Seven reasons why celebrating the New Year is better in the Sunshine State
Mumbai, 21 December, 2015 – VISIT FLORIDA announces the top seven reasons it is the destination for a last-minute New Year’s Eve celebration vacation. Instead of the traditional ball drops and average party scenes most Americans settle for, the Sunshine State offers a variety of events for each member of the family to have their cake and eat it too! From ringing in the New Year with top gastronomical options, to counting down with a drag queen and super-sized high-heel drop, Florida has something for everyone.
Resolve to Taste New Flavors
For the culinary-aficionados, one of Florida’s well-known destinations offers a one-of-a-kind New Year’s Eve experience. Miami is one of the nation’s top gastronomical hubs with its melting-pot influence. This New Year’s Eve taste the savory fusion of cuisine cultures with a culinary tour that will be sure be an epicurean adventure. Miami’s Culinary Tours take tour attendees on a walk through the Art Deco Historic District sampling savory dishes, an experience designed to cultivate loving memories the family or friends will cherish. Renowned celebrity chefs Michael Schwartz, Michelle Bernstein, Jamie DeRosa and Jeff McInnis will have foodie-lovers celebrating a New Year’s Eve to remember.
Build Memories on New Year’s Eve
Finally, a child-approve New Year’s Eve that will have your family building memories they will talk about for years to come, LEGOLAND-style. Watch your little one’s eyes light up as the LEGO brick drops at midnight KST (Kid Standard Time), otherwise known as 8:00 p.m. EST. Just in time to get to a more traditional New Year’s Eve, kids will get to enjoy fireworks and a DJ playing their favorite tunes for a full night of fun for everyone.
Furry Family Members Get to Celebrate Too!
Florida is one of the top dog-loving destinations in the world. With plenty of dog-friendly options for furry family members to participate in, Key West has topped it off with a one-of-a-kind weiner wonderland. The Annual Key West Dachshund Walk, is New Year’s Eve tradition at which owners and their canine friends stroll through the picturesque downtown.
Ring in the New Year Small World Style
With a plethora of options, Walt Disney World’s (Disney) Epcot has a New Year’s Eve that is truly magical for everyone. If fine dining is a guilty pleasure, New Year’s Eve at Monsieur Paul will surely please, with an elegant atmosphere and savory cuisine from world-famous Chef Paul Bocuse, a revered pioneer of French nouvelle cuisine. If pasta and a charming rustic setting is more appealing, Disney’s Il Mulino at Walt Disney World Swan Hotel will delight any Italian-craving taste buds. With five other fine dining experiences to choose from, Disney covers all likings, from exceptional seafood atNarcoosee’s at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa; exquisite steak options at Epcot’s Le Cellier Steakhouse for meat-lovers; California style at Magic Kingdom’s Festive Feast at California Grill; or if you would prefer to experience Latin flavor try Epcot’s La Hacienda de Angel. And if dining and dancing are must Countdown to Midnight at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort will have your start 2016 in style.
Cheers to the New Year with a Couples Dream Getaway
The Vinoy® Renaissance Resort & Golf Club, located in downtown St. Petersburg, celebrates its 90th anniversary of their grand opening on New Year’s Eve in 1925. This luxurious hotel celebration is sure to be a one-of-a-kind romantic experience bringing elements of history with a party atmosphere for a top couple’s getaway. Two-night stay starting at $1,925.00, available until Dec. 31, 2015, the Icon package includes a celebratory “Crown Jewel” welcome basket, daily breakfast for two at Marchand’s, personal history tour with the resorts historian, a 1925 six-course meal and wine pairings selected by Executive Chef Heimann, historic Little Theater tickets in celebration of their 90th anniversary, tickets to experience glass blowing at the Chihuly Collection and Morean Arts Center Hot Shop, $192.00 credit towards spa, golfing and other dining experiences and more! Recently recognized as a top destination by Travel and Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler, the hotel’s Mediterranean Revival architecture blended with contemporary style is a sure to be an unforgettable New Year’s Eve getaway.
Pop the Cork by the Shore
For a Florida themed New Year’s Eve experience, Panama City Beach will be hosting a family-friendly beach countdown party. This destination is famous for its New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop of more than 10,000 inflatable beach balls dropping from nets stretched over the streets of Pier Park. In addition, the highly anticipated giant beach ball is lowered for the midnight countdown into 2016. Live music and fireworks will accompany the Florida Panhandle’s most anticipated beach celebration.
Key West Drops More than Balls
Unconventional New Year’s Eves are the norm at Key West’s Southernmost City. In place of the traditional ball drop, the city offers: a conch shell drop at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, the countdown descent of a super-sized red high-heel shoe carrying drag queen Sushi, and the lowering of a pirate wench from a ship’s mast at Schooner Wharf Bar.