We are the Axons, a large extended family from Bolton in England, with ages ranging from 6 to 79! In summer 2000 we chose Florida for a Millennium family holiday and had such a wonderful time we returned for the following 3 years, staying in a variety of villas. It was never easy finding the 2 villas we needed near to each other and with all the facilities to keep everyone happy...Until we found Highlands Reserve!
We are now the proud owners of three beautiful villas and we would like to share with you how we love to spend our time there.
Roy (Age 76) The Gulf coast is my favourite! Only just over an hour away to beautiful white beaches and rolling waves. Sanibel Island, Clearwater, Naples Beach; my idea of heaven! Kayakers, boaters and fishing fanatics will love Captiva's beach and crystal clear waters.
Jean (Age 79) I love to sit in the shade at the side of the pool, watching the golfers in the beautiful natural surroundings. There are some fabulous birds soaring above and beautiful sunsets over the golf course. There are some beautiful local parks too; Florida isn't just about Mickey Mouse!
Dawn (Age 45) There's so much space in the villas, we can all do our own thing without being in each other's way & cooking's a pleasure in the large open plan kitchens. Although we love to eat out too; there are so many restaurants near by from the eat all you want buffet type like Sizzlers or IHops, a more formal meal maybe at Celebration Town Tavern or for a fun experience we love Race Rock. For a really special occasion I can recommend one of the dinner shows such as Arabian Nights or one of the dining experiences at any of the Disney parks.
Christine (Age 47) I really enjoy taking the short drive to International Drive. There's everyones favourite restaurants, themed attractions like Sea World, water parks like Wet 'n Wild, Crazy Golf; its easy to find something to keep everyone happy! I enjoyed Wonderworld on our last trip; it's Orlando's only upside-down building where you can land the space shuttle, design a roller coaster or fly a fighter jet! We're so close to all the facilities of the area; there's never far to drive to all the main attractions.
Martin (Age 51) You don't always associate Florida with culture do you? But we've been to several of the local museums and art galleries and the Salvador Dali museum in St Petersburg was definitely worth the trip. There's the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and the Orlando Ballet and a great contemporary theatre, Mad Cow Theatre Company, in Downtown Orlando. I think one of the highlights of a recent trip though was ' La Nouba' by Cirque du Soleil in Downtown Disney.
Bethany (Age 15) Disney!!!! I love it! My favourite has to be Animal Kingdom, or Magic Kingdom or Blizzard Beach. But then MGM was great too! Universal Studios is great for scarey rides but I like Busch Gardens for all the wild animals. Lucky its so close, we can go to them all!
Laura (Age 13) Swimming with Dolphins! Discovery Cove, what a day that was! I enjoyed snorkeling in the underwater world and Ray Lagoon. You mustn't miss it but Mum says you have to book early! And I love SeaWorld; seeing Shamu and all the other sea creatures. I'd like to go up in a hot air balloon next time; we can see them coming over the villas when we're in the pool!
Neal (Age 43) If I'm missing you know I'm going to be on the Golf Course! Even if I've not time for a full round I like to practice on the driving range. The regulars on the course are so friendly & helpful, great shop too! There are lots of other courses near by too for a change. Even the kids have got the bug with some of the great crazy golf courses; it got quite competitive at Disney's Fantasia Gardens last time - I need more practice!!
Nicola (Age 43) When Im in Florida I like to Shop for all the Bargains! There's lots of choice in the Designer outlets at great prices and Florida Mall has everything. Cagan Crossing has Wal-Mart, Lowes and Winn Dixie, Belks Department Store and J C Penneys are nearby. Berry town centre is only 2 minutes away for great food from chinese and italian takeaways or Publix for if we want to eat in! I like a night out at the Irish pub there too when I don't want to cook!
Emily (Age 18) When I've had a hard day enjoying myself I like to relax watching a video or dvd or just listening to a cd. And with cable tv in all the villas too, I don't have to worry about missing my favourite TV programmes. I really enjoy going to Downtown Disney or Universal CityWalk at night - lots of atmosphere and fun!
Thomas (Age 11) Its great having a Tennis Court so close! And a playground so I can meet up with all my new friends. I'm hoping to learn a bit of golf too. I think one of my favourite days recently was going to Kennedy Space Center; I'd love to see the space shuttle take off one day!
Mary (Age 6) The pools my favourite! I can play all day in and out of the jacuzzi and mum can keep an eye on me while she sun bathes on the patio! On our last holiday we went horse riding and that was fun and we went for an airboat ride at Boggy Creek. I like Gatorland too.
WHAT WILL BE YOUR FAVOURITE PART????
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