News from January 2006
Theme Parks Raise Prices
Florida's theme parks celebrated the new year by raising prices, in what seems to be an annual event. SeaWorld started the ball rolling back in December when it temporarily became the most expensive park - at $61.95 plus tax, an increase of 3.7% on the preceding year. Disney raised all ticket prices by between 0.8% - 5.8% depending on the length of stay, but the one day ticket price is now $63 plus tax. By contrast, a seven day "Magic Your Way" ticket would work out at $29.14 per day, if all seven days were used.
Universal Orlando have not yet revealed if or when they may increase prices, but traditionally, the three main players have kept prices roughly equal so we expect an announcement soon. Currently the one day ticket price for it's theme parks is $59-75 plus tax. Cypress Gardens, the newly revamped Polk County attraction which will celebrate it's 70th Anniversary this year, has not announced any increases. A one day ticket there costs $39.95 plus tax, and an annual pass just $64.95 plus tax.
Posted on 4 January 2006
Bank Robber Killed Nr Disney
A bank robber was killed on 10th January by Osceola County police snipers after he and a female accomplice attempted to rob a bank on US 192 about half a mile west of Disney.
The US 192 was closed either side of the mercantile Bank for most of the day as police tried to negotiate with the armed robber who had 4-bank employees hostage inside. Eventually, at around 6.30pm the robber tried to flee the scene with a hostage, but was prevented by the roadblocks. He was eventually shot when he tried to take another vehicle to effect another get away. This event came hard on the heels of another man who led Osceola police a merry chase, shooting and injuring a man, before shooting himself in the head. A Kissimmee man is also facing up to eight years in prison for allegedly assaulting a twelve-year old British tourist in a hotel elevator.
Posted on 13 January 2006
Chapter 11 Over For United
A bankruptcy court in the US has approved a reorganisation plan to take United Airlines out of Chapter 11. Presiding Judge Eugene Wedoff said there was "reason to feel good about the plan" which comes three years after the carrier admitted it was embarking on a period of "profound and agonising change."
"Three years ago United Airlines was, bluntly, in danger of dying, with all its assets liquidated and all of its jobs lost," Judge Wedoff said. He added the reorganisation will enable it to have the "potential to be a profitable investment, a reliable business partner and a stable employer."
Stability is a word not often associated with US carriers in recent years. Since filing for bankruptcy protection, United Airlines has shed 25,000 jobs, those who remained saw wages and benefits cut and shareholders watched their stock become worthless.
United president, chairman and chief executive Glenn Tilton said: "The confirmation of our plan validates more than three years of work to make United a sustainable enterprise, ready to compete successfully with the strongest carriers. "The tremendous work of our employees during the most difficult times is an indication of what we are capable of moving forward. "We will build on our momentum as we continue to differentiate United in the marketplace and focus fully on our customers for a stronger future."
Unless there is an appeal - thought unlikely - the airline is expected to emerge from Chapter 11 on February 1.
Posted on 24 January 2006
Stop Press - Villa Listing for $69.50
We have managed to negotiate a fabulous discount of 50% off a full years display on a brand new American villa listing site. The site is so new that it is currently crying out for Florida villas, and has a very targeted visitor demographic. The offer is valid only for new listings between February 1st and February 14th.
Where is this great place and why list your house? The site is called Pink Pavillions and is the first vacation rentals by owner, site specifically for gay, lesbian and transgender travellers. We shall be writing in more depth about the site and it's history in the February issue of Florida Homes and Travel, but we wanted to alert you to this special offer straight away. Pink Pavillions currently only has details of 9!! Florida Villas, so early listers are virtually guaranteed exposure.
The special offer price they have offered to Florida Homes and Travel members is $69.50 for one year - a very good price. To have a look go to www.pinkpavilions.com and if you decide to sign up then the code you need is 350D8.
Posted on 20 January 2006
