Nick Hotel's Orlando Guide » Wild Things

Silver Spurs Rodeo

Team Nick — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:20:51 +0000

The largest rodeo East of the Mississippi River features a variety of exciting events held at the state-of-the-art, indoor Silver Spurs Arena such as Bareback Bronc Riding, Barrel Racing, Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Tie-Down Roping and even Mutton Bustin’ for the kids! Admission is charged. For more information about the Silver Spurs Rodeo, visit www.silverspursrodeo.com.

February 19-21, 2010
located: 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee, Florida

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Team Nick — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:01:27 +0000

The Tree of Life sets an impressionable backdrop for one of the largest animal theme parks in the world. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, guests are treated to up-close encounters with animals, critters and skeletal replicas of prehistoric dinosaurs. Containing over 500-acres of sweeping park-scape and 1,700 animals from 250 different species, this extensive animal park is divided into seven areas: Oasis, Africa, Asia, Discovery Island, Camp Minnie-Mickey, Rafiki’s Planet Watch and Dinoland U.S.A.

At the Oasis area, a misty footpath winds in an out of tropical gardens giving you an intimate peak at the natural world of tree-kangaroos, giant anteaters and Chinese deer. Head over to Asia and come face to face with the Anandapur Royal Forest. Ruins and patches of jasmine and honeysuckle provide the perfect setting for the Komodo Dragon, Malayan Tapir, Rodrigues Fruit and Malayan Flying Bat species. Along the African desert plain catch meerkats and gorillas on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail or take a Kilimanjaro Safari where giraffes, cheetahs, antelope, lions, baboons and crocodiles roam free on the Harambe Wildlife Reserve.

Gatorland Animal Park

Team Nick — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 09:58:46 +0000

Get swallowed up whole as you pass through a wide-mouthed gator, a simple reminder that you’re in the alligator capital now. Opened in 1949 by Owen Godwin, hundreds of alligators, crocodiles and other wildlife have made the 110-acres of natural swamp land and wildlife preserves their home. Located between Orlando and Kissimmee, Gatorland Animal Park has continuously awed guests with its expanse of natural breeding marshes, cypress swamplands, and of course an alligator island featuring large reptiles basking in the Florida sun. If that’s not enough, enjoy daring reptile shows, educational workshops, a flamingo lagoon, aviary and self-guided tour through a cypress tree lined boardwalk. For more information, check out www.gatorland.com.

Animal Adventures at Discovery Cove

Team Nick — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 09:56:58 +0000

A tropical getaway at Discovery Cove is your ticket to an up close and personal experience with some of Florida’s most amazing sea life and birds. After a quick orientation session, visitors will jump right into the warm lagoon waters in small groups and swim side by side with bottle nosed dolphins. Souvenir photos and videos complete the one-of-a-kind underwater experience.

There are many other attractions to enjoy at Discovery Cove such as floating down the Wind-Away River or snorkeling in warm waters teeming with tropical coral reefs, grottos, rays and exotic fish. Check out the Explorer’s Aviary and stumble upon hundreds of species of tropical birds or lay around on white sandy beaches. However you plan to spend your day at Discovery Cove, the 30-acre oasis will become your personal playground.

At Discovery Cove, an all-inclusive admission takes care of all your needs. Snorkels, wetsuits, towels, locker rooms, beach chairs and even sunscreen are provided as well as tasty dining options. A variety of special packages will ensure you get the Discovery Cove experience you desire: be a trainer for a day, celebrate a birthday or other special occasion. Packages with and without dolphin swim are available as well as packages with unlimited access to SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa.

Space is limited. Reservations should be made at least two months in advance. Call 1-877-577-7404 for information.