Remy's Refuge

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Wonder Works

WonderWorks is a chain of educational amusement parks and there just happens to be one on International Drive about 20 minutes from Remy's Refuge.

Over 35,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits awaits! The building itself is very cool since it looks like a building that's upside down!

Inside you'll find 6 "Wonder Zones", each with their own theme:

Natural Disaster Zone

Physical Challenge Zone

Light & Sound Zone

Space Discovery Zone

Imagination Lab

Far Out Art Gallery

In addition to the Wonder Zones, you'll also find:

An indoor ropes course 36 feet in the air where you can cross 20 different obstacles such as suspension bridges and swinging beams
A 4-D Motion Theatre featuring three different movies on rotation: Canyon Coaster, Haunted Mine and Robots of Mars
Lazer-Tag and an arcade

If you feel like doing something in the evening, get tickets to the Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show! We've heard great things about this one-man show! It's got great reviews and we already blogged about it here.

Visit the WonderWorks Orlando website for more details.

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Food Network Shows in Orlando

If you're anything like Amanda's brother, before each vacation you probably browse the Food Network's map to see if any of the restaurants that you've seen on television are located near your destination. We've saved you the trouble in this post!

While our favourite television shows haven't yet made it to the Orlando area (Man vs. Food and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives), Eat Street and Cupcake Wars have.

EAT STREET

While some of the food trucks showcased on Eat Street are a part of the Food Truck Bazaar that we already blogged about here, there are still some others that are worth a try!

The Crooked Spoon

Previously a food truck, this gastropub has great reviews! Located in Clermont (about 30 minutes from Remy's Refuge), we've heard fantastic things!

Curbside Chef

Using fresh ingredients grown in their own backyard, this husband and wife team creates menu items with Filipino, middle eastern and Chinese influences. You'll be trying to hit a moving target, so check out their facebook page to find out where they're at!

Sushi and Seoul

Moving around downtown Orlando, the yelp reviews say that their avocado fries will (and we quote) consume your life. Gotta try? We think so!

CUPCAKE WARS

You've tried the food trucks and now you're ready for dessert? Check out...

Sweet by Holly

With mini cupcakes costing only $1 on Mondays, 30 flavours available each day and gluten-free options, you gotta stop by!

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Forever Florida

Forever Florida is an adventure park that is a thrill-seeker's paradise! About an hour away from Remy's Refuge in St. Cloud, you can go for the day to enjoy all of the activities they have to offer:

Zipline Adventure

A two and a half hour adventure, you will zipline through the treetops reaching heights of 68 feet and speeds up to 30 mph. A photo crew will even capture photos of your time!

If you're up for even more adventure, you can experience the zipline at nighttime! Lots of Florida's native wildlife is most active at night so the experience is completely different from the same zipline during the day.

Rattlesnake Zipline Roller Coaster

Launching from a 65-foot-high platform, riders climb and fall through the treetops along a rail system!

Panther Pounce

Step off the 7-story platform and freefall (in a controlled manner) to the ground below. Jump if you dare!

Peregrine Plunge

Race friends down side-by-side ziplines. The path is over 1,300 feet long and the views are breathtaking!

Wild Coach Adventure

Take a guided tour in a giant safari bus observing over 4700 acres of wildlife conservation area preserved just as nature intended. You could see alligators, black bears, white-tail deer, many species of birds and panthers.

Horseback Adventure

Ride a horse through creeks and along historic trails. All levels of riding experience are welcome!

Rawhide Roundup

After a short training session, riders will head out to the pastures to try their hand at gathering a herd and driving them into an arena. You'll learn to keep the herd tight and run down strays.

If you think you're up for the challenge, check out the adventures on the Forever Florida website.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Disney Resort Hopping

Want to enjoy some Disney magic but avoid the chaos of the park itself? Park hopping is a great way to experience the magic of Disney with a price tag much smaller than the Disney entrance fee! While you aren't allowed to swim, you can feel free to walk around, eat and shop to your heart's content.

There are 11 resorts that we think are worth a visit because each has its own style. We recommend you park at downtown Disney and then use the free bus system to get around.

Here's an overview of each resort (in alphabetical order):

Animal Kingdom Lodge

See over 30 species of wildlife including zebras, giraffes, gazelles or enjoy the food at Boma. Come after dark and enjoy storing telling around a campfire or watching the animals through night vision goggles that cast members will share!

Art of Animation

You can spend hours at this resort playing amongst all of the giant Disney characters. You want thingamabobs, they've got plenty! Plus, the food at the Landscape of Flavors foodcourt is amazing!

Beach Club & Yacht Club

Just a short walk from EPCOT, play a round of mini putt at Fantasia Gardens or enjoy some ice cream at Beaches and Cream soda shop.

Caribbean Beach

Take a long stroll around the bay past each of the six resort villages or try a cuban or jerk chicken sandwich at the Old Port Royale food court.

Contemporary

The monorail goes right through the middle of this resort - how convenient! See the "Wishes" fireworks show from here, visit the butterfly gardens, or just take in the spectacular architecture and artwork!

Coronado Springs

Play at the Mayan playground, see the Mayan pyramid at the pool and try some Tex-Mex flavours at the Maya restaurant.

Grand Floridian

One of the poshest resorts on Disney property and the place where many weddings take place, the buildings on the property are worth a look! You can splurge to dine with characters at 1900 Park Fare or hear a live performance by a pianist or big band!

Pop Century

Travel through the decades as you walk through this world of all things giant! Rubix cubes, Mister Potato Head, floppy discs, Play-Doh, a yo-yo and bowling pins...the photo ops are endless!

Polynesian Village

This resort is just a quick monorail ride away from Magic Kingdom and there are all sorts of things to see if you walk around. Try some food with pork and pineapple at Captain Cook's or buy yourself a ticket to the Spirit of Aloha dinner show. Sometimes there are even opportunities to make your own lei or get a hula lesson - fun!

Port Orleans

Walk around the French Quarter or treat yourself to N'awlins finest fare at Boatwright's Dining Hall. You can even enjoy some songs and storytelling around the "Campfire on de' Bayou"!

Wilderness Lodge

Rustic elegance is what you'll find here along with tons to do! Dine with a panoramic view at the Artist Point or Whispering Canyon Cafe or have your own barbecue using one of the complimentary grills. Take the free 1-hour Wonders of the Wilderness Lodge tour, sing songs around the nightly campfire, see a geyser, look at steam train memorabilia in the front lobby, or visit the Tri-Circle-D Ranch to meet Cinderella's ponies!

If you do decide to resort hop, each of the 11 resorts featured in this post has a gift shop to browse and free showings of Disney movies each evening. Enjoy!

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Orlando Magic

Going to see Orlando's own professional NBA basketball team, the Orlando Magic, is a great way to spend some time in Orlando!

The Orlando Magic play at the Amway Center, about 30 minutes from Remy's Refuge.

With 41 home games, there's bound to be a game while you're in town. You can check the schedule here and buy tickets here.

Thursday, February 26, 2015

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

Each year in March, the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is really something special. Sensational topiaries of Disney characters, spring tastes to try and a concert series means that EPCOT in March is worth a visit!

Characters featured included Anna and Elsa of "Frozen" fame, Miss Piggy, Buzz Lightyear and Woody, Bambi, Peter Pan, Belle and the Beast, Lady and the Tramp, characters of the Lion King and, of course, Minnie and Mickey!

You'll definitely want to sample some of these delights:

You can read all about the food offerings here.

Visit the official Flower & Garden Festival website here.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Best Snacks at Disney

Disney food is more than just your average amusement park fare. There's certainly more than just hot dogs and pretzels on the menu! And, if you're the queasy-on-rides type, snacking is definitely the way to go because the last thing you want to do is be jostled around on a full stomach.

Jennifer over at the For the Love of Disney blog has done some incredible posts all about her favourite snacks at each of the Disney theme parks! We have to admit, we haven't tried all of her faves, but there's definitely a few new must-tries on our list now!