So the Gatorland experience is another one of those Central Florida “landmarks” that’s been around for years-and-years, yet I’ve never taken the time to visit. That all changed last weekend, when Kim and I headed over to check-out not only the park, but the Screamin’Gator Zip Line as well! (A little insight: paying for the Zip Line gives full admission to the Gatorland park.)

The Park

Walking up to the admissions area guests are faced with this iconic image:

Sure, I’d seen that before. No biggie. I was not at all prepared, however, for what I was about to see once I walked through the front gates:

I mean, can you even get over the massive amount of gators? They’re everywhere. Small ones. Big ones. Gigantic ones! Out. Of. Control!

The Zip Line

So after being in much awe of these animals living basically in our backyard, we headed over to get suited-up and safety training for the Zip Line. We really, really wanted to take some photos and video while on the one-hour plus excursion, but for obvious reasons we couldn’t take our cameras. Here’s a look at what you can expect:

And here’s your Pulse team all suited-up and ready to go! Hawt, right? We’re strongly thinking about making this our everyday wardrobe.

You can get a whole lotta more info on the Gatorland Screamin’Gator Zip Line.

I have to say we truly had a blast finally seeing what this Central Florida treasure is all about. We highly recommend if you’re looking for something a little different to do one of these upcoming weekends.

In the interest of full disclosure, Gatorland was kind enough to provide us with complimentary experiences of the Screamin’Gator Zip Line.

Here’s one way to beat the Central Florida heat:

We were recently invited and attended Nickelodeon Suites Resorts ‘Summer of SLIME’kick-off event at their property in South Orlando. The video above pretty much sums-it-up, but ‘Summer of SLIME’is:

During the summer-long celebration, running from June 10 to September 5, the guests can be SLIMED at anytime, anywhere on property. SLIME encounters and surprise experiences include:

• Gooey, messy games like SLIME tug of war
• SLIME physical challenges
• Confetti SLIME
• SLIME tastings
• Bigger, better-than-ever Mass SLIMING poolside
• And many other “Random Acts of SLIMING””

Here are some photos we snapped:

Who says slime can't be tasty?

Slime, slime everywhere!

You're not gonna slime me!

And...here comes the slime!

Slimed!

So…are you up for the slime of your life?! More info on this Summer-long event can be found here.

You might recall us mentioning last December, plans to bring a new theme park development to Central Florida in 2013. Just today, the city’s planning board rejected the developer’s plans. This means–as of right now–the thrill park in mention won’t be happening.

CFNews13.com sites support of the park was lacking since early on, primarily from local residents/residential neighborhoods claiming the noise and traffic would be too obtrusive.

We’ll be sure to keep our ears to the ground in the event of any changes to the situation.

I recently caught a story on OrlandoSentinel.com announcing a new theme park to debut in Central Florida in 2013. Perhaps this story is not news and I’m just getting around to catching-up? Anyway….

Said theme park is supposedly going to fill a void in the “Six Flags” park area, since the nearest one to our area is in Georgia. It will, of course, be located in the International Drive area, near to Universal Orlando Resort. Attractions will be something like this:

(Photo courtesy of OrlandoSentinel.com)

In my opinion, this park will be great for our local economy. It will, obviously, create some jobs (in a market with a huge unemployment rate), and will offer-up some new-and-exciting things for us Central Floridians to do!

What are your thoughts?

The Waldorf Astoria Orlando has the esteemed honor of being the first newly built Waldorf since the original property, The Waldorf Towers in New York City. So, when I found out that a work conference would allow me the opportunity (albeit brief) to stay at the Hotel, I was definitely looking forward to it.

The first thing you notice about the property is its beauty. The Waldorf seemingly spared no expense. The property is beautifully landscaped, and although it’s a stone’s throw away from the Walt Disney World Resorts, it’s tucked off the road providing a nice break from the hustle and bustle.

The Gorgeous Waldorf Astoria Orlando

The second thing you notice is how friendly and accommodating the staff is.  I realize most expect this from a high-end property, but I’ve stayed in many and it doesn’t always happen.

The third thing I noticed is the attention to detail in the rooms … book light on the bed … check; separate bath and shower … check; comfy robes … check; sleek room entrance … check.

Hello, convenient book light!

Love the separate tub!

Always a fan of the hotel robes!

I love how this entrance way makes it feel even fancier.

Next time I stay, I hope to have the chance to check out the pools and Spa, which were both calling my name during my recent visit.

See for yourself:
The Waldorf Astoria Orlando
14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane
Orlando, FL 32821
(407) 597-5500

You already know we’re fans of Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba. So if you haven’t ever seen the show, or it’s been quite some time, we strongly encourage you to take advantage of the discount currently being offered to Florida Residents.

While Cirque always offers an $85 promo rate for residents, now through October 23rd you can purchase up to six (6) tickets for $50 each. Sure, $50 is alot of money, but it’s well worth it for this awesome show!

You can get more information about the show here.

I’m always on the lookout for fun things to do in Central Florida, so when I heard about the Grande Lakes Adventure Course, I had to check it out.

While I believe this is primarily marketed to guests of the multiple Grande Lakes properties (Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes and JW Marriott Grande Lakes), this and other recreation activities are open to the public.

There are two courses to choose from. The Discovery Course consists of 35 Aerial Walkways, a Zip Line and a Swing. The Exploration Course seems more geared to a younger audience, or maybe those afraid of heights, as it’s only set 15-feet above ground.

Welcome to Grande Lakes Adventure Course!

Looks Awesome, Doesn't It?

Zip Line!

There's the Exploration Course, a.k.a., the Wimpy Course

We opted to skip the Adventure Course on our trip to Grande Lakes because it was a scorcher of a day in Orlando this past Saturday, but I’m definitely looking forward to swinging on the ropes when the weather gets a little cooler.

For More Info, Contact the Grande Lakes Adventure Desk at 407/393-4007.

If you’re looking for a new way to spend Memorial Day weekend, why not hop on one of the first direct Southwest Air flights to Beaches of South Walton?

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Beaches of South Walton is the 26-mile stretch of Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, home to 15 distinct beach communities, including Seaside, the town made famous by the movie “The Truman Show.”

Beyond the sugary white sand beaches, the communities have numerous activities to enjoy such as eclectic art galleries, golf, shopping and award-winning restaurants. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll feel right at home among the state parks and rare coastal dune lakes.

For more information on Beaches or to book travel, visit: BeachesofSouthWalton.com.

Universal Orlando Resort has announced their annual Summer Concert Series line-up. These concerts are a value-add to the regular admission and annual passholders.

I have to say I’m not all that impressed. I’m sure any tourist would be more-than-thrilled to get to experience one of these artists or bands free with their paid admission; however, as a Central Florida resident, I don’t feel compelled at all to purchase a ticket or annual pass simply to see a show (except for maybe with the exception of Pat Benetar, who I’ve seen before).

What about you? Any of the concerts you’re dying to go to? Have you seen any of these artists live before?

For additional details on dates, times, and artists visit Universal Orlando’s website.

Calling all nerds!

Calling all Star Wars fans!

Dates for Disney’s annual Star Wars Weekends have been announced. They are as follows:

• May 21 – 23
• May 28 – 30
• June 4 – 6
• June 11 – 13

Star Wars Weekends is something both locals and tourists look forward to every year. If you’re not familiar, this event celebrates the phenomenon that is Star Wars, and features special events, shows, memorabilia, and more! This is not a special event that requires a separate ticket; regular admission tickets give guests access.

We’ve never experienced Star Wars Weekends but would definitely love to check-it-out this year.

You can get complete information on this event here.