You can book themed vacation packages at that price, such as those featuring a two-night stay at certain hotels and admission for two guests for a river trip with St. Johns River Cruises. The day cruise provides an interactive narrating of local river lore and description of many species of birds (think bald eagles, osprey, herons), alligators and other wild creatures (think opossum, river otter, gray fox) on the historic river. Package add-ons include a lunch or dinner cruise on board the Rivership Romance, rental cars, dining out and theme park admission for SeaWorld Orlando or Universal Orlando. Making the county particularly pleasant are its 200 lakes and waterways. (There are over 4,000 hotel rooms to choose from and 50 restaurants, by the way.)
Just a 45-minute drive from Disney World to the south and an equal distance from Daytona Beach to the east, Seminole County is also less than one hour from the Kennedy Space Center to the northeast. Of prime importance in the county itself is the Central Florida Zoo, a 109-acre spot located in Sanford. It boasts lots of lizards, an up-close and personal Animal Encounter, an Endangered Species Learning Safari and other programs guaranteed to interest someone in your family or group. The park is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas days, $7 for adults, $3 for children (3-12), $4 for seniors. For more information, phone them at 407/323-4450.
For more information on the area itself and to reserve for a package and/or hotel stay, contact the Seminole County Visitors Bureau, phone 800/800-7832 or 407/665-2900, fax 407/665-2920, e-mail tourism@co.seminole.fl.us, Web site www.visitseminole.com.