Hey fellow travellers! I thought you might enjoy this article I wrote on things to do when the weather is HOT HOT HOT!

Arctic Orlando – Cool Ways to Beat the Heat
When temperatures tip past 90 degrees in Orlando, even the most heat loving of travelers begins to crave an icy escape. Beat the heat at Orlando’s coolest spots where visitors can experience a welcome reprieve from the sizzling streets.

Begin your chill quest at ICEBAR Orlando, the ‘coolest’ newcomer on International Drive. Following in the footsteps of many famous European ice bars, ICEBAR Orlando is the first establishment of its kind in North America. This ice laden locale, carved from more than fifty tons of ice, is kept at a frosty 27 degrees fahrenheit so that its fabulous frozen sculptures remain perfectly poised for your memorable Kodak moments. Frozen seats and thrones draped with elegant faux furs provide the ideal spot to lounge while sipping ICEBAR’s frosty libations poured into ice glasses.

After your refreshing ICEBAR expedition, slip into Fire Lounge where DJs and live entertainers provide the soundtrack to an evening of dancing and partying with full bar service and VIP areas. Access to ICEBAR is a mere $19.95 (or $14.95 if you pre-purchase online) which includes the use of ICEBAR’S signature thermal gear and a 45-minute escape from Orlando’s intense heat and humidly. There is no charge to access the Fire Lounge and onsite parking is free. Reservations for ICEBAR Orlando can be made at www.icebarorlando.com. ICEBAR Orlando is open daily at 7 pm.

Next, slip into your bathing suit and head over to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, a snow-themed water wonderland packed with slippery slopes and winding waterslides. Featuring slides and rides for all ages, Blizzard Beach is the ultimate water-infused splash zone for sweaty families.

While you’re in Disney’s neck of the woods, take a trip over to Animal Kingdom where the Expedition Everest ride will take you on a high-speed roller coaster train journey through Everest’s snowy mountain peaks. You’ll plunge and twist through the icy mountain slopes before coming face to face with Everest’s icy icon, Yeti.

Take a trip to the Great White North, otherwise known as Canada, at the Canada Pavilion inside Epcot’s World Showcase. Stroll through the picturesque garden past towering totem poles and a 30-foot cascading waterfall cooling weary travelers with a refreshing spray. Then, soak up the AC during ‘O Canada’, a 360 degree film showcasing Canada’s majestic landscape and native culture.

SeaWorld’s Wild Artic ride and exhibit is a brrrrrilliant way to cool off. This frozen frontier made with walls of ice is home to walruses, Beluga whales and polar bears who appreciate this arctic-reminiscent locale and chilly temperatures. Begin your expedition into this sub-zero scene with a thrilling ride on Wild Arctic’s jet helicopter simulator.

You’ll have to wait until 2010 to experience Universal Studio’s snowy rendition of Hogsmeade Village, the iconic town made famous in Harry Potter. Rumor has it that Universal Studios has hired a special effects company to saturate the literary replica with blankets of snow and faux icicles.

And last of all, don’t forget to visit Kissimmee’s Ice Factory for good ol’ fashioned ice skating. Public skating times including rentals are scheduled every weekend and feature DJs spinning crowd favorites and taking requests all night long. While visiting Orlando, the weather forecast is likely to be hot, hot and hotter; take a break from the sizzling sun at these memorable attractions.