Old-Town, Kissimmee

Everyone does Disney, SeaWorld, and Universal, when they go to the Orlando area. This can be very costly, especially for a family.

Fancy a cheap few hours out, then go to Old Town in Kissimmee. You can't miss it. It has the Ferris wheel at the entrance, and that's how we would give directions. Not only can you see this on U.S.192 but it now has the 'Sling Shot' too. Two brightly illuminated towers stretching up in the air 365 feet. If you are brave enough to do this ride it will cost you $25 (13 pounds 85 pence). However, just look in any of the coupon books, dozens around in shops, restaurants, etc, and you will get either $5 off or a free T-Shirt . Recently they have put two more scary rides at the front of Old Town to entice people in

If you are into crazy rides of a lifetime there is also 'Skycoaster'. This is advertised as the World's tallest adrenaline pump experience. You literally fly through the air at a speed of up to 85 mph. Len and I watched with horror, I feel we are too old to play games with our lives. Len's grandson, who is a Marine, went on it and it blew him away.

Okay, back to Old Town. You probably think it is a theme park, but that is not so. Yes there are many rides. You pay individually for each one.

Here are some to give you an idea.

Dimension 3 Space Simulator.
Dragon Wagon Coaster.
Flying Teacups.
Bumper Cars.
Go-Karts.
The Haunted Grimm House. (Be warned that the people working here come out and walk up behind you, and yes they look scary)
Merry-Go-Round.
Windstorm Roller Coaster.
The Ferris Wheel.

In the last couple of years they added the Hollywood Wax Museum and Tower of London Experience.

We got 2 free rides on the Ferris Wheel out of one of the coupon books, and picked up a bunch more. When Len's family arrived from England, I gave them 6 free rides, so they were delighted.

Another neat 'ride' we watched were the kids on the World Trampoline Training Center. Here they had a harness on and were able to bounce much easier. The kids had great fun and it was totally safe.

Across the street from it was the 'Bull'. Just like a rodeo. We watched adults on it and as they got used to it, it speeded up. With the children it was fun, and they make it a ride that was safe for them. You could also purchase a video of the ride. Just be warned if you are from another country, the video might not work.

Shops galore.

From clothing and accessories. I love the leather shop. Even found a leather bra. Well actually it was a top, but no bigger than a bra. They sold beautiful handbags and boots too.

Unique gifts.

I suppose I had better start with 'Union Jack British Goods'. Here you can purchase many of the products I so miss, living here in America. The prices are extremely high, but these products have to be imported. Personally I wouldn't pay the prices. They are even higher than our local 'British' shop. Obviously trying to get tourists from England to spend their dollars.

Other shops.

Black Market Minerals.
Electronic Town.
EuroPins.
Father Time.
Homer's Sports Cards.
International Space Station.
Old Town Magic Shop.
Magic Touch Massage Pillows. (Len bought one of these, will have to see if I can review it.)
Movie Character Shop.
Old Town General Store.
Racing World.
Santa & Co.
and many more.

There are 5 jewelry stores too.

Tired of shopping, how about something to eat or drink.

We looked in on A & W All American Food. A real old fashioned diner, with the soda fountain. Certainly looked fun to eat in, or have a soda or float.

So where did I eat. Went into Burger King right next door to Old Town. They had Whoppers for $2.09 (1 pound 16 pence), but if you phone the free number on the back of the check, you can get a free Whopper of Chicken Sandwich on your next visit. We also got senior coffee or soda (coke/pepsi) at just 49 cents, (27 pence) with free refills. Checkers, which is next to the Ferris Wheel have a coupon, buy 1 champ burger $1.49, (83 pence) get one free. So it doesn't have to cost a fortune to eat while enjoying Old Town.

Also pick up the Old Town Bargain book with $300 in savings. Find this at the ticket booth or The General Store. It gives discounts on almost everything.

Old Town itself.

From Interstate 4 exit 25A. this is U.S.192 and just head east. Go past Water Mania and you will see it on your left. It is 5 miles east of Walt Disney World. It is situated by Marker 9.

Check them out at www.old-town.com
Telephone 1.407-396-4888.

Not only will you see the 75 specialty shops. Try some of the 18 exciting rides, go to Kids Town, but check out the street entertainers. We went on our own, then the next day took Len's family from England. We so enjoyed the guy with the 'street mutts'. I just couldn't believe how he could train dogs from shelters and homes, to do tricks. This was free, he did ask for donations at the end of each show. There was also a clown, who made animals from balloons for the kids, he asked for a $1 (55 pence) donation for charity.

Go on a Friday or Saturday night for 'Car Cruise In America'. Everyone turns up with their classic cars. You can walk around and take a look at them. The best part is when they cruise the streets of Old Town. Don't worry if you miss it, they do have several cars there permanently. For the motorcycle lovers check out Thursday night's bike "Nite".

Also check out the live entertainment at the weekends. They have a stage in the centre area of Old Town. We have seen teenage girl bands, country and western, rock'n'roll, and disco.

Final thoughts.

If you want to take a look back at a time long gone, then wonder down to Old Town. These wooden buildings house a lot of things to do. Don't forget to check out the 'General Stores', and pick up a 49 cents bottle of ice cold coke. Yes, that is the price, the only problem, if you drink diet coke like Len, you will pay $1.85 (just over a pound) for it.

For a fun filled afternoon or evening give it a whirl.
Friday, Saturday and Sundays are the best. Other times it can be very quite.
Open 365 days a year from 10am to 11pm.
Buses welcome. Plenty of free parking and free entrance.

Now you have money left to do the Mickey Mouse thing.

Thank you for reading.

Susie.