Traveling to Central Florida? Here are some don't-miss spots. Grand Floridian: Disney's flagship hotel boasts the graciousness of a bygone era in a world of Victorian charms and pampering service. A white sandy beach, pool and monorail access are all part of the package.
You can still see chickens crossing the road near the busy intersection of Duval and Truman. Once they might have been chased by an axe-wielding cook with a gleam in her eye. But today they are more likely to dodge tourist trolleys or shoppers weighed down with high-end fashion accessories or original works of art.
At long last, our towns -- and our hotels -- again belong to us. Like boat parades and, yes, hurricane season, the culling of the crowds is an annual rite. And once the stars, paparazzi and sun-starved Winter People clear out of town, local lodgings always drop their rates. But with the economic blues on every mind, hoteliers in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties are offering up Florida resident-deals that are even sunnier than usual.
VACATIONS
With the economy wobbling and gasoline prices swamping household budgets, many South Floridians are opting for ''staycations'' -- getaways that mean crossing a causeway instead of the country.
Familiarity breeds content this summer for cash-strapped families that want a low-mileage change of scenery. Sure, it's hot here this time of year. But if there's a pool or beach nearby, who cares? Thanks to favorable Florida resident rates, you can stay a few nights at that upscale resort. Or consider the camping trip your kids have always wanted. (Hey, some of our state parks have hot showers and cabins with air-conditioning.) Explore South Florida's backyard with some of these best bets for families...
Many local hotels are offering summer discounts; be sure to mention that you're a Florida resident. Rates below do not include taxes and may be available for a limited number of rooms. Here are some choices:
SPA DISCOUNTS
Need a little pampering close to home? Miami-Dade and Broward counties are offering month-long spa programs this summer, with discounted treatments at some of the area's priciest spas.
Summer in South Florida is when locals don't have to fight tourists for tables at the hottest restaurants. And it's when discounted prix-fixe menus provide an opportunity to sample local cuisine without breaking the bank.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
This summer, some local attractions and events also offer discounts, deals and free entry. Here's a selection: MIAMI-DADE Jungle Island, Miami: If you haven't been back to Jungle Island since it opened, now is the time. After five years, the foliage has grown in; unless you look up and spy a nearby condo tower, you'll never even know you're in the city. Plus you can pet a red kangaroo, goats and llamas, and check out the liger -- a cross between a lion and tiger. You won't want to pet it, though...
Be sure to ask about Florida resident rates and discounts for members of AAA and AARP (OK, we hate to admit it). To get a true picture of costs, ask about these price factors:
CONDO-HOTELS
Mad rushes to the airport, too much luggage, flights with crying babies and smelly diapers, rental car hassles: After many fun but exhausting long-distance vacations, my wife and I decided we needed a break, with the sole focus of rest and relaxation -- and without the stress of getting there.
Fifteen minutes behind Paris Hilton. An hour behind Michael Caine. A day behind Queen Latifah. Everywhere I went in Miami I just missed a celebrity. The only name I didn't hear was Britney Spears. Everyone else in the celestial pantheon seemed to be making merry here.
Hotel & Hostel in Miami Beach. But that's fine with her since she is saving a ton of money every night. Simon, who is from Germany, says she used to stay in four-star hotels until she found out about hostels, which offer low-price lodging and the chance to make new friends.
Thanks to the glut of South Florida condos, vacation renters in our area have more choices than holiday-makers elsewhere. ''Most markets are outstripping supply. That's not the case in the Miami area,'' said Justin Halloran, vice president/U.S. for Home Away, which owns several vacation rental websites, including the popular Vrbo.com.
CENTRAL FLORIDA
Sure, you can stay at a Disney-themed resort, one of Universal's hotels or a chain motel. But if you're looking for a softer side of Central Florida, check out one of these inns.
Kaylee Sturm sat in the low surf, the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico lapping around her. The University of Tampa senior had never been to this barrier island north of Clearwater, but she and her mom were immediately impressed.
If you're heading to Theme Park Central this year, get ready to dance, splash and play tug-of-war with a Bengal tiger. But don't expect it to come cheap.
AQUATICA
Waterslides, wave pools, meandering rivers and cooling fountains -- and dolphins? Dolphins and other creatures are the newest twist on Central Florida water parks, found at Aquatica, which opened in March.
BUSCH GARDENS
Who knew that tigers like to swim? That orangutans can paint? Or that there really is a theme park area with rides just for 'tweeners?
UNIVERSAL
Krusty the Clown is opening a new ride at his namesake theme park, Krustyland, and the Simpsons are first to take the ride. Little do they know that Sideshow Bob -- pushed over the emotional edge by being shot from a cannon and nailed by cream pies -- has escaped from jail, stolen Scratchy's character suit and is loose in the park. His goal: Destroy it all.
DISNEY
You knew a Toy Story ride had to be coming. When it opens late this month, the toys will take over Andy's new Midway Games Play Set, and chaos will reign in the form of Toy Story Mania! -- a 3-D ride through the carnival. Cars are armed with spring-action shooters that let the riders rack up the points as they ''hurl'' pies, ''toss'' rings and ''launch'' eggs -- all virtual, of course. An animatronic Mr. Potato Head plays barker.
Since the turn of the millennium, one-day one-park adult tickets at Disney have risen a whopping 62 percent -- and the other parks aren't far behind.
WHIRLWIND TOUR
Four theme parks. Three kids. Two adults. And one seemingly impossible assignment: to visit every Disney World resort on the same day.
BUDGET TRAVEL
Sure, you wanna save some bucks. Here are some deals that may help. Note: For Florida-resident specials, proof of residency required.
BEYOND THE PARKS
Yes, there is life beyond the major theme parks. Here are a few other things going on: At Kennedy Space Center, Shuttle Wing combines astronaut testimonials, artifacts, photos and anecdotes of otherworldly experiences. The permanent exhibit, just opened at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, includes flight video narrated by Sally Ride, Bob Crippen, Charlie Bolden and Story Musgrave. Admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex includes the Shuttle Launch Experience, Kennedy Space Center Tour...
More beach resorts are offering pools with water slides, no-cost children's programs and other amenities that make them affordable alternatives for families looking for one-stop vacations, says Parents magazine.
It has taken the entire day to get to St. Petersburg and as daylight turns to dusk over the tangle of sailboat masts at the city marina, I know that my complicated route -- by train, bus and on foot -- is going to cost me some sightseeing.
PET-FRIENDLY DESTINATIONS
jump hed: kicker+6,42,1 cover story/no summary A weekend getaway -- sounds perfect. But wait, what about the dog? Instead of searching frantically for a pet-sitter, how about taking him with you? Sure, Florida might not be the dog-friendliest state in the nation, but it can be done. Plus, we've done all the work for you! Here are three dog-friendly destinations.
SUMMER DEALS
The snowbirds are back up North, streets and sidewalks are less crowded, and upscale shops are putting up sale signs. It's that time of year when Floridians can reclaim their state.
TAKING THE KIDS
On her last morning in Florida, 9-year-old Monica Winter finds a small crab washed up on shore amid the anemones and calico scallops. She touches it with her pink-painted fingernails, then picks it up.
