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Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park: No Frills Old Florida

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park: No Frills Old Florida

Along the old stretch of Hwy 19--where folks escaping the winter blues from ‘up north’ would travel in search of Florida sunshine, Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park remains a rest stop for today’s scenic driver. In its glory days, the park was a vintage Old Florida gem; one of many kitschy tourist traps that dotted the Florida roads before Disney infilled the wetlands in Orlando to stake its claim. As with many of its kind, business declined in the 70s, and decimated by new highways and the flush of theme parks, the park was taken over by the state to become a government entity--and the experience feels as such.

Busch Gardens' Jungala Walk-thru

Recently, Busch Gardens' Africa's latest attraction, Junagala, opened to rave reviews.  Check out the video preview from Orlando Attraction Magazine. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD_QTzSrVUk]

This new addition, conceptualized by Portico Group, includes a new large, lush habitat for the tigers and orangutans (not together!), and massive play structure for kids and adults, including several small sized rides. The purpose was to create interactivity between animals and people, and allow guests understand that all creatures play. In fact, the orangs play so well, that one has already found a way to escape, only to be lured back to her exhibit with ice cream!

The writers over at MiceAge, a site dedicated to the Disney parks, took time out to experience the attraction and write up a review.  According to them, the attraction is a real win, and touches on the idea of enrichment-based design for guests and animals alike.  Enjoy!

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