If you’re planning an assault on some of Florida’s fun-filled theme parks this year, why not make it a holiday to remember by renting a holiday villa in Vista Cay. The luxurious Mediterranean-style resort is situated only a stone’s throw away from the multitudes of popular parks in Florida; Sea World is only 2 miles away, and the magical kingdom of Disney World is a meagre10 miles away. You’ll also find that the rest of Florida’s top attractions are right on your doorstep; Aquatica and Discovery Cove only 2 miles away, whilst the tremendous Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks are only 5 miles away.

The resort overlooks the picturesque Lake Cay and is located on the famous Universal Boulevard, an area being championed as Orlando’s new “downtown”, and with International Drive, the main tourist strip in Orlando, just around the corner there’s plenty to see and do.

The Vista Cay resort itself is a beautiful complex littered with palm trees and lush landscaping creating an idyllic Mediterranean atmosphere. There are loads of top quality amenities on site, like the large infinity edge pool and children’s splash pool to cool yourself down in after a long day of theme-park-busting. There’s a state of the art fitness centre, movie theatre room, basketball court, DVD and video games rental, ATM machine and games room equipped billiards tables and arcades games to keep you occupied. For the golfer in the family, there are 20 top class courses in a 10-mile radius, not to mention the stunning Shingle Creek Golf Club which is just across the road.

To take a look at some of our stunning holiday villas in Vista Cay Resort, available to rent directly from the owner, simply click here and set the wheels of your dream holiday in motion by booking today!

This week’s Happy Monday features the fun-filled city of Sarasota in Florida, we’ve got a stunning holiday villa available to rent now, so don’t delay and book today!

Sarasota may be one of Florida’s most affluent cities, but with a reputation as the circus capital of the world, it’s also its most eccentric. The combination of the world’s most elite beaches and Sarasota’s offbeat way of life make it a quirky yet sleek holiday destination that above all will fill you with childlike joy and wonder.

With famous circus tycoon John Ringling leading the way, the city has been a place where multitudes of entertainers, artists, writers and musicians have fled to. As such, Sarasota is home to a vibrant arts scene with nationally renowned performance and arts venues like the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, being the torch-bearer amongst countless opera houses, ballet companies, symphony orchestras and theatres.

The legacy left behind by Ringling (the exquisite piece of Venetian-gothic architecture he used to call home is now the Ringling Centre for Cultural Arts, and also houses a circus museum and the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art) is the main reason for Sarasota’s infatuation with the circus, and has paved the way for the world-class Circus Sarasota. The circus features awe-inspiring acts and has amazing themed performances at regular points throughout the year.

The circus is one of the most fun-filled landmarks in the city, however it does have to share that title with the truly wacky Solomon’s Park, which is essentially a castle in a manatee swamp constructed with aluminium printing plates. Only in Sarasota. It only gets wackier once you step inside, as the sculptor himself leads you on a mind-boggling tour of beer can chairs, coat hanger unicorns and an elephant made of oil cans.

Part of Sarasota’s charm is its ability to take you from the bizarre to the beautiful in a heartbeat, and that’s exactly what its wide range of beaches does.

Every beach in Sarasota has its own unique character. Siesta Key is the gateway to the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico and combines glorious white stretches of sand on its western shore, with lush mangrove forests on the east. Longboat Key is almost a city unto itself and is the only island inaccessible directly from the mainland, it’s a charming spot where quaint old cottages find themselves next to magnificent multi-storey mansions. Then there’s Lido Key, one of the most interesting and varied of waterfront locations in Sarasota, in the middle of the island wide stretches of white sand are skirted by concrete walkways lined with charming café’s and bars. Venture north and the sand turns to secluded dunes that are covered in barely beaten tracks that lead to luscious and tranquil pine forest.

Click here to have a look at this fantastic Happy Mondays holiday villa in Sarasota

Hurry and book your holiday accommodation through Perfect Getaways as there are loads of special offers and great deals at Disneyland Florida and other great parks in Orlando.

At Disneyland if you book now you’ll be able to get a 14 Day Ultimate Ticket for the price of a 7 Day Premium Ticket in 2011 and 2012. That’s twice as many fun-filled magical days of making your dreams come true. The 14 day ultimate ticket gives you unlimited admission to all Disney theme parks, water parks, entertainment complexes and attractions, free unlimited transportation throughout the Walt Disney Resort. This Disney Ultimate ticket has been created exclusively for UK guests so hurry and book now!

Click here to view some of our fantastic holiday villa’s perfect for day trips at Disneyland, and in particular take a peek at this magical Lion King themed home Simba’s Pride, which is only 5 minutes away from Disneyland and filled with loads of brilliant designs that’ll make you believe your in the African Savannah.

Click here to have a closer look at the Disneyland 14 Day Ultimate Ticket offer.

Experience the best of Universal Orlando with unlimited admission to both Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure for up to 14 consecutive days. The Universal 2-Park Bonus Ticket costs less than 2 single day entry tickets and also includes all-club access to the live entertainment at Universal City Walk, Orlando’s hottest nightspot!

With the Universal 2-Park Bonus Ticket you can experience the fantastic Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios. And use the Universal 2-Park Bonus ticket to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Explore the mysteries of Hogwarts castle. Visit the shops and sample fare from the wizarding world’s best-known establishments. Then soar above the castle grounds as you join Harry Potter and his friends on an unforgettably thrilling adventure, on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. This amazing new attraction uses groundbreaking technology (and a little magic) to create a one-of-a-kind ride experience.

Click here to find out more about this fantastic deal. And don’t forget to book your magical holiday villa at Perfect Getaways to make your holiday a dream come true!

Florida, often referred to as The Sunshine State, is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world. In fact, it is so popular, it was recently awarded “Top destination state of 2011”. Florida is well recognised by its Cinderella castle, extreme rides and roller coasters and its wild water parks. Everyone is aware that Disney land is the place that for many, is where dreams come true and magic happens. But what is new in The Sunshine state today and what attractions should not be missed?

To begin with, there is a brand new, exhilarating attraction that has just recently hit Busch Gardens which is the Cheetah Hunt. Once sat in your seat with the restraint covering you, you will fail to feel at ease due to the 3 separate accelerations throughout the ride. The first 0 – 30mph, the second at 0 – 60mph and the final 0 – 45mph, All equally as thrilling as each other. The swooping, gliding and soaring motions that you feel throughout the ride are representative of the fastest hunting animal on earth.

For more thrills and excitement, Universal studios presented the new Harry Potter world last year. The land is built extremely authentically, with Hogwarts castle, the Hogwarts Express and even decorated with the moving pictures seen in the film. Walking through Harry Potter Land, you are able to go and visit Ollivanders and find out which wand is right for you. You can ride the Hippogriff and let yourself soar and swoop as you ride this broomstick roller coaster.

Florida also has plans to build a Lego land in the Disney area which will provide even more rides and attractions. With so much to discover, you will need a long trip with affordable and luxurious accommodation. Below are some of our favourite Orlando properties which we think would be idyllic for your Florida adventures.

Emerald Island Family Home

Nature’s Haven Luxury Rental Villa

Click here to view some of our other fantastic properties in Orlando

Florida

Florida, often referred to as The Sunshine State, is positioned on the South East coast of America bordering Georgia and Alabama. The state is tourist driven and has everything from the large theme parks, recognised to be the biggest and best in the world to the solitude and wilderness of the Everglades, and some of the best beaches in the world.

Many visitors to Florida end up staying or coming back for a second visit quickly. Disney World is the greatest attraction in Florida but there is much more…

Weather

Florida is renowned for it sunshine and long, hot summers. During the winter months it mostly remains warm making it an ideal all-year destination.

Average temperatures in Orland degrees fahrenheit

January 61.2
February 60.9
March 66.5
April 72.7
May 77.7
June 81.1
July 82.8
August 82.6
September 81.0
October 75.3
November 67.0
December 62.3

Travelling around Florida

Most visitors will Fly/Drive as Florida is very compact and easy to navigate by car. Travelling from the East/West coast is only a couple of hours and the interstate, federal and state highways make getting around quite simple. With so much to do and so many places to see, first-time visitors will want to get out and about.

Public transport does link most major towns and cities but prior planning is essential.

Theme Parks

Think about Florida and you think about Theme Parks. It is without doubt the unrivalled Theme Park capital of the world. Tourists flock inland to Orlando and Kissimmee to witness the magical experience of Walt Disney World, with it’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and MGM Studios, as well as Universal Studios and Sea World. It is simply known across the world as the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’ for young and old alike.

Beaches

Florida has over 1,200 miles of coastline with some of the finest, pristine, white beaches in the world. It doesn’t matter where you are in Florida, you are never far away form a beach. You are never more than 60 miles away wherever you are and there are beaches for every preference.

Top things to do

1. Visit The Everglades – Everglades National Park consists of over 1.5 Million acres of swamps and jungle. It houses many endangered species and rare sightings that you could not see anywhere else in the United States.
2. Walt Disney World – Of all the quality Theme Parks in Florida (and these are sprouting up all the time) Disney World is still the biggest draw. The site covers nearly 45 square miles and consists of four theme parks: The Magic Kingdom; The Epcot Centre; The Animal Kingdom and Disney-MGM Studios. There is enough here to fill a two week vacation on its own.
3. Get Golfing – Florida has more golf courses than any other state in the US with over 1,000 golf courses. There are many municipal courses which are to exceptionally high standards and provide much more competitive pricing than the privately owned clubs.
4. Kennedy Space Centre – Cape Canaveral is famous as the location that sent Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins to the moon in July 1969. You don’t have to be a scientist to be encaptulated into becoming an Astronaught Wannabe for the day. Start the countdown.
5. Busch Gardens – Visit Tampa Bay to taste a piece of Africa. Here you will find a 335 acre African theme park with great rides, live shows and exotic terrain.
6. Daytona Beach – This is one of the very few places in the world where you can drive a family saloon onto the beach. It is also the home to the Daytona 500, the great American race. During the Biketoberfest and Bikeweek motorcycle events, the town is busy with thousands of motorbikers.
7. Fishing – Whether it is sea fishing, fly fishing or fresh water fishing, Florida has it all with some of the best catches across the US.
8. Water Parks – If you want to get wet and wild, and cool down from the hot summer sun, a day out at one of Florida’s water parks is a must. You won’t be disappointed – you’ll get the thrills and chills of all the theme parks but in water.