Eric M. Davis : show

Do you ever wonder what became of Splendid China Florida?

Eric M. Davis — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

What with Pleasure Island closing this weekend, I've been getting nostalgic for some of the other attractions that Central Florida lost over the years. With perhaps the most bizarre being Splendid China.

I don't know how many of you ever got the chance to visit this 76-acre theme park during the 10 years that it was in operation. But Splendid China Florida truly was something worth seeing. This $100 million attraction featured 60 recreations of famous Chinese landmarks, among the Great Wall of China.

It took two years to build this theme park, with 120 artisans laboring to make sure that Splendid China Florida was authentic in every way. Which -- in the case of the park's quarter mile long replica of the Great Wall -- meant that 6.5 million miniature bricks that were used to build this Wall had to be laid by hand.

Splendid China Florida opened with great fanfare in December of 1993. And given how close their theme park was to World Drive (i.e. Walt Disney World's main entrance road), SCF investors thought that Orlando's newest attraction was sure to be a hit with both tourists & locals.

Alas it wasn't meant to be. Though the people who did visit Splendid China Florida marveled at the obvious care & craft that had gone into the creation of the place, they were also puzzled by this theme park's lack of traditional rides, shows and attraction. And once word got out that SCF was beautiful but boring ... That's pretty much all she wrote.

Splendid China Florida limped along for ten years before its owners finally threw in the towel in December of 2003. The contents of this theme park were auctioned off back in December of 2004. And since that time, the property has basically been abandoned.

But ever since then, I've heard stories from friends who have actually visited what's left of Splendid China Florida. And from what they told me, there was a surprising amount of stuff still standing within the walls of that park.

So one recent Saturday, I decided to go see for myself. I drove over to Splendid China Florida and -- at the entrance of this now-defunct theme park -- I encountered a very sympathetic security guard. Who -- after hearing my extended explanation about how I just wanted to experience Splendid China one more time, and how I promised not to disturb anything -- let me into the park. But only after saying "Okay. But I didn't see you and you didn't see me."

And once I got inside the gates ... I have to admit that I was stunned by what I saw. Nature is rapidly reclaiming the land that Splendid China Florida was built on. So there were weeds everywhere. But if you can look past all of this overgrowth, you can see that a lot of this theme park is still intact.

Oh, sure. A good portion of the park's miniature recreations of famous Chinese landmarks were sold off at auction. But the truly huge pieces -- the ones that were too heavy to carry -- are still here. The Stone Forest, for example ...

... was still intact. As was that not-so-miniature recreation of Potala Place.

But -- that said -- it was still rather depressing to see this theme park's elaborate recreations of famous Chinese landmarks (Like SCF's beautiful miniature version of the Forbidden City) ...

... reduced to rubble and strewn with trash.

But then again, nothing lasts forever. Even the real Great Wall of China is in need of repair these days. Which is why it (sort of) seemed okay to stroll the length of the miniature recreation of this Wonder of the World the day that I visited Splendid China.

Now remember, folks. This Central Florida theme park is no longer open to the public.

I only got to tour Splendid China Florida because I was in the right place at the right time.

Given the general conditions of the grounds ...

... I can understand why Security shoos most visitors away.

But given that so many JHM readers seem to be concerned about what's happening to Pleasure Island this week, I thought that it was important to remind you guys that WDW's nighttime entertainment district isn't only thing that we've lost over the past few years. That not that long ago, there was this neat little place in Kissimmee called Splendid China.

And speaking of neat little places in the Kissimmee area ... Orlando Fun Tickets is located less than 2 miles from the Walt Disney World Resort, 2 lights west of I-4 at 8472 Palm Parkway. Their office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For further information, please call 866-225-4712 and/or check out the official Orlando Fun Tickets website.

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Will Aquatica finally turn Orlando into a three resort town ?

Eric M. Davis — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 02:00:00 GMT

A while back, I found myself watching "Jaws 3D" (Alright. I know. It's a really awful movie. As Statler said to Waldorf in "The Muppet Movie," "I've seen detergents that leave a better film than this").

Mind you, I wasn't watching this Joe Alves film because I'm a "Shark Week" enthusiast. But -- rather -- because "Jaws 3D" was shot on location at SeaWorld Orlando back in 1983. Which makes this movie a fascinating look back at what this marine-based theme park used to be like.

If you look past Dennis Quaid and those water skiers in the above image capture, you'll see some South Seas-themed structures. Conversely, if you look past the bumper boats in the picture below, you'll see some pseudo-modern-looking blue-roofed exhibition halls in the background.

That -- in a nutshell -- pretty much captures what SeaWorld was like back in the late 1970s / early 1980s. Back when this theme park was owned & operated by a company that printed textbooks. The accent back then wasn't so much on theming and entertainment. But -- rather -- on education.

But all that began to change when Anheuser-Busch acquired the SeaWorld chain of theme parks back in October of 1989. Immediately recognizing that its Central Florida property would seriously have to step up its game if it wanted to compete with the Walt Disney World and the Universal Orlando resorts, Busch Entertainment aggressively began reinventing this theme park. Doing things like ripping out SeaWorld's old 1970s-era mall-style entrance ...

... and then replacing that bland looking area with a beautifully themed million gallon lagoon that featured statues of sealife as well as an iconic lighthouse.

"Why did Busch Entertainment do that?," you ask. Because they wanted to raise people's expectations. Give guests some sense of the fun & excitement that could be found just beyond those turnstiles.

And for the past 10 years, SeaWorld Orlando has worked hard to meet those raised expectations. Continually adding exciting new thrill rides like Journey to Atlantis and Kraken as well as world class shows like "Blue Horizons," "Mistify!" and "Believe." Not to mention that theme park's new Waterfront area with its highly themed collection of restaurants & shops.

But the Busch Entertainment Group really put Disney & Universal on notice when it opened Discovery Cove, Orlando's first boutique theme park. This hugely popular SeaWorld spin-off is only open to a thousand guests each day. There they can dive down and explore a coral reef, drift along in a tropical river or swim with dolphins.

It was the July 2000 opening of Discovery Cove that really began to change the way that Central Florida tourists viewed SeaWorld Orlando. No longer was this the theme park that you only saw if you had an extra day on your vacation. Now people actually began building their Orlando trips around Discovery Cove reservations. And then to make the most of all the new rides, shows and attractions to be found at SeaWorld Orlando, these folks began spending two or more days exploring that theme park as well.

But now comes the real game-changer: Aquatica. Opening on March 1st, this state-of-the-art water park will feature 36 slides -- including two enclosed tubes that will send you flying through a lagoon filled with Commerson's dolphins. Built on an 59-acre parcel that's located right next door to SeaWorld Orlando directly across International Drive, Aquatica will have 80,000 square feet of beach, private cabanas, a wave pool, exotic animal encounters ... Everything that you could possible want to experience during a day at the water park.

Then when you factor in the news that Grove Street Partners (i.e. That Atlanta-based real estate firm) will be building two brand-new 200-room Marriott hotels directly adjacent to Aquatica ... More importantly, that Busch Entertainment is reportedly partnering with Marriott to create new SeaWorld-themed vacation packages that will allow that hotel chain's guests to have special access to SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove and Aquatica ... One has to wonder: Is Orlando about to become a three resort town? Where SeaWorld can position itself as the more relaxing alternative to staying on property at Disney and/or Universal?

The folks at Busch Entertainment Corporation certainly seem to think that something big is about to go down in O-town. Otherwise would they be moving their corporate headquarters from St. Louis to Orlando? Clearly the officers of this division of Anheuser-Busch believe that they need to have their feet on the ground here in town if SeaWorld Orlando is finally really going to become truly competitive with Disney and Universal.

That's why it's going to be really interesting to see what happens over the next 25 years. Given everything that's happened to SeaWorld Orlando since 1983 (Where -- according to "Jaws 3D" -- all they had to worry about was the occasional Great White Shark slipping into the lagoon and eating members of that theme park's water skiing team) ... I can't wait to see what the future holds for this place.

Mind you, if you can't really wait to see what the future holds for SeaWorld Orlando, you may want to check out Orlando Fun Ticket's latest offer. Which gets you a second day free at this theme park.

Orlando Fun Tickets is located less than 2 miles from the Walt Disney World Resort, 2 lights west of I-4 at 8472 Palm Parkway. Their office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For further information, please call 866-225-4712 and/or check out the official Orlando Fun Tickets website.

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Patience and maintaining a proper attitude are the real keys to enjoying New Year's Eve at a Disney theme park

Eric M. Davis — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Thinking about spending New Year's Eve at a Disney theme park? Then stop thinking and start moving.

Trust me, folks. December 31st is not a day to dawdle, particularly if you plan on spending New Year's Eve inside of a Disney theme park. The key to having a fun time at this guaranteed-to-be-crowded event is arrive early. So get in the car NOW!

And whatever you do, don't plan on park-hopping today. Should you suddenly decide to change locations (Like -- say -- moving from EPCOT over to the Magic Kingdom), you may step off the monorail and then -- due to a capacity-related closure -- find yourself unable to gain entrance to that new theme park.

It's better to be safe than sorry. So decide in advance which fireworks extravaganza you want to see tonight. Then head straight for that park and stay put.

Photo by Jeff Lange

But before you head out the door, be sure and toss a few bottles of water & some nibblies into a bag. Given the huge numbers of people that you'll encounter in the park today, you can plan on there being lines at virtually every food service location. So if you pack a few snacks ... Well, that's one less line that you have to stand in.

Okay. I know. So far, this article has only touched on the more negative aspects of spending New Year's Eve at a Disney theme park. The crowds, the lines, etc. But truth be told, this can be an incredibly fun event. Provided -- of course -- that you go into the park with the proper attitude.

First and foremost, you have to plan on being patient today. And please be aware that you're not going to be able to get on all that many rides.

But that said, you're never ever to forget what it was like to be an individual amid that huge sea of people. To be one of the 80,000-plus people who are expected to be standing around World Showcase Lagoon tonight as "Illuminations" brings 2008 in with a bang.

Photo by Jeff Lange

Speaking of EPCOT ... If you want to see a particularly spectacular fireworks display tonight, stake out a spot along the World Showcase Lagoon that gives you a clear view of Morocco. That way ... Well, you'll not only able to see the Holiday version of "Illuminations" but you'll also be able to see the fireworks display over at Disney-MGM.

Mind you, once the show is over, it's going to take quite a while for those 80,000 people to clear out of the park. So rather than rushing back to your car, why not grab a bench and do some people-watching? After all, no matter what you do, it's still mostly likely going to be 2 a.m. before you're finally on the road headed for home.

Which -- I know -- sounds negative. I really don't mean it to be. Please keep in mind that -- for most people -- attending a New Year's Eve celebration at a Disney theme park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So if you wind up getting home late late late tomorrow night and/or early early early tomorrow morning, big deal. You'll still have a great story to tell your friends & family about how you braved the crowds and rang in the New Year with Mickey.

One final tip: Resist the urge to dress up. Given all the walking that you're going to be doing tonight, the most important part of your wardrobe will be your shoes. So be sure and put on a sturdy, comfortable pair before you leave the house today.

Photo by Jeff Lange

Speaking of which ... Time's a-wasting. So if you really want to do New Year's, Disney style, get in the car NOW and head out for the parks. You can thank me later.

Mind you, if one of your New Year's resolutions is to be wiser about the way you spend your money ... Well, you may want to check out Orlando Fun Ticket's latest offer. Which gets you a 4 Day "Magic Your Way" ticket with a 5th day for free.

Orlando Fun Tickets is located less than 2 miles from the Walt Disney World Resort, 2 lights west of I-4 at 8472 Palm Parkway. Their office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For further information, please call 866-225-4712 and/or check out the official Orlando Fun Tickets website.

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Get a (turkey) leg up on the competition by visiting WDW on Thanksgiving Day

Eric M. Davis — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Okay. It's time to talk turkey. As in: Is it really a smart idea to try & spend Thanksgiving Day at a Disney theme park?

Well, if we were talking about Disneyland … Then I'd have to say "No." I was actually at the Happiest Place on Earth last year on Turkey Day. And the tens of thousands of people who were crammed into that theme park on that autumn afternoon did not seem happy. At least not to me.

Photo by Jeff Lange

More importantly, if you hadn't made advance reservations, there wasn't a table to be had at any of the Disneyland Resort's on-property restaurants. We even went so far as to wave a $100 bill in front of the hostess at the Blue Bayou, with the hopes that she might then be able to hook us up with some holiday fare. But no such luck.

Which is why - last year - my Thanksgiving dinner consisted of a turkey leg that I ate standing up in Frontierland. So much for having things to be thankful for …

But if we're talking about spending Thanksgiving at Walt Disney World … That's a whole 'nother story, kids. You see, unlike their Southern Californian cousins, Central Florida's annual passholders tend to stay home on Thanksgiving Thursday. They seem to prefer spending time with their friends & family, rather than standing in line with perfect strangers for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Photo by Jeff Lange

The end result is … Thanksgiving usually winds up being a very pleasant day to spend at the parks. Where it's relatively easy to get your fill of your favorite rides, shows and attractions.

And when it comes to getting your fill, food-wise … Thanksgiving at WDW gives you plenty of options. Take - for example - if you're pining for the sort of turkey & trimmings that you used to get down at Grandma's place in Georgia. Well, Boatwright's Dining Hall at Disney's Port Orleans Resort will be offering a traditional southern holiday feast tomorrow. Where adults can then pull on the feedbag for $29.99 per person, while the kids can tuck in for just $9.99 per person.

What's that you say? You deliberately came to Disney World this year because you wanted to avoid the whole clichéd Thanksgiving experience? Not to worry. Over at Disney's Boardwalk, Spoodles is offering a decidedly different holiday meal. Here you'll find a buffet that simply loaded with Mediterranean fare. Where there won't be a single cranberry in sight.

Photo by Jeff Lange

Okay. So what if you're the sort of person who actually likes Thanksgiving traditions? Like - say - sacking out on the couch after eating that big meal and then watching a movie with your family. Well, Disney's All-Star Music Resort has found an interesting way to put a fun new twist on that holiday tradition.

You see, they're first going to set up this huge inflatable movie screen at the edge of Piano Pool. And then they're inviting all of the families who are staying at the All-Star to come on by after Thanksgiving dinner to catch a screening of "Toy Story 2." (Hmmn … I wonder if that old don't-go-in-the-water-for-at-least-an-hour-after-you-eat rule actually applies in this particular situation? )

Speaking of food … I'm told that the food courts at all three of Disney's All-Stars will be offering a traditional turkey dinner as a dining option tomorrow afternoon. Of course, if you'd prefer to eat your Thanksgiving dinner off of fine china, rather than a plastic tray … May I suggest heading over to the Grand Flo? Where I'm told that both Narcoossee's & Citricos will be serving hoity-toity holiday meals.

Mickey meets May and Flower, the two turkeys that President George W. Bush
officially yesterday at the White House. Look for these gobblers to roll through
the Magic Kingdom tomorrow aboard a parade float as part of that theme park's
Thanksgiving Day festivities. Copyright 2007 Disney. Photo by Diana Zalucky

But what if you're too busy taking advantage of those smallish-sized crowds at the theme parks to take time out for Thanksgiving dinner? Does that mean that you actually have to miss out on that wonderful holiday meal?

Heck, no. Let's remember that the Liberty Square Tavern - what with its home-style American dining - actually serves Thanksgiving dinner 365 days a year. So if you need a turkey-and-stuffing fix come Friday, just head on over at the Magic Kingdom.

Of course, if you'd like to see some real turkeys (And - no - I'm not talking about those tourists who aren't smart enough to do any prep work before they go off on their Disney World vacation), be sure and catch the parade tomorrow afternoon at the Kingdom. That's when you'll be able to see May & Flower, those two oversized gobblers who were originally supposed to be on the bill of fare at the White House on Thanksgiving Day. Luckily, they were eventually able to hang onto their giblets. Thanks to George W. Bush's last minute presidential pardon.

Youngsters with Camp Fire USA and other guests join President George W. Bush
around May, the 2007 National Thanksgiving turkey, during Rose Garden
festivities surrounding its official pardoning ceremony yesterday.
Official White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian

As you can see, there's a lot to be thankful for if you were smart enough to plan on spending Thanksgiving Day at Walt Disney World. So give this some thought if you're looking for something different to do next holiday season.

And while you're planning ahead … Why not plan on dropping by Orlando Fun Tickets the very next time you're in our neck of the woods? Our experienced staff (Which is made up of many WDW veterans) will be happy to share our insights about how you can make the most of your next Disney World vacation. More to the point, we can give some great price breaks on admission to the parks thanks to some of the exclusive ticket packages that we now offer.

Anyway … Have a great Turkey Day, folks. And be sure and save a drumstick for me!

Orlando Fun Tickets is located less than 2 miles from the Walt Disney World Resort, 2 lights west of I-4 at 8472 Palm Parkway. Their office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For further information, please call 866-225-4712 and/or check out the official Orlando Fun Tickets website.

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