Scenic Boat Tour — Attraction in Winter Park

The bride and I are just back home after a whirlwind 2.3 day vacation in Orlando, FLA. We embraced a rendezvous with my pal who was at the PGA of America Show — the longest running and largest global gathering for the business of golf. We went to FLA with my pal’s wife. The four of us had fun for two days. Fabulous mini trip. Our theme was “Why not travel to Orlando to freeze instead of simply freezing in Toronto, ON Canada?” On our last day, we had a great breakfast before casually making our way to Scenic Boat Tour in Winter Park, FLA. This was scheduled in as the highlight of our activities. Scenic Boat Tour met all our expectations and beyond. I didn’t really know what to expect. We BARELY got onto the cruiser! We had seconds to spare! Well, Ned, our Man on the Wheel, was particularly engaging. He worked the room. He was funny. His spoken words were impeccable. The info-sharing was amazing. We were witnessing quite a hallowed place. If we have places like this in Canada, nobody has given me a text with instructions. Wonderful old American History and Houses. It wasn’t hot out, far from it, but the sun was up. I have fair Irish skin and I can garner heat stroke from a 40-watt bulb. Did not have sunblock with me. I had to think quickly. I found a used mask in my pocket. I put it on my forehead and secured it via my large, still-growing ears. Yes, I did garner a few strange glances now that I think about it. I was thrilled when Ned needed some Word Help and, incredibly amazingly, I piped up with the necessary word: elective. Didn’t win anything for that accomplishment. VERY enjoyable experience. Thank you, Ned, and the entire team at...

A couple blocks over from the Winter Park Downtown area is the shore of Lake Osceola and Scenic Boat Tour. We got tickets for the two o’clock tour of Lake Osceola, Lake Virginia and Lake Maitland. The three lakes are connected by canals for boats to pass through. This is the oldest boat tour in Florida. It was started in 1938 and is still quite popular. The sun broke the clouds and warmth enveloped us all as we waited for the tour to start. The sun made a big difference for the ride in the boat for sure.

Along the shore are huge, beautiful homes of the rich. Per our guide Captain Dave, the average starting price on the lake shores is around four-million dollars. Yikes! He was knowledgeable had many stories about the area. One lady on the tour almost had to go to the brig during the trip though. Our guess is that no one is allowed to ask a question during Captain Dave’s stories. The tip she had out for Captain Dave made its way back in her purse as he scolded her. And he didn’t finish his story about Christmas on the lake and thus, we have a mystery on our hands to solve on our own.

This was a good tour, interesting and a relaxing way to spend...

We arrived for the boat tour at 11am we purchased tickets for 12pm when we were loaded on the boat the captain was having issue but the manager/owner loaded us anyway said he thinks he fixed it. We started off and of course the engine had no power so we went back to the dock he tried to fix it but unsure if he did but he said I’ll just refund your money. I said no we want to go on the tour we drove an hour to get here sat for an hour , at this time he explained well all boats are sold and he would just refund money. At this time two additional boats were there and ready to go instead he loaded new guest rather than the group of 18 that has been there now two hours just to be told sorry. He did refund our money but all 18 people wanted to go on the tour some from other states. We also received a rain check but I don’t think I would chance driving an hour and have a similar experience. We had I hopes and understand mechanical issues happen but accommodate the guest that spent the time to enjoy your tour don’t make the guest feel like the are an inconvenience to you because you don’t want to make them a priority to get them on a tour that...