Fun Spot Announce Interactive Water Experience

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Over the weekend our friends over at Fun Spot announced a new interactive water experience that will open this summer in their Orlando park.

The feature will have over 30 interactive features and is being designed by Aquatic Design & Engineering.


“We are excited to begin this next phase of our development plan and adding this amazing interactive water feature is the first step we have been working towards for some time now. We have had some very productive planning meetings working towards this new attraction and our fans have been very engaged with us along this journey. Orlando and central Florida is an amazing and beautiful area and we are very thankful to be a part of such a great community.”

John Arie Jr, CEO/Owner at Fun Spot America

“When we approached the design for the interactive water feature, we took Fun Spot’s motto of ‘Safe-Clean-Fun’ to heart,” said Josh Martin, President and Creative Director of Aquatic Design & Engineering. “Not only is this water feature a fun way to beat the heat for any member of the family, but it also exceeds the highest levels of safety and sanitation. The nearly 4,000-square-foot interactive water feature includes state-of-the-art slip-resistant soft flooring, and it uses environmentally-friendly, advanced UV Ray technology to disinfect the water without harsh chemicals.”

Fun Spot go on to say that ‘the new interactive water feature also conserves water using detection sensors that only run the features when guests are present.’ and ‘all of the water toys and spraying elements have been proven to encourage child development and stimulate the brain through toys that move, twist, or spin.’

With all that Florida heat you’ll definitely find me here cooling off this summer!

Smiles Included,

Abby

New Coaster at Fun Spot Kissimmee to be Called ‘Mine Blower’

Hey Thrill Seekers,

So the name for the new wooden roller-coaster at Fun Spots Kissimmee location has recently been revealed as ‘Mine Blower’ which gives us the impression that it is a ride that ‘blows minds’ and maybe themed around mine carts, what do you think?

The ride is due to open in summer 2017 and we do not yet know what the carts are going to look like but my guess is something like the Donkey Kong mine carts 😉

Here are some cool facts about the upcoming coaster..

  • Maximum bank angle is 115 degrees
  • It is going to be 2256 ft long
  • There are 11 different air times
  • Top speed is 48.5 mph
  • There is a 360 Barrel Roll ( You are going upside down, on a Wooden Roller Coaster!)
  • The first drop is 80.5 feet – that’s like 5 large giraffes stacked on top of each other..

It is the only wooden roller-coaster in Southeast United States that will feature a 360 degree barrel roll!

Mine Blower has been designed by the Ohio-based coaster design firm Gravity Group. Gravity Group built the first wooden coasters in China and the Voyage coaster at Holiday World in Indiana, which has been ranked as the best wooden coaster for 5 years in a row! This surely means that Mine Blower is going to be an amazing contribution to Fun Spot Kissimmee and one for true thrill seekers!

Don’t forget that admission into Fun Spot is FREE and you can purchase your unlimited armbands here.

Smiles Included,

Jess

Interview With Renee Ambos From FunSpot

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Our interview series got off to a great start last week with Larry from Eat & Play Card today its the turn of the lovely Renee from FunSpot.

Renee is a bit of a favourite at OAT towers not just because of her highly infectious positive attitude but also how she helped out our CTO Karl Hendrie when his luggage failed to arrive on his recently visit to Orlando.

Lets get to know her a little better.

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Name: Renee Ambos
Company: Fun Spot America Theme Parks
Position: Sales Manager

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would you get? Fried eggs, with avocado and chorizo with a touch of hot sauce over a croissant!! I’m hungry now!
If you were an animal, what would you be and why? An ox; it is my animal in the Chinese calendar and I don’t disagree with its traits. Strong, dependable, stubborn, and patient with maybe just a little bit of room for improvement on communication skills. (I tend to move a bit too quickly.)
If someone made a movie of your life would it be a drama, a comedy, a romantic-comedy, action film, or science fiction? Action Film, no question about that!
Complete the sentence; I was once mistaken for . . . Charlize Theron or at least people say I look like her.
If you had your own talk show, who would your first three guests be? Ellen DeGeneres, Justin Trudeau and Jackie Chan

WORK

What was the highlight of 2016 for your company?: At the Orlando Park, we added an interactive Virtual Reality option on our Freedom Flyer roller coaster free of charge, for those guest wishing to experience it. Don’t worry if you wish not to partake in the VR, we do offer the Coaster only option as well!
What can we expect from your company in 2017?: We are currently building wooden roller coaster with a 360 degree barrel , reaching speeds 78 KPH and 25 meter drop on this unique coaster. It is the only one of its kind in the Southeast here in the states. Plus we still have quite a few acres undeveloped yet, so there will be much more to come from us in the upcoming years! The plans have already been drafted.
Make a 2017 prediction…: In park entertainment for both the Kissimmee and the Orlando parks – free!
Best Theme Park ride/attraction of 2016?: My favourite ride at our Kissimmee Park location is the Vortex; a go-kart track which is 4 stories high (12 meters) and features the world’s steepest banking curve at 32 degrees! The Daytona Speedway can’t even match that! This track has double-seat go-karts, so even younger children, while an adult drives, can enjoy the action of this multi-levelled track!
Best Theme Park/attraction food of 2016?: You can’t go wrong with ice cream! Now I’m back to being hungry again!
Best Theme Park/attraction tip?: Knowing that the UK guests want to experience everything that Orlando has to offer, Fun Spot is making it easier than ever to enjoy our parks with our new feature “Evening to Day” or E2D pass. This now offers Fun Spot guests the opportunity to for a second day free when the first day visit is after 9:00 pm. Fun Spot is always open until midnight 365 days a year.
Another major part of Fun Spot is our FREE Parking and FREE general Admission. I am sure you understand FREE Parking, but FREE general admission – what is that? I mean after all this is Orlando and nothing is Free. I am proud to say that at Fun Spot America Theme Parks it is FREE entry into the park, should you not ride any of our rides. That’s right FREE for non-riders. Parents can bring their children to the park and only buy tickets for the children, and mom and dad you are FREE if you don’t plan on riding anything. Do remember to buy your tickets in advance for best savings.
Best kept secret in Florida?: Bring your own water bottles to either of our Fun Spot locations. Both parks offer a FREE refill stations for water bottles. Or Fun Spot offers a refillable all you can drink souvenir cup for only $6.00. I know what you are thinking…who wants another souvenir cup, but for only $6.00 for all day. You can’t beat that price!

Thanks very much Renee, a great interview and some lovely insight in to Fun Spot. This year Orlando Attraction Tickets has an exclusive sampler ticket which is only £19 per person and offers great value. Check out the details here – FunSpot Sampler Ticket

Smiles included…

Jamie

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Do You Really Mean All The Parks?

Hey Thrill Seekers,

A lot of our customers ask for a ticket that includes ‘all of the parks’ without realising how many parks there actually are. Ticket purchasing can become quite complicated when you aren’t aware of all the parks and attractions, especially if you’re a first timer. We have ‘The Big Three’, Disney, Universal and SeaWorld but there is so much more!

Let’s take a look at the big three first.

Walt Disney World actually consists of 6 parks in total, 4 theme parks, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and 2 water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. All of our Disney tickets include all 6 of these parks, we do not offer single day or single park tickets.

Disney’s Magic Kingdom is the park to explore lands of endless enchantment, where your fantasy becomes a reality. 

Disney’s Epcot allows you to travel around the globe, under the sea, into outer space…and beyond!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom will amaze you, behold the magic of nature with rare animals and world-class entertainment.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios puts you smack bang in the middle of the action, take center stage in the world of movies, television, music and theater.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is a storm ravaged tropical bay while Disney’s Blizzard Beach is a melting ski resort.

Disney

Moving onto Universal now with their 2 theme parks, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. These 2 parks are joint together using The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the Hogwarts Express. You must have a hopper ticket to ride the Hogwarts Express, which is of course, what we offer! 🙂

Tip: Ride the Hogwarts Express both ways to encounter two completely different experiences. 😉

Universal Studios is where you can jump into the action of your favourite movies and TV shows’. At the back of the park you will find yourself in Diagon Alley.

Universal’s Islands of Adventure is where you can live the adventure. Towards the back of this park you will be in Hogsmeade.

Universal’s Volcano Bay is the newest park which is due to open on the 1st June 2017. Water is life. Life is joy. 

universal

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment have a total of 4 parks including SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Discovery Cove.

SeaWorld Orlando has a mixture of thrill rides, family rides and animal interactions. SeaWorld rescue a lot of animals from the wild to treat them and then release them back into the wild.

Aquatica is SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment’s water park which is themed to the Southern Pacific and features Australian and New Zealand mascots that you can spot relating to each attraction.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is about an hour out of Orlando but so worth the journey! The 19th century African themed park is also, like SeaWorld, a mixture of the thrill and family rides as well as the animal encounters. All of the SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is suitable for all the family.

Tip: We offer these parks at an amazing 3 parks for the price of 2 offer which entails free parking!

Discovery Cove is an amusement park where guests can completely relax with an all inclusive day and have the choice to ‘talk, touch, play and swim with bottlenose dolphins’.

There are 2 Discovery Cove packages available, 1 including 14 days into SeaWorld and Aquatica and our Ultimate package including 14 days into SeaWorld, Aquatica and Busch Gardens.

Tip: You can make the most of the free parking with our Ultimate Package as well. 😉

SW

LEGOLAND Florida & Merlin Attractions is next up. LEGOLAND Florida has their theme park and their water park – great fun for all the family. As well as Legoland, Merlin also have I-Drive 360 which is made up of The Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds and SEALIFE Orlando.

lego

We offer a number of different ticket options for these attractions, so if you don’t necessarily want to visit all of them, you can take your pick!

If you’re looking to visit some of Florida’s more alternative attractions, you won’t be at a loose end as there are so many options!

Kennedy Space Center

Fun Spot

Gatorland

Boggy Creek – 30 minute

Boggy Creek – 1 hour

WonderWorks

Orlando Magic

So if you were stuck for ideas, I hope you’re not anymore! All of these attractions are available on our website and any questions you have, you can contact us to find out more!

Smiles Included…

Louise

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Fun Spot To Add VR To Roller Coaster

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Fun Spot Orlando are showering us with gifts this Christmas, first the announcement of the new wooden coaster at the Kissimmee location and now they’re adding virtual reality to one of their coasters at the Orlando location!

The coaster that Fun Spot are adding the VR package too is the Freedom Flyer which is a ‘family friendly, steel suspended, inverted coaster’ that consists of many twists and turns and a bucket load of G’s.

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This will make Fun Spot the first park in Central Florida to have a virtual reality coaster. An official from Fun Spot has said this should be done by Christmas time! – As you probably already know in September, SeaWorld announced that they would be adding a VR aspect to Kraken so it looks like VR is going to be the next big thing!

For those of you who don’t know what Virtual Reality is then voila:

VR is the computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way by a person using special electronic equipment, such as a helmet with a screen inside or gloves fitted with sensors.

The new virtual reality package that has been purchased from VR Coaster and is currently being installed and tested as stated by David Hummer, the director of marketing for the attraction. He also mentioned that ‘the storylines include an overgrown city, a battle, robotic life forms and an appearance by the Freedom Flyer character, which currently can be seen atop the thrill ride.’ There will be four seats that will include the new VR aspect. Riders will be able to put on VR goggles and enter a whole new experience. – It sounds as though there will be a separate waiting line for the designated VR seats as I can imagine it to get pretty busy!

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David Hummer has also announced that Fun Spot will not be raising the ticket prices for the VR enhancement which is always good news 😉

“We’re not going to increase the price. We know that, traditionally, other parks have done an add-on,” Hummer said. “We’re going to try to refrain from doing that at this point.”

Don’t forget to purchase our exclusive Fun Spot Armbands  that start from £28.00 for 2016 and from £32.00 for 2017 – It includes unlimited roller coasters, multi-level go-karts and rides for one day, one park. It can be used at either Fun Spot Orlando or Fun Spot Kissimmee.

  • Orlando Fun Spot Address – 5700 Fun Spot Way, Orlando, FL 32819
  • Kissimmee Fun Spot Address – 2850 Florida Plaza Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34746

Smiles Included,

Jess

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Fun Spot Announce New Wooden Coaster

Hey Thrill Seekers,

We have spotted some exciting news today, a brand new wooden roller coaster is coming to the Kissimmee Fun Spot in the summer of 2017!

The Gravity Group are the guys and girls who have designed this new coaster and it sound like this ride is going to be pretty cool and definitely a thrill seekers dream.

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This new coaster is Fun Spot Americas second wooden roller coaster. The original one called White Lightning is situated at Fun Spots Orlando park.

Some specifications for the coaster have been released and it sounds amazing! There is going to be a 360 degree barrel roll, 11 different air times and a top speed of 48.5mph!

John Arie Jr who is Fun Spot America’s CEO has said:

“This is HUGE news not just for us but the city of Kissimmee as this will be the only wooden roller coaster in the southeast United States that will feature a 360 degree barrel roll. This roller coaster will be completely unique and thrilling, we have worked tirelessly with the Gravity Group to design a ride that will be a must ride coaster for any thrill seeker and coaster enthusiast, definitely bucket list worthy. We are still working through the theming, naming rights and sponsorship opportunities but with over two million visitors to our parks each year we do expect to move forward quickly on these opportunities.”

The coaster isn’t going to be the only positive impact.. this $6 Million investment will see to over 50 new jobs during construction and over 20 full time jobs when it opens next summer.

Check out this cool VR video:

The length of the track is going to be 2256 feet with a first drop of 80.5 feet and a 115 degree bank angle which points towards a famil friendly but also very thrilling new coaster.

As a name for this coaster has not yet been released what do you think they should call it?

Smiles Included,

Jess

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FunSpot America Release New Park Design

Hey Thrill Seekers,

I love it when parks release new stuff, even if its not actually going to happen for a while, for example, Disney’s new Star Wars Land! So today I was happy to see that FunSpot America had released some artistic impressions of how they see the future of their park.

Through Falcons Creative Group, FunSpot have some big plans for Orlando Brandi Monard Designer on the project said;

The new master plan will give guests a chance to step into different eras and experiences all under one ultimate storyline, Americana

Fun-Spot-Boardwalk-e1452526795588

The proposed changes include sectioning the park into six new area’s which would represent past and present classic America. The idea behind the alterations is to increase FunSpot’s brand and add new, exciting experiences to the family park.

Fun-Spot-MP-Aerial-View-1-1024x694

We’re not quite sure at the moment when these new changes will begin but its great to see the smaller parks competing against the traditional giants of the industry.

Fun-Spot-MP-Aerial-View-2-1024x694You can purchase tickets for FunSpot at Orlando Attraction Tickets from as little as £28.00 per person.

We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.

Smiles included…

Jamie

Orlando Attraction Tickets

5 Great Orlando Ticket Options Under £100’s

Hey Thrill Seekers,

An Orlando holiday is awesome, its full of fun, smiles and amazing memories. However with flights, accommodation and Florida car hire the cost can soon reach the thousands.

For todays post I thought I’d go through a few ticket options that won’t break the bank but still offer fantastic value.

3 Park SeaWorld, Aquatica & Busch Gardens Ticket

In my opinion this ticket represents the best value for money of all. For only £92.00* for ages 10+ (2015) this ticket offers 14 days unlimited access to 3 of Florida’s best parks.

Not only does it include access to ride Manta, SheiKra and Falcon’s Fury but also offers free transportation to Busch Gardens.

Ticket available here – http://www.orlandoattractiontickets.co.uk/Ticket/3-Park-SeaWorld,-Aquatica-and-Busch-Gardens-Ticket

i love manta

Halloween Horror Nights Frequent Fear Pass

Universal is celebrating the 25th anniversary of their legendary halloween event. Being their 25th year Universal have promised it will be even bigger and better than anything we’ve seen before!

At only £66.00* per ticket the Frequent Fear Pass offers one (1) guest admission to all of the following 2015 HHN Event Dates:September 18, 19, 24, 27, October 1, 4, 7, 8, 11, 14, 15, 18, 21, 22, 25, 28, 29, and November 1.  The HHN event begins at 6:30 pm and closing times vary.

This event is not recommended for children under 13.

Ticket available here – http://www.orlandoattractiontickets.co.uk/Ticket/Halloween-Horror-Nights-Frequent-Fear-Pass

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Merlin Orlando Combo

Merlin have been slowly taking over Florida for a couple of years now. The introduction of I-Drive360 really puts them on the map and this ticket offers amazing value for just £49.00* for those aged 13+ visitors get 1 admission into the following;

  • Madame Tussauds Orlando
  • SEA LIFE
  • The Orlando Eye
  • LEGOLAND Florida

Ticket available here – http://www.orlandoattractiontickets.co.uk/Ticket/Merlin-Orlando-Combo-Ticket

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Kennedy Space Center

There aren’t many things more iconic than Kennedy Space Center. At just £35.00* for a 1 day ticket or from £56.00* including Transport a visit to the home of space travel is a must. An educational day mixed with fun and a hefty dose of inspiration.

Tickets available here – http://www.orlandoattractiontickets.co.uk/Ticket/Kennedy-Space-Center-Admission-Ticket-Transport

KSCFun Spot America

Dubbed as Orlando’s best kept secret, Fun Spot is quickly gaining a reputation amongst UK travellers. Both Fun Spot Parks (Orlando and Kissimmee) feature 5 multi-level go-kart tracks, the World’s Tallest SkyCoaster thrill rides, more than 50 additional Family & Thrill rides and 180 arcade games ranging from the Classics to State of the Art between our two parks. Rides for all ages including Bumper Kars and Bumper Boats, Carousel, Tilt-A-Whirl, Fun Slide and more daring rides. At Just £27.00* a ticket the amount of attractions you have access to represent unreal value.

Tickets available here – http://www.orlandoattractiontickets.co.uk/Ticket/Fun-Spot-America-Unlimited-Armband

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So there you have it 5 amazing tickets all under £100.00. Who said it had to be expensive? All these tickets are available from Orlando Attraction Tickets so what are you waiting for…

Smiles included…

Jamie

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Interview With Jason Temple VP of Sales and Marketing For Fun Spot America Theme Parks

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Hot on the trail of my chat with Gavin last week today’s interview is with Jason Temple of Fun Spot America. Fun Spot are making a big name for themselves in Florida and are definitely one to watch.

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Name: Jason Temple

Who do you work for?: VP of Sales and Marketing for Fun Spot America Theme Parks

What’s been the highlight of the year (2014) for your company?: Fun Spot America has seen a “HUGE” influx of international travellers…as well as a “HUGE” expansion in our park going from 5 acres to over 15 acres

What’s been the highlight of the year (2014) for you?: Establishing the first ever sales team for such a great company.  I am very proud to help bring visitors from around the globe to experience the fun and excitement of FUN SPOT AMERICA THEME PARKS

What can we expect from your company in 2015?: Continued expansion for both of our parks…we are going to bring in a gator exhibit in the Orlando park as well as more new rides in our Kissimmee Park….keep your eyes peeled on our website Fun-Spot.com for all kinds of exciting news!!!!  We made a change and we now offer the best value in Orlando both parks same day at one cost!!!

Make a 2015 prediction…: Our guests will have even more fun in 2015 as new excitement is right around every corner of both of our parks…new rides, new food, new games and more “Huge” FUN!!!!

Best Theme Park ride/attraction of 2014?: Our White Lighting ride Orlando’s only wooden roller coaster….over 750000 riders already…and we predict over 1 million in 2015.

Best Theme Park/attraction food of 2014?: All of our food is great but, I will let you in on our best kept secret food here at our parks, it is our French Fries they are awesome!!!!

Best Theme Park/attraction tip?: Get here early as we fill up as the day progresses.  With free parking and free admission the earlier guests get here the more rides they get in and the less heat they have to deal with as the day becomes hot.

Best kept secret in Florida?: Is how great our staff are!!!  Our staff are outstanding they engage with the guests, they care about the guests, they want to help create memories and every guest is treated as a family member to us.  We cherish the chance to create memories with every guest that comes through the park.  The other great secret is that we are the only Theme Park that I know of that has a rain check policy.  If it rains in the first 90 min you are here and you want to come back another day we allow you to exchange your ticket.

A great interview their from Jason and I’d like to take the opportunity to thank him for his time. You can purchase Fun Spot tickets at Orlando Attraction Tickets from as little as £27 per person, this represents excellent value for such a popular park.

Smiles included…

Jamie

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Fun Spot America Add Air Raid Ride

Hey Thrill Seekers,

So, Fun Spot in America has just confirmed the opening of their new ride ‘Air Raid’ and it’s looking like it’s gonna be a bit of a tummy turner! Fun Spot America found in Orlando and Kissimmee, have described the new attraction as simialr to ‘experiencing the sensation of flying in an acrobatic airplane’ which makes it sound quite timid..but once you see this video, it may change your mind!

You are constantly twisting and turning throughout this whole ride going round and round and round…My stomach turns just thinking about it! Fun Spot state that the ride will generate up to 4g’s, rides must be 48” or taller to experience all these g’s! When asked why this type of attraction had been added, John Arie JR of Fun Spot stated;

We have spent a great deal of time researching our options for a new thrill ride and listening to our guests on what type of new ride that they would want us to have here at the Fun Spot America Orlando location

Air Raid can be found at Fun Spot’s Orlando location (5700 Fun Spot Way
Orlando, FL 32819) and is  is the biggest new attraction at Fun Spot America since last year when they opened their multi level Go-kart track! Check this video out-

Although I have visited Orlando twice, I have never had the opportunity to visit Fun Spot America but I will be sure to encourage my family to go there next year! You can visit Fun Spot by purchasing the Unlimited Band via Orlando Attraction Tickets for as little as £24.00 per person.

Smiles included…

Louise

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