JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017
TRAVEL
| TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 55
We stopped by to see how the former
Planet Hollywood was progressing, as
it is being converted into a new concept
called the Planet Hollywood Observatory.
Directly across the street, we went to the
top of the new Coca-Cola store for its
beverage bar, where we tasted 16 different
sodas from around the world. Fortunately,
they gave us a guide, so that we knew the
various drinks’ countries of origin. This
was an interesting experiment because
although we are usually in sync, we found
that we did not agree on our favorites.
To round out our visit to Disney Springs,
we took a vintage Amphicar tour at The
Boathouse. The cars drive on land and
then enter the water with a splash. The
Amphicar Model 770 was made in the
1960s and is able to drive 70 miles per
hour on land and go 7 knots per hour in
the water. A captain drove our car, each
of which holds up to three passengers.
Next, we went 350 feet into the air at
Characters in Flight, which is operated
by Aerophile. This tethered balloon ride
gives you an incredible view of the area, as
though you were seeing it from a 35-story
building.
We love all the Disney properties, so
deciding where to stay is difficult. For
this visit we chose the Swan, as we enjoy
their hospitality and find the rooms very
comfortable. The property and its sister
the Dolphin have five pools, a white sand
beach, two health clubs and 17 restaurants
and lounges.
The food and
drinks at
Morimoto Asia
will delight
even the most
finicky eaters.
The new Disney Springs.
s