Visitors would normally spend a day here just to see what there is to see inside EPCOT. Shows and entertainment are superb that kids would surely enjoy. The elderly should have a wheelchair handy as it takes a whole lot of walking around. Strollers for kids are also recommended. There are rentals available near the Main Entrance and at the International Gateway should you need one.

Make sure you have your video and camera ready and bring in extra batteries and films. It is super expensive to buy films inside.

Parking will not be a problem. Epcot has a huge parking space divided in alphabetical order making it easy to find cars.

At the entrance gate, visitors will have to go through security check and each visitor will have to insert his or her Park ticket into entrance kiosk. Start your day by taking pictures of the iconic and symbolic structure of EPCOT. It is the centerpiece and main focal point of the theme park.

EPCOT has two sections, the Future World and the World Showcase. Visitors usually start their day by watching all the shows before exploring the world showcase.

The Future World has 9 divisions with its own set of attractions, namely:

• Spaceship Earth. This is an awesome ride, play, create, compete and explore inside the Park’s amazing icon.

• Universe of Energy. This is Ellen’s Energy Adventure. Ride with Ellen DeGeneres as she goes back to the dinosaur era.

• Mission: Space. You can choose from two exciting adventures on this mission to Mars. Either you join the Orange Team to experience intense training on the original voyage or join the Green Team for a milder journey with everything but the spinning. A minimum height of 44″/112cm is required and expectant mothers are advised not to ride.

• Test Track. Board a GM vehicle on the longest and fastest attraction in Disney history.

• Innoventions. Play with toys and tools of tomorrow.

• Epcot Character Spot. Meet Mickey and his pals, in their own whimsical “toon” version of Innoventions for photos, autographs, hugs and smiles.

• The Seas with Nemo and Friends. It has two attractions. First is the Seas with Nemo & Friends where you board a “clamobile” and join your undersea pals on a quest to find Nemo. The show was inspired by the movie “Finding Nemo.” Second is Turtle Talk with Crush, which is an interactive show inspired by “Finding Nemo,” dude.

• The Land. The Land has three attractions. First is Soarin, a free-flying hang gliding adventure. Highly recommended. Second, is living with the Land, a boat voyage through amazing greenhouses and a fish farm. Third is the Circle of Life, which is a short film featuring the characters from “The Lion King.”

• Imagination. It has 3 attractions which include: 1. Journey Into Imagination with Figment, a journey that will engage the imagination and the senses. 2. Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, an in-your-face 3D adventure film. 3. ImageWorks. Laugh and learn through fun, interactive play areas.

The World Showcase is a showcase of Pavilions representing 11 countries that wrap around the World Showcase Lagoon. Countries represented are Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, USA, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom and Canada. Each has its own shops and showcases each country’s clothes, food, arts and crafts. Each has film shows that usually lasts  up to 5 to 15 minutes and some live entertainment shows. The best showcase is that of Norway which features its Maelstrom Viking boat voyage, a 5 minute film finale. Visitors can also purchase collectible items here coming from each country. One can shop, dine or just enjoy watching everything that’s within the Pavilion.

There is a fireworks show that usually starts at 9PM. Most visitors stay just to watch them.

There are numerous attractions in Miami, but don’t get too overwhelmed. Pick the right ones for you and your kids, enjoy and have lots of fun.

1. Ancient Spanish Monastery. Built in Spain in 1133 and completed in 1141, it was moved to Miami in 1952. It is now one of Miami’s favored tourist destination. It is available to host weddings and receptions both indoor and outdoor. For more info, visit www.spanishmonastery.com.

2. Art Deco District Tour. The Art Deco District Tour is a 90-minute walking tour that will introduce to Miami Beach’s architectural history. The tour starts or departs from the Art Deco Gift Shop located at 1200 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. No reservation is necessary. They also have a self-guided audio tour wherein you can hear about Miami’s architectural history in English, Spanish, German or French. Audio tours are available at the Art Deco Gift Shop located on 12 Street between Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue.

3. Coral Castle. This 1,100 tons of coral rock carved using only homade tools by a man only 5-feet tall and 100 pounds called Ed Leedskalnin exist today through 20 years of pure labor. The coral castle offers a 30-minute state-of-the-art audio tour, which is available in several languages. You’ll find the castle at 28655  South Dixie Highway in Homestead, Florida. For more information, visit www.coralcastle.com.

4. Billie Swamp Safari. If you like to explore, you’ll like it here. You get to explore 2,200 acres of untamed Everglades on the Seminole Tribe’s Big Cypress Reservations via swamp buggy eco-tour and airboat ride. Snake and alligator show, swamp critter show, boardwalk nature trail, animal and reptile exhibits and the Swamp Water Cafe are all here.

Airboat rides are a cool and fun way to explore the Everglades. The Florida Seminole Indians will graciously share their heritage and history with you. The Billie Swamp Safari site is approximately 45 miles from the nearest city so it is best to come prepared. It is recommended to bring clothing suitable for hiking or camping, a hat, boots or sturdy shoes. For your comfort and convenience, it is also recommended to bring insect repellant, special medicine, food, sunscreen and, of course, your videos and cameras. Towels are provided.

5. Dolphin Harbor at Miami Seaquarium. Interact one-on-one with a pod of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in both shallow and deep areas of the pool. Capture each moment because they’re fast, fun and love to make friends. Touch them, feed them, play with them and just get up-close and personal. Both adult and kids love them. For more information, visit www.miamiseaquarium.com.

6. Everglades Safari Park. See alligators, birds, crocodiles, and other exotic wildlife in their natural habitat. Airboat tours are available that will take you to a journey into nature’s secretly preserved wilderness made up of 1.5 million acres of grasslands and hardwood hammocks. Visit www.evergladessafaripark.com for more info.

7. Gold Coast Railroad Museum. The museum exhibits include the display of the Ferdinand Magellan, the private railroad car built for President Franklin Roosevelt and other historic trains. If you like train collections, you’ll love it here. They also offer real train rides. Located at 12450 SW 152nd Street, Miami, it is next to the Miami MetroZoo.

8. Jungle Island. The Jungle Island is a labor of love of an Austrian immigrant who came to the United States in 1911.  They offer two amazing shows, Winged Wonders and Tale of the Tiger. Don’t  miss the penguin exhibit; the 2000 pound crocosaurus; the Liger-part Lion, part tiger; and a six-foot tall Cassowary bird. Visit www.jungleisland.com for more info.

9.  Miami Ballon Rides. Take a ride in one of Miami’s ballon and enjoy breathtaking views of Miami, Biscayne Bay, the Miami Redlands and the Everglades from a majestic hot air ballon. You can visit them at www.miamiballonrides.com. Going for a long drive? Find them just off the Florida Turnpike at Exit 13.

10. Miami MetroZoo. Visiting here will overwhelm you with more than 1,000 animals from around the world including the rare and exotic ones. It is open daily including holidays. The zoo just added 100 new species of animals. Here, you’ll be amazed with jaguars, giant river otters, harpy eagles, anacondas, toucans, giant anteaters, red eyed free frogs, vipers and so much more. Wildlife show is open daily starting at 12PM then 2PM and 4:30PM. Advance reservation is required if you or your kids want to experience a close encounter with the animals.

11. Miami Beach Visitors Center Tours. If you want to explore Miami Beach you can do so with a variety of sightseeing tours available. Explore Miami Beach by land, sea or air. The visitor center offers over quite a number of daily sightseeing tours.

12. Miami Seaquarium. A fun place for both adults and kids, this 38-acre tropical paradise with spectacular skyline views is a place where dolphins walk on water and killer whales fly through the air. Delight yourself and your kids with sea lions, endangered turtles and manatees. The place is open daily starting at 9:30AM and closes at 6:00PM. Give your kids a fun filled day!

1. Niagara Falls State Park. Start your adventure at this oldest state park in the USA. Stand and watch within feet of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the Horseshoe Falls. The falls will surely take your breath away. The park itself has a lot to offer. It features a restaurant, snack bars, gift shops, picnic tables, hiking and nature trails.

2. Cave of the Winds. The Cave of the Winds starts at the Goat Island. If you want to try this adventure, it takes taking an elevator ride down 175′ to the base of the Bridal Veil Falls. You can walk along the base of the falls on a  series of wooden stairs and decks. Don’t worry, you’ll not get wet as you will be provided with raincoats and sandals. Here at the base, you can feel and experience the power of Niagara Falls from the Hurricane Deck just feet from the pounding waters.

3. Niagara’s Legends of Adventure. You can watch the Niagara’s Legends of Adventure show in the Niagara Falls State Park Visitor Center. The show will let you discover the story behind the thunder as it immerses you in action. You will see the majesty that inspired settlers and explorers to worship and challenge the mighty falls.

4. Goat Island. The Goat Island is your access to the Cave of the Winds, Three Sisters Islands, Terrapin Point, Luna Island, Falls and Upper Rapids viewing. The island is quiet and a great place for walking where you can also see a close-up view of the rapids and cascades and the Top of the Falls Restaurant.

5. Maid of the Mist Boat Tour. The Maid of the Mist Boat Tour is a world-famous scenic boat tour of the American and Canadian Falls. It is a spectacular half-hour ride that will give you the memory of a lifetime. Get your cameras ready as the boat moves closer to the Falls and make sure you have your raincoats on. Feel the falls waters as it splashes upon your head and shoulders. The Maid of the Mist Boat Tour is accessible via the Observation Tower elevator at Prospect Point in the state park.

6. Niagara Gorge Discovery Center. The Niagara Gorge Discovery Center is a resource center full of information about the natural and local history of the Niagara Gorge and Falls. There are interactive displays that you can enjoy seeing, including the virtual reality Gorge Elevator Experience and the Real Time Gorge Camera.

7. Luna Island. Coming over to this island will give you a fantastic close-up view of both the American and Bridal Veil Falls. It is a small island located in between these great falls.

8. Niagara Gorge Trailhead Building. The Niagara Gorge Trailhead Building is your primary access point to the Niagara Gorge Trails. There are guided hikes into the Gorge that are being offered each week with varying degrees of lengths and difficulties and cover a variety of topics related to the Falls and its unique environment.

9. Observation Tower. The Observation Tower is the glass-walled elevator towers that you will see towering above the dramatic views of all three Falls.

10. Prospect Point. The Prospect Point is your prime viewing area for the American Falls and Rapids and your link to the Maid of the Mist. It is also home to the Visitor Center and the Observation Tower. A great viewing point to look for rainbows or just to watch the Falls illuminated in colored lights every night.

11. Niagara Scenic Trolley. The Niagara Scenic Trolley is a great way to hop around if you are already tired of walking. The trolley stops at several locations, including major park attractions. You may choose to board and stay on for the entire route or you can get on and off at different stops. It’s your pick! The trolley always comes with a guide that will share the history of the park as the scenic trolley driver drives around a three-mile route through the park.

12. Three Sisters Island. The Three Sisters Island are connected with three historic walking bridges that link the Goat Island to the Three Sisters. The islands offers a unique view of the upper rapids as the river races for the Falls. History has it that the islands were named after the three daughters of prominent local businessman, Parkhurst Whitney. There is also a Little Brother Island near the tip of the third sister.

13. Top of the Falls Restaurant. Located at the Goat Island, this restaurant serves American and regional favorites from its open kitchen and one of the best vistas in Niagara Falls State Park overlooking Horseshoe Falls. Customers will surely get a great seat as the restaurant has tiered seating and two outdoor dining decks.

14. Terrapin Point. Located at the Goat Island, the Terrapin Point offers a view of the thundering water over the wide expanse and sweeping curve of the Horseshoe Falls.

15. Visitor Center. The Visitor Center, located at the Prospect Park, is Niagara Falls information center where you will find gift shops and food services. You’ll also find here specialty coffees, ice cream, deli and patio grill. The Visitor Center’s footpaths will lead you to every area of the park. The Niagara Scenic Trolley also departs near the Visitor Center traveling all across the park to many points of interest.

Grand Canyon History

The Grand Canyon is a steep-sided gorge carved by the Colorado River in the State of Arizona in the United States. It is 277 miles (446 km) with a depth of over a mile (1.83 km or 6,000 feet). There is a longstanding scientific  consensus that the canyon was created by the Colorado River over a period of six million years. Nearly two billion years of the Earth’s geological history have been exposed as the Colorado River and its tributaries cut their channels through layer after layer of rock while the Colorado Plateau was uplifted. The canyon began in the west that was followed by one that formed in the east. The two canyons broke through eventually and met as a single majestic rent in the earth some six million years ago.

Grand Canyon Today

Today, Grand Canyon draws nearly five million visitors per year. It boasts of its 1.2 million acre park which is home to the Canyon’s  numerous endangered animals like cougars, rattlesnakes and Gila monsters, some of which you can see while walking in the park. It’s is also home to over 1,500 plant species dating thousands of years back.

Visiting here during winter time is a killer though, during this time of year, parking would be readily available. Visitors who can beat the cold find it fun as they get to see the winter snows that frequently blanket the lofty South and North Rims. The best time to enjoy the Grand Canyon’s spectacular view is during mild spring, summer and fall.

A walk in the park is a great way to explore the Grand Canyon. Flock to attractions like the Skywalk on Grand Canyon’s West Rim or the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams. If you want to maximize your time, there are the Grand Canyon jeep, bus and van tours or take a helicopter tour to get a spectacular view of the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon Skywalk

The Skywalk is Grand Canyon’s latest addition to give visitors a wholesome view of the Grand Canyon. It is located on the edge of the Grand Canyon West. It is a horseshoe-shaped glass walkway that stands at 3,600 feet high above the floor of the canyon.

The Grand Canyon Skywalk, founded by  the Hualapai Indian tribe, was opened to the general public on March 28, 2007.

Take this amazing Skywalk that you can ever dreamed of while breathing the Grand Canyon’s fresh air and enjoying the spectacular view of the canyon.

A Grand Canyon vacation will never be complete without taking photos and videos.

One of the best sightseeing places in America dubbed the “East Coast’s Number One Family Resort, Ocean City in Maryland is renowned for its 10 miles of white-sand beaches. The place offers a great vacation destination for families with many exciting things to see and do. There’s so much fun all year long with its three miles of world-famous Boardwalk, 15 championship golf courses, boating, bay and deep-sea fishing, nature tours, water sports, amusements and antique and outlet shopping.

One can enjoy an early-morning bicycle ride along the Boardwalk or one can then splash in the surf, or just sit back and watch the waves roll in and out. Or one can paddle a canoe or kayak, take a leisurely stroll on a nature trail, fly a kite or build a sand castle. It’s your take. Ocean City is just the best place to rest, relax and enjoy.

There is so much to explore like the heritage of the Lower Shore. Exploring can be fun by touring its wonderful museums or strolling Ocean City’s wide stretch of beaches that are free and open for everyone.

Accommodation is not a problem here. Ocean City is home to more than 10,000 hotel rooms, over 25,000 condominium units, plus apartments and beach houses.

Ocean City’s Boardwalk

Travel Channel has recognized Ocean City’s Boardwalk as one of the best in America. The boardwalk charm starts with the traditional wood walkway. One can take an early-morning bicycle ride here with numerous bicycle rental shops conveniently located in the area. The boardwalk has been its star of attractions in the early days and now stretches three miles along the coast.

Learn about the town’s great history by stopping by at Ocean City’s Life-Saving Station Museum located at the very southern end of the Boardwalk. Or watch boats come and go by just taking a seat on a bench overlooking the Inlet. Or purchase a souvenir item by browsing the Boardwalk shops. You can also treat yourself with a good meal with the Boardwalks collection of eateries. It’s your choice of seafood including crab or the famous Maryland fried chicken and a lot more food choices.

Give your kids some fun with the Boardwalk’s amusements and arcades like the antique carousel, a thrilling roller coaster ride or get a birds-eye view of the barrier island from atop the Ferris wheel. Like Atlantic City’s Boardwalk, Ocean City’s Boardwalk is a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds. Street performers abound to entertain passersby.

Those who can’t take long walks can still enjoy the sights and sounds by hopping aboard one of the Boardwalk trams which begin operation at 10:00 am and end at midnight seven days a week during the summer season. Note that tram operation is subject to prevailing weather conditions.

Ocean City’s Festivals

Ocean City bursts with excitements every Fourth of July with two fabulous fireworks displays lighting up the skies.

Other excitements are free beach concerts, bonfires on the beach, Sundaes in the Park, Labor Day Weekend Concerts, Yearly Sunfest and many more.

Ocean City Fishing

Ocean City is known as the “White Marlin Capital of the Word.” One can make fishing here a family affair to remember. The place is famous for its abundance of recreational fishing opportunities.

One of the most anticipated events every summer is the White Marlin Open. It is a premiere fishing tournament of the year in Ocean City. The tournament generates competition, excitement and great angling achievements for many. It’s not only the world’s largest tournament in number of boats and anglers but thousands of dollars are put into as price money to the lucky angler who reels in the biggest billfish. Prize money is awarded for white marlin, blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, dolphin and shark.

There is also an amateur angler fishing contest that is made open to all vacationers and residents fishing in the bays and ocean of Ocean City. Certificates are given out in six categories of fish – flounder, trout, bluefish, sea bass, rockfish and tautog. No license or registration fee is required. All you need to do is take your catch to the weigh station and complete an official catch report. Starts Memorial Day and runs through Labor Day.

Ocean City’s Golf

Eagle’s Landing in Ocean City is a beautiful seaside golfing paradise, the first golf course in the State of Maryland.. It is located just minutes from Ocean City overlooking the serene Sinepuxent Bay and the Assateague Island National Seashore. It’s a multi-awarded golf course with awards that include a ‘4-Star Course” by Golf Digest Magazine.

]]> http://www.sightseeingtime.com/ocean-city-maryland-vacation/feed/ 0