Florida Resident Discount Continues as O&MD RWY Announces Special Features Through March On Orlando - Mount Dora Steam Train.

Business Editors/Travel & Leisure Writers

MOUNT DORA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 27, 2002

An introductory 50 percent discount, available to all Florida residents, has already generated strong ticket sales for the newly-inaugurated Orlando - Mount Dora daily steam train. The discount period expires March 31, 2002.

"We want to be sure our first-time passengers have a great ride, and that they learn all about the special features we'll be regularly offering," says Orlando & Mount Dora Railway General Manager, Neil Bagaus. Those features include:

-- "Loco Madness." Until March 8, any group bringing a toy locomotive will
receive one free child's ticket (limit one free child ticket per group).

-- Easter Events. During our weekday toy drive, March 18 - 22 and March 25 -
29, kids ride free when they donate a toy for the needy. Then, on Easter
Sunday, March 31, kids can participate in an egg hunt on board the train! A
t-shirt will be awarded to each child who finds at least one egg.

-- Antique Boat Festival. March 22 - 24 is Mount Dora's annual Antique Boat
Festival ... and there couldn't be a better way to get there than on board our
antique train! Avoid driving and parking hassles. Our station is an easy walk
from Gilbert Park where some 150 classic boats are expected to be on display.
Admission to the boat docks is free.

-- The Kiddy Korner. A special table with coloring supplies, games and other
kids activities has been set up in the train's first car. This is a place to
have fun, make new friends and get away from those bothersome parents for a
while.

-- Open Window Coach. It's THE place to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of
the 1913 vintage steam locomotive as it works to pull the train between Orlando
and Mount Dora. At the train's leisurely pace this is also the best spot to see
the beautiful lakes, fragrant orange groves and pleasant back yards along the
way. In just the first week of the discount offer, over 500 Florida residents
took advantage of the bargain rates. "Lots of our neighbors are planning to
take the ride by the end of March," says Bagaus. "This discount adds up to
substantial savings for family groups anxious to experience the new service. We
want to introduce as many Florida residents to our service as quickly as
possible. We know our neighbors are going to be some of our best ambassadors to
Florida's tourists for years to come."

The savings for families adds up quickly with this generous discount. Tickets for two adults and two children, which normally sell for a total of $144, can be purchased under this program for just $72. Anyone presenting a valid Florida state ID will be permitted to purchase discounted tickets for the period through the end of March. Travel must be completed by March 31.

Each morning at 9 a.m. the railway's 1913-vintage steam locomotive toots its whistle to signal departure time from Orlando. As it eases away from the station, passengers settle in for a comfortable, climate-controlled ride, or they may choose to directly experience the sounds and smell of the engine as it chuffs and chugs down the tracks from the old-fashioned open window car that is carried in all trains.

Along the way the train crew regales passengers with stories, tips about the scenery and the intriguing history of The Cannonball (Orlando & Mount Dora #4) built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works. The engine has starred in over 25 motion pictures and television shows, including "Rosewood," the TV mini-series "North and South," "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" and "Texas Rangers."

Reservations are strongly recommended. For information call 352-735-4667.