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A Week of Fun in Orlando, Florida

An April 2005 trip to Orlando by Richie the K

Medieval TimesMore Photos

A week of fun that started in Orlando, Florida, filled our visit with excitement at a couple of Orlando attractions and placed us in Daytona Beach, Florida, for the last 4 days.

  • 11 reviews
  • 24 photos

Silver Lake ResortBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

Silver Lake Resort
Best Things Nearby:
Disney World was adjacent to Silver Lake Resort. There was an easy way to get to the Animal Kingdom by taking a secondary road that connected Highway 192 to the Disney World complex. It got you into Animal Kingdom in a matter of moments, rather than going through the main entrance and the many secondary roads.

Best Things About the Resort:
I was pleased to hear that Silver Lake Resort had a system set up that gave computer users wireless Internet access. They even had a computer room set up for people like me who didn't think of bringing a laptop. I will inquire in the future weather a resort has that facility.

Resort Experience:
The resort is like any other, with a comfortable bed to sleep in and a closet to hang clothes in. The pool is humongous and backs up to a bar, which does serve food. They didn't let us charge food to our room number, so I was forced to go pick up the food in person. The personnel are very friendly always presenting you with the cordiality of the day. The gift shop was quite crowded with merchandise and it didn't have any retail appeal. One just didn't get a warm fuzzy to go in the gift shop and buy anything. My wife and I opted not to use any of the resort activities, so I have marked that box as N/A.

  • Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
  • Activities: Not Available
  • Amenities: Very Good
  • Unit Satisfaction: Good
  • Family Friendliness: Excellent
  • Service: Good
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Richie the K on July 5, 2005

Silver Lake Resort
7751 Black Lake Road Orlando, Florida
407/397-2828

Palm Plaza Oceanfront ResortBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Palm Plaza Ocean Front Resort"

Daytona Beach, Florida
Best Things Nearby:
The ocean was right outside the balcony. You could spit in it at high tide.

Best Things About the Resort:
The parking lot exits

Resort Experience:
Although the room offered an excellent view of the ocean, I am positive that there were other hotels that offered the same, but with customer service that would be treasured and bragged about. The customer service was the pits and not worth mentioning. If the people smiled that worked here, it would be a miracle. They were very regimented about turning the keys back in by the prescribed time, as well as checking out. This is the first time ever where I didn't feel obligated to thank them for the stay. This 'Palm' is definitely not an RCI resort. The experience makes one appreciate the service and comfort that RCI resorts offer.

  • Unit Type: Studio
  • Activities: Not Available
  • Amenities: Poor
  • Unit Satisfaction: Poor
  • Family Friendliness: Poor
  • Service: Poor
  • Member Rating 1 out of 5 by Richie the K on July 5, 2005

Palm Plaza Oceanfront Resort
3301 S. Atlantic Avenue Daytona Beach, Florida 32118

Medieval Times Dinner and TournamentBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Medieval Times"

Medieval Times
Although the reservations are recommended, you can secure a good seat by paying up front for the evening. A trip to Medieval Times places a tourist in the middle of a Medieval Period. The dinner is served out of iron kettles, which included soup, roasted chicken, spare rib, and beverages. Beer was included with this, as well. This placed a big smile on my face. As utensils had not been invented back in the medieval times, none were available to use. Diners ate just like the general population ate back then - with their hands. The evening was a blast! Our waiter made it so much fun. His name deserves mentioning - Chris Anastao. I'd encourage anybody that visits Medieval Times to ask for him as a waiter. After the dinner, diners were treated to an excellant show of horse back riding and lancing and jousting. A FANTASTIC finish to an evening of excitement.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Richie the K on July 5, 2005

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament
4510 W Vine St Orlando, Florida 34746
(407) 396-1518

Aunt Catfish'sBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Aunt Catfish's on the River"

Excellent seafood for the money. My wife Kathy and I got lucky, as we got there before the big rush hit. The atmosphere was great. The hostess apologized to us, as there were no more window seat available, but the views were perfect just the same. We couldn't eat everything that was on our dish. Aunt Catfish's is a MUST for anybody visiting Daytona Beach.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Richie the K on July 5, 2005

Aunt Catfish's
4009 Halifax Dr. Daytona Beach, Florida 32127
386/767-4768

Adobe Gila'sBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Adobe Gila's of Daytona"

It was a relaxing dinner. The first dish my wife ordered was a little too spicy for her, so the staff brought her a whole new, separate dish. They were not stingy with their portions, and the prices were good.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Richie the K on July 5, 2005

Adobe Gila's
9101 International Drive Orlando, Florida 32819
+1 407 903 1477

Logan's RoadhouseBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Logans Steakhouse"

My wife Kathy and I discovered this place during our first visit four years ago. We've made it an annual traditional stop each year since. We normally eat outside in the patio and enjoy the moderate weather. The staff is ever friendly and cheerful. The men's restroom gives you a chuckle as you exit. Some jokester pasted a "Ladies" sign on the inside. The first time I entered, I thought I did go into the ladies restroom upon seeing that sign. Once I got further, I knew it was a joke when I saw the urinals. While you wait for your table, complimentary peanuts are given to you to enjoy. The shells are thrown right on the floor, with a staff member coming around periodically to clean them up. It's a perfect place to start your vacation after unpacking your car and getting settled into your room. Logan's Steakhouse is located right on Highway 192, right up the street from "Old Town". There is a Walgreens right across the street too. That helped my wife and me, as we discovered we left our toothpaste at home.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Richie the K on July 5, 2005

Logan's Roadhouse
5925 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway Kissimmee, Florida 34746
(407) 390-0500

Downtown DisneyBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Downtown Disney - Lego Land
The great thing about Downtown Disney is that the shops are open until 11pm. There is a magnificent Disney shop that specializes in the Disney stuff one can find in the parks, such as shirts, cups, golf balls, costumes... I love the fact that it lets you do your shopping outside of the parks, and therefore it leaves time open to visit the attractions. There is a Ghirardelli's Ice Cream shop that is a must that offers world-class ice cream and candy. There is also a Lego Store with some unbelievable creations made out of Legos. A Disney Christmas Shop always finds a way to place a smile on my wife's face. There is also a Disney Kiddy Store and a Disney Sports Store, too. As I mentioned, you can do all your shopping after the parks close. Downtown Disney also houses the night clubs, but those never did interest me. Downtown Disney is easy to find, too. It's just a few minutes off Highway 4.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Richie the K on July 5, 2005

Downtown Disney
Disney Drive Orlando, Florida

Disney's Animal KingdomBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Animal Kingdom"

Animal Kingdom - Tree of Life
Walt Disney World always does a great job in designing their parks. One forgets that he is waiting in line for a given attraction. The safari was excellent by showing wildlife in their natural surroundings. As I am from St. Louis, these attractions are readily available at the St. Louis Zoo, but I still enjoyed the safari at The Animal Kingdom. A new ride was in the construction stage, and I can't wait to see it next year.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Richie the K on July 5, 2005

Disney's Animal Kingdom
Walt Disney World Orlando, Florida 32830
(407) 824-4321

EpcotBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Epcot- Future World"

Epcot - Future World
It takes a good while to go through Epcot Center; I guess that's why it is broken down into two parts - Future World and The World Showcase.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Richie the K on July 5, 2005

Epcot
Walt Disney World Orlando, Florida

EpcotBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Epcot- World Showcase- Part I"

Epcot - World Showcase
Lots and lots and lots of walking, but nevertheless very enjoyable. The eateries were genuine representations of what someone might expect in a given country. The souvenirs that were offered are genuine from that country, as well. I wanted to purchase a cuckoo clock straight from the "Black Forest" in Germany, but I didn't come prepared to invest the money needed to complete a transaction. That will be on my list for next year.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Richie the K on July 5, 2005

Epcot
Walt Disney World Orlando, Florida

SeaWorld OrlandoBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Sea World"

Sea World
A fun-filled park dedicated to preserving the sea creatures and their habitats. Several rides are offered conveniently located to mix with the shows that Sea World offers. The shows use whales, dolphins, sea lions, and sea otters and are very impressive to watch. Kathy and I ate lunch in 'Sharks Underwater Grill'. The restaurant is sperated by thick piece of glass that holds back a massive aquarium, and it is home to thousands of sea creatures. It is an amazing way to enjoy your favorite seafood dish or steak.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Richie the K on July 5, 2005

SeaWorld Orlando
7007 Sea World Drive Orlando, Florida 32821
(800) 327-2424

About the Writer

Richie the K
Richie the K
Arnold, Missouri

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