Main Attractions in the Orlando Area

The following is a list of the major attractions. There are lots of web sites that can provide further information, and one of the best is the Orlando Tourism Bureau that can be found on www.go2orlando.com/uk/

All the following attractions are within easy distance (20 minutes) from the villa.

Disney World

Disney World covers 28,000 acres and is split into a number of distinct attractions, the main ones being The Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot Centre, and MGM Studios. A four or five day pass is recommended and even then you will see only a fraction of what is available. These passes can be purchased in the UK or during your stay in Florida. Further information is available from www.vacationworks.com.

The transit system includes monorails, paddle steamers, etc. there is also over 300 acres of car parking.

The Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom radiates from Main Street USA, an old time American town with shops and restaurants, but beyond this are Thunder Mountain, Jungle Rapids and much more.

The Epcot Centre

The Epcot Centre is a "teach-in" about our world. An enormous silver globe geosphere -Spaceship Earth greets you as you pass through the entrance. World showcase illustrates the various cultures, history and architecture from around the world. The living sea is a walk through aquarium where sharks and dolphins swim alongside many thousands of the worlds other aquatic fauna.

Disney-MGM Studios

Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park is a behind the scenes look at how films are made with themed rides including the Great Movie Ride and Epic Stunt Spectacular.

Animal Kingdom

The latest attraction to conjure up images of the Serengeti. Other attractions worth visiting, and at no extra cost - it is included on your do passes but look at the print telling you over what duration you are permitted to visit, include:
River Country - a water recreation park, Typhoon Lagoon - a water park with spectacular waves and enjoyment, and Discovery Island - an open-air animal park with the minimum of cages.

Wet 'n' Wild

Something for everyone and you don't have to be a good swimmer The park includes an area for children aged 1-10 50 a good family day out. The more daring can try The Black Hole or Raging Rapids.

Sea World

Shamu the killer whale is the most famous inhabitant, however the supporting cast of dolphins, seals, sharks and sting rays combine with other fauna to make up the worlds largest marine life park. Another full day's entertainment.

Universal Studios

The largest working film studio outside of Hollywood. Close and interactive look at film and TV productions with live shows and themed rides including ET, Jaws, Ghostbusters and King Kong.
Universal Escape - Another new one, just opened

Water Mania

A water park, which includes the Anaconda ride, a four person raft ride that twists arid turns for 400 feet1. As with Wet 'n' Wild young children are also catered for.

All the above attractions are within easy distance (20 minutes) from the villa.

Slightly further away, other attractions include

NASA

NASA - Kennedy Space Centre/Spaceport USA - Apart from seeing rockets and spacecraft on the ground, this free centre gives an amazing insight into mans attempts to lift off. For a small charge (about $7) go on the air-conditioned bus tour, about two hours guided around the space shuttle and other launch pads.
If you are very lucky, during your stay there may be a shuttle launch.

Busch Gardens

A full day's entertainment of animal exhibits, live entertainment, etc., split into eight theme sections set in turn of the century Africa. In the U5A Busch is the brewer of many of the beers drunk there, a trip of the brewery includes free beer.

Cypress Gardens

Opened originally in 1936 this attraction started the tourism industry that is now central Florida. Termed the "water ski capital of the world" exhibitions of spectacular tricks and daring.

Gatorland Zoo

Containing over 5000 Crocodiles and Alligators, up to 15 feet in length and up to half a ton in weight. They can be safely viewed along with snakes, flamingos, monkeys and other Florida species.

Old Town

off the 192 is a good night out on Fridays and Saturdays, when there is an organised "cruise" of classic cars around the streets of Old Town. There is also a good 'sports' themed restaurant here.

Down Town Disney and Universal's City Walk

Great places both, for shopping and evenings out. Restaurants, shops, malls, attractions, themed nightclubs and bars. All free entry, unless you then want to go into the attractions…enjoy!
 

Last modified: 20-05-2007