Kennedy Space Center Out of this World Experience

The Kennedy Space Center near Orlando, Florida is a sprawling complex highlighting the marvels of space and the adventure of being an astronaut. It is the only place on earth where visitors can tour a launch area, meet an astronaut, see giant rockets, train in spaceflight simulators and even view a launch. When I arrived at the complex, I was amazed by the actual size, 140,000 acres, and even more impressed by the technology present. The first-hand look at space flight made me feel a part of some of man’s greatest discoveries and let me experience what it feels like to be an astronaut, which is every child’s dream.

There truly is a lot to do at Orlando’s Kennedy Space Center, so allow a full afternoon for you and your family to enjoy all that it offers. On top of the rockets you can tour, there are also some interesting Imax movies to take advantage, including Magnificent Desolation: Waking on the Moon 3D, which gave me a whole new perspective of the moon. There is also a live theatrical production, Mad Mission to Mars, where audience members become astronaut trainees, plus a rocket garden, Astronaut Hall of Fame, and Space Shuttle Plaza where one can tour the inner workings of a space shuttle and see how astronauts live during missions. However, my two favorite things to do at Kennedy Space Center were the Space Flight Simulator and the Launch area. The Space Flight Simulator was a great first-hand experience of what it’s like for astronauts in a rocket, including preparation, blast off and orbiting. The end of the ride is the best part, as you get an amazing view of “outer space.” The Launch area, which you get to by bus, was an interesting experience because I got to see the exact area where space shuttles blast into space. It really is a piece of history that I felt proud to see. In addition, when actual launches are scheduled, visitors can see those too.

Tips: At the Kennedy Space Center, there is a food court area offering a variety of options, so you can spend your day or afternoon here and still eat well. Plus, there is a gift shop for souvenirs. Be sure to plan your day at the complex ahead of time in order to have enough time to do everything available.

Stay on Table Rock Lake at the Village at Indian Point

The Village at Indian Point Resort is located on beautiful Table Rock Lake, just minutes from Silver Dollar City, one of Branson’s most popular attractions. This property has a lodge-style main building complete with fireplace, stuffed game and woodsy décor. The main building is also home to several of the on-site amenities, including the indoor pool, game room and fitness center. The indoor pool area was spacious, very clean and featured and extremely large Jacuzzi as well as a kiddie pool. The game room featured a pool table and air hockey, while the fitness room was equipped with a sauna, weight and cardio machines. Plans are in the works to add an outdoor pool and snack bar for Summer 2011. There is also a dock on-site and fishing poles are available at the front desk for guests.

The condos at the Village at Indian Point Resort feature four different floor plans, all with two bedrooms and two baths. The lowest priced unit is the Deluxe condo, which features a 900 sq. ft. floor plan with medium sized kitchen, living room with fireplace and large deck for enjoying the breezes off the lake. The Deluxe Jacuzzi condo is very similar to the aforementioned condo, although it includes a two person Jacuzzi. The Luxury Lakefront Jacuzzi condo is around 1100 sq. ft. and features upscale appointments like granite countertops, new kitchen appliances, upscale case goods and fixtures and a great view of the lake. The Luxury Lakefront Jacuzzi Condo with loft resembles the other lakefront units, although it comes with a spiral staircase that leads to a loft with an additional bed, essentially making this a three bedroom unit.

All of the condos feature flat screen TV’s and washer/dryer. Plus, firewood is available for free to guests so the fireplace can be put to good use. Boat and trailer parking is also available.

Hollywood Wax Museum, Castle of Chaos & Hannah's Mirror Maze a Fun Way to Play in Branson

The Hollywood Wax Museum in Branson, Missouri has turned into an entertainment complex offering a unique tribute to the stars, a 5D ride and interactive games plus a mirror maze that will have you seeing double. With the Hollywood Wax Museum, Castle of Chaos & Hannah's Mirror Maze combo pass you can experience all three fun options for one low price.

When I visited the attraction, me and my companions headed to the Castle of Chaos first, were we quickly got strapped into our seats and began our action-packed adventure that merged a state-of-the-art 3D horror film with heart-pounding motion, special effects, animatronics and an all-out shooting battle against evil. From there, we headed to Hannah’s Mirror Maze where we winded our way through hundreds of mirrored archways until we saved Princess Hannah from Ugly Hetty’s Spell.

Next on the list was the Hollywood Wax Museum. I strolled through the Wax museum, taking pictures and reading interesting facts about movies and personalities, taking about an hour to fully take in every figure and display. I personally enjoyed the Wizard of Oz, Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Wars and Titanic exhibits, as well the Forrest Gump and I Dream of Jeannie figures. They combined great wax artistry with music and special effects to create a real feel to the life-like figures. Kids really enjoy the Branson's Hollywood Wax Museum because they can pose with characters from some of their favorite movies!

The whole family will enjoy the fun found at the Hollywood Wax Museum entertainment complex.

Newly Renovated Baymont Inn & Suites Branson a Top Lodging Choice

The Baymont Inn in Branson, Missouri is a conveniently located hotel property that underwent extensive renovations before opening in 2010. This completely remodeled facility features amenities like a business center with printer capabilities, a fitness center, open from 5am-11pm, equipped with three cardio machines and a flat screen TV, as well as a guest laundry and free Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel. There is also an atrium-style indoor pool area, open from 8am-11pm, that is very clean, has plenty of patio seating and a hot tub. This hotel also features a warm and inviting hospitality room equipped with a flat screen TV, serving an extended continental breakfast, with waffles, daily. Guest laundry is also available.

The rooms at the Branson Baymont Inn are available in Double Queen and King Suite varieties, with the essential difference between the two rooms being the addition of a two person Jacuzzi in the Suite. The same in-room amenities are found throughout both room types. They include a 32” flat screen TV, microwave, mini-fridge, exceptional case goods and granite vanities. Decorated in earth tones, the rooms have are very clean and spacious. A Serta perfect sleeper mattress rounds out the room, creating a perfect place to stay the night.

Baymont Inn & Suites is a top choice for any Branson visitor.

Zip to new Heights at Shepherd of the Hills Vigilante ZipRider Attraction

The Shepherd of the Hills Vigilante ZipRider is a thrilling ride that lets visitors get a bird’s eye view of the Ozarks. When I visited the newly opened attraction, I was ready to experience an adrenaline pumping downhill ride over The Shepherd of the Hills’ 160 acre homestead. There are currently 10 ZipRider attractions in the world, but the Vigilante ZipRider Attraction features the world’s highest tower launch from 230 feet in the air, atop Inspiration Tower. It was sure to be a wild ride!

My fellow companions and I signed consent forms and then traveled in a glass elevator to the top of Inspiration Tower, where we would launch from its open air deck. While we waited for our ride to begin, we had a fantastic view of the Ozark Mountains and were able to see other riders enjoy their journey as well. Once it was our turn, we entered the open air deck, boarded one of the four seated zip lines and eagerly waited for our experience.

The ½ mile ride, during which you can reach speeds up to 50mph, is definitely a rush and well worth the $29 admission fee. It is entirely different from a regular zipline experience and gives one the feeling of being weightless and entirely free to enjoy the view. On a ZipRider ride, guests have no responsibility other than to enjoy the ride.

The Shepherd of the Hills Vigilante ZipRider is an exciting attraction every Branson visitor will enjoy.

Luxury Awaits at Bear Crossing Condominiums Pigeon Forge

The Bear Crossing Condominiums Pigeon Forge offer upscale condominiums in a great location on the Little Pigeon River. The property features numerous amenities that will make your stay in the Smokies a great one. Property amenities include a medium-sized outdoor heated pool with grill area, and easy access to the Pigeon Forge RiverWalk.

The two bedroom condo I stayed in during my visit was lavishly appointed with superior case goods and felt like a home away from home. The open floor plan of the unit felt very spacious as well. The fully equipped kitchen had granite countertops and a dining area with a large, family-sized table. The living room was equipped with comfortable furniture, exceptional décor, a large flat screen television and gas log fireplace. The balcony, which was accessed through the living room, was also a real treat as it overlooked the Little Pigeon River. Some of the units have sunrooms as opposed to a balcony, but the great atmosphere remains the same. The master bedroom suite was very large, equipped with a king bed with top-scale linens and featured a large whirlpool tub for relaxing. The second bedroom featured a queen bed and was also tastefully decorated. It shared the common bath.

The Bear Crossing Condos are an excellent choice for Pigeon Forge visitors. The units are all in great condition and are the perfect place to stay while you visit the Smokies.

Experience an African Adventure at Busch Gardens Tampa

Busch Gardens is an African-safari themed amusement park offering thrilling rides, exciting shows and plenty of ways to experience up-close encounters with wild animals. This unique park, located about an hour west of Orlando, provides the perfect way to discover the beauty of Africa right in southern Florida.

When I visited, I was on a roller coaster mission. Busch Gardens is home to several, including Sheikra, Montu, Kumba and Gwazi. My companions and I tackled the parks dueling wooden roller coaster first, and Gwazi’s 7,000 feet of combined tracks made for a fun ride. Next up was Montu, one of the longest and tallest coasters in the world. It featured seven inversions, including a Zero G Roll and Corkscrew, and was a highlight of our trip. Kumba, which reaches speeds up to 63mph and stands 143 feet tall, was a top-rated coaster as well. The ride lasts almost three minutes so the seven inversions in this ride are well worth your time in line. Sheikra was the last coaster we conquered and it lived up to its promised thrills. This coaster takes you on a 200 foot climb, and then abruptly stops at a 90-foot drop. After hanging precariously in the air, you plummet towards the ground at speeds of 70 mph. It was a huge adrenaline rush and a must-ride for any coaster enthusiasts.

The animals at Busch Gardens Tampa are also a top attraction, and the numerous exhibits were incredible to see. A few of my favorites were Edge of Africa, home to hippos, lions, hyenas, lemurs, meerkats and crocodiles; Myombe Reserve, a lush habitat featuring gorillas and chimpanzees; and the Serengeti Railway, which is a great way to take in the beautiful animals and scenery located throughout the Serengeti Plains area.

The Busch Gardens Theme Park is a unique park that is fun for those of all ages!