Fun Spot Action Park in Orlando Home of Go-Carts and Games Galore

Fun Spot Action Park in Orlando is one of two top-notch Fun Spot go-cart and arcade parks in the Orlando area. However, Fun Spot's Action Park on International Drive boasts the original four concrete go-cart tracks, Ferris wheel, and multi-level indoor arcade. Getting into the fun at Fun Spot is easy as parking and admission are both free. Wrist bands can be bought for the use of go-cart tracks.

The rides at Fun Spot are one of a kind as the go-cart tracks overlap and wind around each other. From "Commander" that is a good beginner's track to "Thrasher" which is comprised of many sharp turns, every go-cart possibility is met at Fun Spot. Likewise, to complete the speed demon fantasy, helmets and goggles are available upon request at each track. Fun Spot is not a park that limits itself to the adolescent thrill seekers. The park is full of rides for all ages, separated by height. Kid Spot hosts 7 pre-school friendly rides while "Cadet", a smaller go-cart track, is a step up from the Kid Spot but still allows very small children enjoy the thrill of driving in a safe environment.

Orlando’s Fun Spot Action Park also contains other common fair rides such as bumper boats and bumper cars, and the "Salamander Scrambler" and the "Paratrooper". Likewise, familiar midway games with big prizes can be played for a few extra dollars. Inside at the "Winner's Circle" Arcade are over 100 arcade games on two levels. The upper level contains Playstation, Xbox, and GameCube games, plus other typical arcade games all ready to play for free.

Tips: Food is available inside and outside but soft drinks are unlimited and free and can be found in an outdoor pavilion. Also, in the soft drink pavilion are forms for numerous prize drawings and giveaways Fun Spot is hosting throughout the rest of 2008 to celebrate their tenth anniversary.

Branson's Shoji Tabuchi Shows his Talent during Performance

After attending the Shoji Tabuchi Show in Branson, all I can say is “Wow! Shoji can really play that fiddle!” From the first chord to the last, I was amazed by his mastery of the fiddle and how beautifully he performed. The production itself was also over-the-top, with pyrotechnics, costume changes, stage sets and enough variety that I was entertained from beginning to end.

First, though, something does need to be said about the attention to detail found inside Shoji’s Theater. The bathrooms are legendary, as the men’s room has a pool table, and the women’s has a Victorian garden-style theme that is truly beautiful. Now, the show itself features country, like “Cotton Eyed Joe,” but also features classics like “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” which was beautiful on the violin, and even delves into ‘50’s rock with an equally entertaining version of “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” During the 50’s segment, there is a full-out diner scene complete with a motorcycle that drives on stage. Then, there is a Broadway segment featuring a very nicely designed set featuring lights and posters, reminiscent of Broadway’s theater district. Here, too, Shoji plays instrumental versions of hits like “I Could’ve Danced All Night” and other songs from shows like Oklahoma and Mary Poppins are featured, complete with dancers, singers and flying performers!

There are many other styles featured in the show, including Hawaiian music, a Polka number, Gospel songs and even a special Christmas segment that gives visitors a special taste of what the Shoji Tabuchi Christmas Show is like. With so much happening during Branson’s Shoji Tabuchi show, you’ll have to attend the production to see for yourself what else happens!

Wet ‘N Wild in Orlando a Wild Ride of a Water Park

A day at Orlando's Wet 'N Wild is an intense refresher from the Florida heat, which is always warm enough for the cool waters to be just right so get there early and don't fear the sun being behind the clouds. The park opens at 9 and the lines are significantly shorter in the early hours. Parking is across the street and costs $9 per car and $10 per RV. However, any hotel located on or near International Drive is more than likely within a suitable walking distance from the park.

In the park there are many areas to set up camp for the day with every option from tables or lawn chairs to sand, sun, or shade. Many hours can be spent at this park riding rides or just relaxing so food and water need to be considered. There are many food options throughout the park including Bubba's BBQ, Manny's Pizza, and George's Famous Ice Cream. Coolers are allowed, so packing a lunch is a smart option.

The rides at Wet 'N Wild in Orlando are high in intensity and thrills. The much advertised newest ride at Wet 'N Wild, Disco H20, lives up to its hype and beyond. The first drop of the ride had me double checking my grip on the tube. Many similar rides throughout the park take the rider through dark tunnels with big drops, fast turns, and splash landings. Most rides accommodate 2-4 riders, while rides such as Mach 5 (which takes riders down its slides headfirst on mats) and Bomb Bay (one of two six-story speed slides), offer excitement for the individual. The Kids' Park offers the same thrills as the rest of the park in miniature form for all those guests under forty-two inches tall, including a miniature Surf Lagoon and Lazy River.

Tips: Lockers are available for valuables for $5 (plus a $2 deposit). Tubes for the Surf Lagoon and Lazy River must be rented. There is no limit to the number of times the many rides at Wet 'N Wild can be enjoyed, so a minimum three hour stay should be considered- if you can pull yourself away that quickly.

The Welk Resort in Branson Great Choice For Families

The Welk Resort in Branson, Missouri is in a secluded yet convenient location and offers the full list of resort amenities guest desire. Upon my arrival at the sprawling property, I noticed the attention to landscaping and design layout of the property, which created an oasis-effect right in the midst of Branson.

The Welk Resort offers two places to stay in Branson: their hotel and their lodges. The hotel rooms featured are double queen rooms with a modern floral décor. The rooms I visited were superbly clean, had nice views of the landscaped resort, and were stocked with standard amenities like table with chairs, coffee pot, & ’27 television. The bathrooms did have an oversized feel to them, which was highlighted with a curved shower rod and tiled floors. Plus, the vanity/sink area was extra large and provided plenty of space. The hotel also featured a small game room, guest laundry facility and pool area, which is equipped with a playground area for the kids, a hot tub for adults and you can even order food from the pool area and have it delivered by concierge. There is also a mini-golf course located on site, which is free to guests.

The Welk Resort is a good choice for families, seniors and couples.

SIX a Number One Branson Show

New to the Branson Scene, SIX is an energetic, comedy & music filled show that creates its own magic formula for success. Unlike other Branson shows, SIX doesn’t use any background dancers, singers or band. At SIX, the six Knudsen brothers are the entire show, and their talent carries the show from beginning to end.

When I watched the SIX show in Branson, the house was packed, and SIX fed off of their energy. From the first upbeat of “On Broadway” to the last note of “Glory Glory Hallelujah,” SIX harmonized their way through musical genres, including the California grooves of The Beach Boys, the smooth sounds of the Motown era, and classics from the heyday of rock. A cappella is a style SIX has mastered, but even more astounding is the mastery of instrumental sounds, including drums, bass and back beats they have perfected. As I mentioned earlier, there is no band. ALL of the sounds you hear are produced straight from the mouths of these six brothers, which is truly amazing to see!

Branson’s SIX also features comedy by the brothers, who believe it or not, are actually funny! I found myself laughing out loud at some of their antics, and I was quite surprised by the real chemistry the six brothers demonstrated. You can tell they’ve been performers for a long time because their performance was solid entertainment. The show is very fast-paced and features an array of songs, but my favorite, and it seems the crowd’s favorite too, were the Motown doo-wop songs, which included “Heard it Through the Grapevine” and “My Girl.” Their version of “Rockin’ Robin” was also stellar, and their production of “What a Wonderful World” treats guests to both the Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong version, with Armstrong’s voice reproduced quite well.

This show is a crowd pleaser, apparent from the masses in attendance. It is a perfect pick for all ages, and is a guaranteed good choice.

Branson's Broadway Brings New York Glitz to Country Music Capital

Branson is known for its country music scene, but there are many other shows in the area catering to different tastes. Broadway in Branson, MO is one of those shows, and it highlights all of Broadway’s most famous productions. The show began in a fast-paced and energetic fashion, opening with “So Glad You Made It,” and the energy level continued throughout the show. With very few transitions or interludes, the stage was constantly filled with singing, dancing or both!

I was seated 12th row center, where I was pleasantly surprised by my great view of the stage, and throughout the entire performance, I felt like I was in the midst of a tried and true Branson production. The performers at Broadway really know what they are doing, and the two stars of the Show, Gene and Darbie, have powerhouse, operatic type voices that really carry the Broadway songs they perform. Broadway also veers away from the “Branson Formula,” and they do not try to mix in comedy or gospel. Instead, they stick to what they know, and in doing so, create a production audiences continue to rave over. While I watched the show, every member of the audience was engaged and during intermission everyone was talking about how much they enjoyed the show so far.

With more than 15 Broadway productions featured, Branson’s Broadway captured my attention best during their performances of “Cabaret,” “Chorus Line,” & “Chicago.” The “Cabaret” segment featured an elaborate stage, flashy costumes and some tongue-in-cheek songs like “Don’t Tell Mama.” “Chicago” was entertaining due to its songs and showmanship, including a Jail scene featuring “Cell Block Tango (He Had It Coming)”. “Chorus Line” lit up the stage with a Cityscape backdrop, leg kicks and plenty of Glitz.

Tips: The parking lot is a sloping hill, so drop off older patrons at the door so they won’t have to walk the steep incline.

Orlando’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not a Real Treasure

While Florida is the hot spot for summer fun, it is also quite simply the hot spot for soaring temperatures. While most theme parks and attractions are outdoors (and charging four dollars for a bottle of water) Orlando’s Ripley's Believe It Or Not! quickly appeals as an air-conditioned break from the norm, whether it is mid-day to beat the heat or even late at night (Ripley's is open until 1 AM). Adding to this initial perk, it should be noted that Ripley’s also boasts some of the most affordable ticket prices in Orlando.

Upon entering Ripley’s “Odditorium” you will be urged to try everything out and the hands on activities will make you laugh throughout the tour. Beware, a mirror in which the visitor is encouraged to do tongue-tricks is later revealed to be a two-way mirror. Dinosaur bones and eggs, a to-scale Rolls-Royce made of matchsticks, and even shrunken heads represent the variety of interests Ripley’s appeals to. All of the artifacts go beyond their humble circus beginnings and into a wondrous history lesson about Robert Ripley’s anthropological findings around the world.

In just over an hour (the pace is set by the visitor, one could walk through in about 45 minutes to upwards of 2 hours) I came out knowledgeable and laughing. Just like his early findings, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! in Orlando was affordable, great for the whole family, and a treasure in the midst of the ordinary.

Tips: Do take note before entering that the only restroom is located at the very beginning or the very end of the tour. Photography is allowed so bring along a camera or buy one at the ticket counter.