May 6, 2024

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Art Shines Through

Vacation Ideas Part Two: Theme Parks; Many on the Way To Spring Training


Because this is a baseball website, our list of theme parks begins with the ones that Cardinals fans could visit on their way to or from Spring Training.– the ones in Orlando. Some fans had trips planned for Spring Training but the announcement of late start leaves them with time to check out a theme park or two.

Spring Training is a great time of year. For many it is an every year destination and for some it is a “bucket list” item. Some just want to be snowbirds and escape the cold of the midwest and many of them either work out deals with  hotels or find Air B & B or condos. Most of the condos and many Air B & Bs have a month limit on them.

At the Homewood Suites in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, which is about five minutes from Roger Dean Stadium, you can stay as long or as short of a time as you want, however Elise Robinson, the sales director also offers discounts to those who want to stay a month or longer.  They offer discounted rooms to readers of STLSportsPage.com. Check out our Spring Training Page for more details.

For those who drive to Florida, a stop in Orlando may be just what you need to relax and rejuvenate– and have fun– after being cooped up all winter.  We stay at the Drury Inn & Suites in Orlando, FL BOOK TODAY

Orlando has been called the theme park capital of the world and just within the Disney company there are at least eight properties. The Disney theme parks get all the promotion but there are many other places to take the family in the Orlando Area.

We have always loved Sea World.

Over the years, Sea World has evolved over the years and it now has Sesame Street.  Their website suggests we “take a stroll down Sesame Street and stop by the famous stoop at 123. Explore the inside of Hooper’s Store, then head for big fun at Big Bird’s Nest. Sesame Street is exactly as you imagined, and with an award-winning parade and attractions, it’s more fun than you could ever dream. Come and play with Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby and all the gang. Walk down Sesame Street for the very first time at SeaWorld Orlando.”

Another theme park in Orlando is Gatorland. If you want to see alligators and crocodiles of all sizes, from babies to the 14-footers. The park boasts of the largest collection of extremely rare white leucistic alligators. There is also a free-flight aviary, petting zoo, animal shows, the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line and new Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure.

These offerings are merely to get your mind thinking of the many theme parks this country has to offer. It is by no means a list of the best or the only ones. If there is one you think should be listed that we forgot please feel free to contact us and we’ll add it.

Nashville Shores – Enjoy a day of fun with more than 20 water attractions including lazy river, wave pool, waterslides and more! Save $15 off admission

Musicians Hall of Fame – It’s not a theme park, but music lovers will love all the music that Nashville has to offer and Nashville is a natural stop on the drive to Spring Training from St. Louis.  Discover the stories behind the music and learn about the talented musicians who played on the greatest recordings of all time. Save $2 on admission.

Find out about all the attractions in Nashville: VISITMUSICCITY.COM

Click here for more Nashville attractions discounts and up to 15% off at Nashville Drury Hotels.

Stay at one of our Drury Hotels in Nashville! BOOK TODAY

Atlanta, GA

Six Flags

Six Flags over Georgia has been temporarily closed but it re-opens on March 5.  There is a lot to do at Six Flags if you like rides. Rides of kids of all ages plus shows and food Check out the.pulse-pounding coasters, never- before-seen culinary creations, new attractions every season and world renowned entertainment that will get you on your feet. For more information CLICK HERE.

There are several Drury Hotels in the Atlanta area.  For the Airport Drury CLICK HERE

Skyline Park

Upbeat amusement center on a rooftop in the city. Skyline Park is only open Fri-Sun. during February. For information CLICK HERE

Other Disney Destinations in Orlando

Disney’s BoardWalk area lit up at night as seen from Crescent Lake

Here are a list of Theme Parks in the Orlando Florida Area other than Disne:

 

Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista

COMING SOON:  Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista now is accepting reservations for stays starting October 27, 2022. The hotel replaces the former Best Western Lake Buena Vista and has added a tower as part of the complete renovation of the property, which will bring the new hotel to 604 rooms when complete.

The first 264 rooms will be available this fall, with the rest of the project – including more than 17,000+ square feet of meeting and event space – on track for completion by spring of 2023.

“We look forward to welcoming guests and providing them with a magical experience,” CEO Chuck Drury said. This will be the fourth hotel in Florida for the 140-hotel chain, which has properties in 26 states. Drury is one of the nation’s highest-rated midscale brands, with a legion of fiercely loyal customers drawn by amenities including Drury’s complimentary “5:30 Kickback” hot food and beverage receptions.

Other amenities at the Disney Springs hotel will include complimentary hot breakfasts, 24-hour business and fitness centers, and a resort-style pool and splash pad with poolside dining and refreshments. Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista also will offer transportation to and from the Walt Disney World theme parks and other surrounding attractions.

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Here are some other theme parks around the country, by location

Lose your mind on Brain Drain, the all-new 7-story thrill ride at Elitch Gardens
Theme and Water Park.

Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park – There’s something for everyone, with 54 thrilling rides and attractions and an entire water park. Save $30 on Day Ticket.

Lakeside Amusement Park-Lakeside Amusement Park is a family-owned amusement park in Lakeside, Colorado, adjacent to Denver. Originally named White City, it was opened in 1908 as a popular amusement resort adjacent to Lake Rhoda by the Denver Tramway, making it a trolley park.

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre – Admission and parking are free to visit Red Rocks Park, Amphitheatre, Visitor Center, Trading Post and Colorado Music Hall of Fame.

Drury Hotels in Denver, CO BOOK TODAY

Thackory and Chuckels, the koalas shown left, are on loan to the Kansas City Zoo
through November 2021.

Worlds of Fun- Kansas City’s famous theme park. They bill themselves as “The Largest Amusement Park Complex in the Midwest.” As their website says, “With hundreds of acres of thrills, giggles, and fun for families and friends. You’ll find endless adventures in six distinct areas of the park – Africa, Americana, Europa, Orient, Scandinavia and Planet Snoopy.”

Kansas City Zoo – With over 1,700 animals and over 200 acres, the Zoo has some of the most affordable fun in Kansas City.

 

Click here for more Kansas City attraction discounts and up to 15% off at Kansas City Drury Hotels.

Stay at one of our Drury Hotels in Kansas City! BOOK TODAY

Explore two distinct cave systems at Natural Bridge Caverns, shown left.

View over 100 fully restored pieces of fire apparatus at the Hall of Flame
Museum of Firefighting.

Hall of Flame Museum – View the world’s largest museum of firefighting history and a children’s play area with a real fire truck. $2 off adult admission.

Goldfield Ghost Town See a real ghost town from the gold rush era and pan for gold or tour a former gold mine. Most attractions are under $10 or free.

 Castles N Coasters– Castles N’ Coasters is an amusement park and family amusement center located in Phoenix, Arizona. The approximately 10-acre park features four outdoor 18-hole miniature golf courses, several rides, and an indoor video game arcade. 

Click here for more Phoenix attractions discounts and up to 15% off at Phoenix Drury Hotels.

Stay at one of our Drury Hotels in Phoenix! BOOK TODAY

LEGOLAND Discovery Center – Have fun with interactive games, play areas, rides and a 4D movie. Create and race your own LEGO car at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus. Save $10 per ticket.

Experience sea lions swimming above your head at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and see the vibrant glass artwork of the Chihuly Collection at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

Jungle Jack’s Landing– Rides At Adventure Cove is a small amusement park area that is part of and owned by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Powell, Ohio. The park was originally part of Wyandot Lake before the zoo purchased the property in 2006,

Short North Arts District – Known as the art and soul of Columbus, the area features 16 galleries, 46 restaurants, cafes, and eateries, more than 2 bars and nightclubs, and almost 60 shops.

Magic Mountain Fun Center– Enjoy Miniature Golf, Go-Karts, Interactive Arcade and Redemption Games, Batting Cages, Bumper Boats, Bumper Cars and more.

Click here for Columbus attraction discounts and up to 15% off at Columbus Drury Hotels.

Stay at one of our Drury Hotels in Columbus! BOOK TODAY

Cincinatti, Ohio

Kings Island

Drury Hotels in Cincinnati, OH BOOK TODAY

Pittsburgh, PA

Kennywood

Sandcastle Water Park

Drury Hotels in Pittsburgh, PA BOOK TODAY

Richmond, VA

Kings Dominion

Drury Plaza Hotel in Richmond, VA BOOK TODAY

Los Angeles, CA

Disneyland

Knotts Berry Farm