Things To Do In SW Florida

By Sally French | NerdWallet

Your flight was just canceled. Now what? Unexpected disruptions can send even the most seasoned travelers into a frenzy.

Happily, flight cancellations are less common these days. For the first three months of 2023, the cancellation rate among U.S. airlines was 1.7%, down from 4.1% for the same period in 2022, according to the latest Air Travel Consumer Report from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). But for the unlucky folks in that 1.7% bucket, a canceled flight often can be just as disruptive to your bank account as it is to your travel plans. That is, unless you make the right money moves.

From understanding your right to a refund to securing alternative arrangements, take these steps to get your trip back on track for minimal cost, while also getting the flight cancellation compensation you deserve.

1. Seek out the customer service desk

Assuming you’re already at the airport, make a beeline for the customer service desk. Time is money, and others on the canceled flight will be headed that way, too, competing for what might only be a couple of available seats on the next departing flight. read more

Legoland Florida is closing its Flying School roller coaster.  Its last day of operation will be Aug. 16, the Winter Haven theme park announced this week.

Legoland has not said what will take the place of the ride, an inverted/feet-dangling coaster, located in the Lego City section of the park near the entrance to the water park.  Also in the area are the Ford Driving School, Boating School and Rescue Academy attractions.

Flying School is a relic from the property’s Cypress Gardens years.  It opened in 2004 as Swamp Thing under owner Kent Buescher and his “Cypress Gardens Adventure Park” era, which added several rides and the water park to the historic attraction.

The coaster tops out at 26 mph and goes as high as 48 feet off the ground, according to the online Roller Coaster Data Base. It has no inversions.

Shetland pony, destined for Cinderella carriage duty, born at Disney World

“What it lacks in intimidation, it makes up for with claustrophobic near-miss views of blurred poles and pilings,” Eric Michael wrote about Swamp Thing as part of his Action Figure column in the Orlando Sentinel in 2005. read more