Dawn's Florida Travel Blog

Orlando's Nickelodeon Family Suites has introduced two new day passes for families — the Character Breakfast Day Pass and All Access Day Pass. The passes offer families access to all of the amenities and Nick-themed fun without having to pay for a night's stay. That means access to splash down the hotel's water slides and get soaked at one of two interactive water parks that feature muliple slides, climbing nets, water jets and a 400-gallon dump tank. In addition, passes will provide access to the Mall, a 3000-square-foot arcade and the 4-D Experience, plus kids also may play a game of basketball or challenge friends to a round of mini golf. Families taking advantage of the Character Breakfast Day Pass can get an early start to a day of play with a Nickelodeon-themed Character Breakfast that includes a delicious buffet in Nicktoons Cafe, where kids can eat and dance with their favorite Nickelodeon friends.

The price of the All Access Day Pass includes an entrance fee of $12.95 per vehicle, plus a cost of $9.95 for kids 3-12 and $19.95 for those 13 and up. The Character Breakfast Day Pass admission is $12.95 per vehicle, plus $13.76 for kids 3-12 and $25.08 for kids 13 and up . Kids age two and under are free. Day passes are available Monday through Friday, from now until November 21, with access time limited to 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Character Breakfast reservations are required. Call 1-877-NICK-KID (1-877-642-5543) for reservations.

More information:

• Nickelodeon Family Suites Profile
• Nickelodeon Family Suites Photo Tour

^{Photo © Nick Hotel}

The Ocala Jaycees' 36th Annual Fright Nights, held at the Silver Springs attraction are sure to provide attendees plenty of frightfull fun. When the sun goes down, the Haunted Mansion, Terror Island, Creature Features, Psycho Panther Prowl and "Gator Man" river Cruise at Ft. King Waterway are just a few of the terror-filled activities that await unsuspecting guests.

All proceeds go to the Jaycees' efforts to give Christmas to underprivileged children and families in the Ocala community.

• What: Silver Springs' Fright Nights
• Where: Silver Springs - Ocala
• When: October 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 31 and November 1
  7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.

More Florida Halloween Haunts

This time of year, when ghosts and goblins are on our minds, I thought it would be fun to visit an old "haunt" of mine. When I was a kid, and long before Central Florida invited the mouse and whale to come play, the Legend of Spook Hill drew thousands to the hills of Lake Wales. Whether it is the work of Indian spirits as some believe or simply a gravity-defying phenomenon, its story is bound to intrigue. Surprisingly, Spook Hill still exists... even though progress is trying to crowd out the spirits.

^{Photo © Dawn Henthorn}

A corn maze just might be the last thing you would expect to crop up in Florida, but each fall that's exactly what happens about 30 miles northwest of Orlando. This year the theme is "Florida Agriculture" — from tractors to vegetables. Throughout the pathways of the maze, find pictures, clues and games to make learning all about the farmer's life in Florida fun. This a-MAZE-ing adventure opens October 4 and only lasts until the end of November, so put it on your fall calendar now!

• What: Scott's Corn Maze
• Where: Long & Scott Farms, Mt. Dora
• When: October 4 through end of November

While NASA is considering extending the life of the shuttle program to 2015, nothing definite has been decided. So, with just two more years of shuttle launches guaranteed, there is no better time to include the Kennedy Space Center in your vacation plans. With a little planning, you might even get to see a shuttle launch — an extraordinary sight! However, building some flexibility into that vacation would be a must since launch dates many times are delayed for one reason or another. That is what has happened recently as NASA has moved back the target launch dates four days for both Atlantis and Endeavour — now scheduled for October 14 and November 16.

^{Photo of Atlantis © NASA}

Yesterday marked the "official" start of Autumn; and, as if on cue, dryer air and lower temperatures are creeping (if ever so slowly) into the Sunshine State. By the time these fall festivals roll around in October and November though, the weather should be absolutely perfect for getting out and about in the Sunshine State.

^{Photo © Palm Beach CVB}

Everyone has them. I'm talking about special occasions. You know, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, honeymoons, graduations and reunions. How do you celebrate? Dining out at your favorite restaurant? Probably. Have you ever taken a vacation wrapped around a special event? If you have, then you're right in step with what is becoming an increasing trend in travel — Celebration Vacations.

In 2009, Disney theme parks (the number one 'celebration vacation' destination) will lead this growing trend by offering free admission to any park for the birthday guy or gal, no matter what their age! And, to help the birthday celebrant make special memories, Disney Parks will also be jazzing up the parks with street parties and colorful decorations. | Details |

^{Photo © The Walt Disney Company}

SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular will bring children's "fantaseas" to life with enchanted pathways and charming sea creatures in an amazing family-friendly trick-or-treating celebration. Costumed youngsters can search for hidden "fantasea" treasures at more than a dozen different stations featuring an array of sweet treats. New this year is a healthy choice — Chiquita Mini's, a sweeter tasting banana that's just he right size.

More "Spook-tastic" fun will include 35 fanciful sea creatures — Gummy Worm Wanda, Salt Water Taffy and Swedish Fish Suzy, among others — who will welcome trick-or-treaters as they stroll through colorful, playful schools of pumpkin fish. An ice DJ will be on hand to "melt the ice" with interactive games and activities.

SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular is included in the price of a single day's park admission. The event takes place weekends in October — October 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 24-26 and 31 and begins each day at 11:00 a.m.

Check out more Florida Halloween Haunts providing family-friendly Halloween fun.

^{Photo © SeaWorld Orlando}

Universal Orlando's frightfully horrifying Halloween event is coming to the theme park beginning September 26 for 23 select nights through November 1. Halloween Horror Nights has become legendary as one of the country's largest and most elaborate Halloween events.

Every year, Universal Orlando's team creates the most unimaginably frightening haunted house experiences. This year promises to deliver the most elaborate and immersive entertainment experience in its history as guests enter the world of Bloody Mary where fear is more than just a four-letter word... it's a state of mind.

Editor's Note: Scenes are extremely graphic. This event is not intended for young children.

^{Photo © Universal Orlando}

It's hard to believe that in the middle of September Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is already underway at Disney World's Magic Kingdom. Tonight is one of just 22 more special dates available from now through Halloween, so you don't want to miss the party, including the newly-expanded "Mickey's Boo-To-You" Halloween parade down Main Street, U.S.A. and the bewitching "Happy HalloWishes" fireworks spectacular. Of course, kids of all ages can trick-or-treat throughout the park, show off their costumes in special kid-friendly "Mous-Ka_rade" parties and get unlimited access to some of the Magic Kingdom's most popular attractions.

Check out more Florida Halloween Haunts providing family-friendly Halloween fun.

^{Photo © The Walt Disney Company}