phase of the Kissimmee Lakefront Park project is complete. The third phase includes 52 new boat slips, a splash pad featuring natural elements, a state-of-the-art playground and an event lawn. The City will host a grand opening celebration for the public on Saturday, January 31 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., featuring a national musical act, a special ceremony and fireworks.

Grab your crayons and mark your calendars because the Crayola Experience is coming to the Florida Mall this summer! Embark on a colorful adventure where color, chemistry and digital technology combine to make a one-of-a-kind family attraction. Imagination will be your greatest tool at Crayola Experience, where 25 hands-on attractions create a day of colorful fun for the entire family.

Machine Gun America, Kissimmee's first Automatic Adrenaline Attraction, offers guests an exciting way to experience firearms in a safe, secure, state-of-the-art environment designed to give anyone, regardless of their experience level, the thrill of a lifetime. MGA also offers high-level premier 'military grade' training simulators that entertain up to four guests at a time. Guests cannot bring their own firearms as it is an attraction experience only.

Accomodations

Global Resorts is continuing to expand their inventory and setting a new standard of quality in the vacation home market by introducing their newest resort community acquisition inside ChampionsGate Resort. ChampionsGate Resort is an upscale resort that features a public 18-hole golf course with a driving range and putting green and includes a golf clubhouse having dining, locker rooms and a pro shop. The resort boasts six clay tennis courts along with a tennis clubhouse. In addition, it features a main clubhouse that includes a resort-style pool with water slides and cabanas, lazy river, splash park, state-of-the-art fitness center, spa, tiki bar and movie theater along with a playground and volleyball courts. ChampionsGate is the resort's first community that includes 8-bedroom homes.

Magic Development is excited to present Magic Village Resort: a unique, luxury, concierge-style community with 180 houses featuring four different floor plans, exclusive services, privacy and comfort. The houses are beautifully designed by experienced and refined architects and are fully equipped with modern decoration. The Club House features amenities that include a restaurant, a pool, a jacuzzi, a kid's room and an office with internet access.

Meliá Orlando Suite Hotel located at Celebration is pleased to announce its affiliation with the Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel Program. The Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel program identifies accommodations that are affordable, comfortable and close to all of the magic. The Meliá Orlando Suite Hotel at Celebration offers a fusion of family fun and modern luxury for a stay that provides the perfect ambiance for a couple looking for a weekend getaway or a family bringing the kids to enjoy a great Walt Disney World vacation.

Westgate Resorts is growing rapidly and to accommodate the growth Westgate Resorts Town Center & Spa in Kissimmee is undergoing construction to bring the latest in vacations luxuries to guests and owners. In the spring of 2015, guests can look forward to a new high-rise building that will feature 167 luxury villas, the largest of the villas being a 5-bedroom lock-off. The new villas will feature state-of-the-art technology and enrich the owner's vacation experience by providing luxurious comforts and modern décor. The resort also plans to complete a two-story waterpark that is currently under construction behind Town Hall at the Town Center. The waterpark will be 39,000 square feet of watery fun and entertainment featuring a pirate ship with spray guns, multiple water slides, a relaxing lazy river, a kiddie play area and 16 private cabanas for relaxing in the Florida sun! A pool bar and snack bar will also be available for guests and owners to enjoy.

Also, local resorts such as CLC Regal Oaks Resort and Star Island Resort & Club, are making investments and upgrades during 2015. In the spring, CLC Regal Oaks will be opening a brand new full service $34 million clubhouse featuring a full service restaurant. Star Island Resort & Club began a $3.5 million renovation in November 2014. Renovations will be completed within the timeframe of 18-24 months. Upgrades include new carpeting, tiles, furniture, bathroom cabinets and bedding.

Eateries

Saigon-Harbor is a family-owned and operated restaurant that is bringing the rich flavors of Vietnamese cuisine to Kissimmee. Using the finest ingredients and freshest seafood, Saigon-Harbor strives for the perfect taste in each dish while perfecting delicious traditional recipes that have been handed down for generations.

Opening spring 2015 as one of the new venues in The Landing at Disney Springs The BOATHOUSE will be an upscale, waterfront dining experience featuring spectacular floating artwork: dream boats from the '30s, '40s & '50s. The incredible culinary experience will be showcased in an expansive restaurant with three distinctive bars, private dining rooms and other nautically-themed rooms. Guests will enjoy a gourmet menu served daily until 2:00 a.m. featuring steaks, chops, fresh seafood and a raw bar.

Also set to open summer 2015 at The Landing is Morimoto Asia. Morimoto Asia's extraordinary, 36-foot tall, two-story layout includes a vast range of areas to explore including open terraces, grand hall, private rooms, long bar, cocktail lounge and waterside seating. Morimoto Asia's culinary elements will provide flavors from across Asia, while exhibition kitchens will showcase the continent's traditions. Included among them are street-food stalls, Peking duck carving and dim sum.

Get the most out of your vacation this year by staying and playing in Kissimmee. With more than 50,000 total accommodations ranging from high-end resorts, popular hotel chains, vacation home rentals and villas, campgrounds and more, Kissimmee has something to suit any style, any party size and budget. Kissimmee provides easy access to all of Central Florida's world famous theme parks, amusement parks, natural attractions, great shopping options, and unique experiences. Start planning a Kissimmee vacation today by visiting ExperienceKissimmee.com.

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I-Drive 360