MAGIC KINGDOM
For many people this theme park epitomises ”Walt Disney World”. It is the busiest park and the “Home”, so to speak, of Mickey, Minnie and the numerous other characters you would associate with Disney. You somehow don’t feel like you have really done Disney until you have visited Magic Kingdom. There is so much to do in this park. Lots of different kingdoms to explore, each with it’s own theme, with things to do for the whole family, young and old alike. The parades are spectacular throughout the day and it’s worth staying or going back in at the end of the evening to watch the firework display over Cinderella’s Castle before the park closes.
EPCOT
With the giant “Golf Ball” like structure, which can be seen for miles around. EPCOT-Electronic, Prototype, Community of Tomorrow – is split into two sections. The first section is mainly scientific/futuristic with rides and interactive attractions. The second section is the world showcase which is set round a beautiful lake that you can stroll around enjoying a taste of each of the various “Countries” on your way through, The pinnacle being the fantastic firework display over the lake.
DISNEY’S MGM STUDIOS
A real cinematic feel wherever you go in the park. It’s all about film, tricks of the trade, behind the scenes tours etc. Shows such as Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, Muppet 3D movie and great rides like Aerosmith’s Rock’n Roller Coaster, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Keep a look out for the characters signing autographs and having their photographs taken. The finale to this park is “Mickey’s Philarmagic” a show featuring lasers, fireworks, water and all the characters you can imagine.
ANIMAL KINGDOM
Disney has brought the experience of an African Safari to Animal Kingdom. Here there are lots of animals to see, even dinosaurs!! In true Walt Disney fashion everything is safari themed. The famous Tree of Life takes centre stage here with “A Bugs Life” 3D movie inside it. On your way in see how many animals you can spot cleverly carved into the tree.
TYPHOON LAGOON WATER PARK
A water park based loosely around “a tropical island which had a typhoon leaving a shipwreck on top of the mountain”. Water shoots out of the ship occasionally and about every 10 minutes, in the lagoon below, a large wave is generated. There’s a great lazy river to relax on if you don’t fancy the excitement of all those water shoots. There’s kids areas, snorkelling, beach and hammocks.
BLIZZARD BEACH
This is the newer of the two Disney water parks and this theme is a ski resort on a snow-capped mountain. Plenty of big water rides in this park with a massive slide called “Summit Plummet” at the top. You can see the EPCOT ball from the top! Also lot’s of medium and small rides too or the lazy river for those a little less daring. Plus lovely chidrens areas.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
The Universal Company built this theme park and at the entrance is the large Universal globe, which you should all recognise. You should also recognise the movie favourites inside such as Jaws, ET, Men in Black, Terminator 2 3D, Shrek 4D, Mummy to name but a few. Shows like Beetlejuice and fear Factor Live makes this park yet another one with lots for the whole family.
ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE
Universal added this second park at the same location, which means you use the same car parks. This truly is an adventurous park with hair-raising and thrilling rides. Divided into five areas with completely different things in each. From the fantastic Spiderman high-tech 3D thrill ride (which is a must for many), The Incredible Hulk Coaster and Jurassic Park River Adventure to Popeye and Bluto’s White Water Rapids. Poseidon’s Fury has to worth a mention, as does the extremely colourful Seuss Landing, the home of the Cat in the Hat. There are so many things to get your pulses racing in this park so be warned!!
A very exciting project scheduled to open late 2009 described as a “Theme park within a theme park”, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will provide a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the magical world of Harry Potter. Over 20 acre’s of immersive theme land will enable guests to visit some of the most iconic locations found in the famous books.
CITY WALK
In-between Universals two parks is City Walk, which comes alive at night. It has a cinema and lots of restaurants and bars including the massive world famous Hard Rock Café.
SEA WORLD
This park is everything to do with the sea. An awe-inspiring day to be had here. There are a couple of awesome thrill rides, but the main attraction here has to be “Shamu” the giant killer whale. The Shamu shows must not be missed. There are shows through the day that can bring a tear to your eye. There’s a hilarious Sea Lion show and clever Dolphin show. There are Stingray and dolphin touch pools. You can feed the Dolphins and Sea Lions. Make sure you stay till the end in this park otherwise you will miss the fantastic “Shamu Rocks” show where you will see Shamu leap, splash and soar to the high energetic rock’n’roll tunes. End the night with the Mystify show which features fountains water projection screens and lots of fireworks.
BUSCH GARDENS
A 335-acre multi-faceted family attraction located in Tampa. This park as rated amongst the top four Zoos in America. The overall theme is Africa and it boasts a safari like 80-acre setting of the Serengeti Plain. Thrill rides here are the mind-numbing roller coasters such as Kumba, Montu, Gwazi and Sheikra, a coaster which drops you at 90 degrees straight down at 70mph!! There are also scaled down rides for the younger children and animal shows, musicians, comedians and La Tonga, a family show extravaganza. Both Seaworld and Busch Gardens are owned by Anheuser-Busch who own the famous Budweiser Beer. In both parks you are encouraged to visit the hospitality centre and sample one of the many different beers that Anheuser-Busch offer free of charge!
DISCOVERY COVE
Discovery Cove differs from the other theme parks in that reservations are required. A maximum of 1000 guests per day means that early booking is highly recommended. What this does mean, however, is that you don’t feel the hustle and bustle here. The day seems to saunter along in a very relaxed way allowing you to soak everything in. Meals, beverages and all the equipment needed for your day are included in the price and you also receive a 7-day pass to Seaworld Orlando or Busch Gardens Tampa. This park like a beautiful tropical island retreat with the highlight for most people being their swim and interaction with the lovely Bottlenose Dolphin. You can experience the inspiring connection that draws us to these friendly, captivating creatures. You can also interact directly with exotic birds, thousands of tropical fish and graceful rays.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTRE
Over on the East Coast of Florida at Cape Canaveral the Kennedy Space Centre has had more than $120 million spent on revamping the Centres Visitors Complex. The Visitors Complex is home to a number of exhibitions, the new Shuttle Launch Experience simulator, 2 IMAX theatres, astronaut memorial and various bus tours allowing a closer look at various restricted areas that would otherwise not be possible. You are allowed an insight into the hugely imaginative depiction of the past, present and future of NASA’s space programme. The whole day really is quite a humbling experience. If you are lucky enough to witness a shuttle launch during your stay in Orlando the memories of the experience will stay with you forever.
AQUATICA
The park is located on 59 acres of land. It is about one-third the size of the original Seaworld water theme park and about twice the size of Discovery Cove. Aquatica is a combination of animal experiences, water rides and slides, high-speed thrills and relaxing sandy beaches and will appeal to all ages. The new Aquatica Water Park is set in the South Seas and features36 water slides, 6 winding rivers and lagoons with tropical fish.
There are two large side-by-side wave lagoons, offering two very different experiences; one has crashing waves and five foot swells whilst the other has a gently rolling surf. It is possible to generate nine different wave patterns. Amongst the 12 main attractions there are also eight-lane racing slides, racing tunnels, triple-drop raft rides and inner tube river adventures. Small children and toddlers are not forgotten with an enormous interactive water play area including a 60 foot high rain fortress besides a 15,000 gallon pool plus special family orientated slides and water cannon.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Here are just a few to add to the list of thing to do in Orlando.
Old Town Orlando
Wet’n’Wild
Water Mania
Disney’s Wild World of Sport
Cypress Gardens
Gatorland
Ripley’s Believe it or Not
Downtown Disney
Westgate River Ranch Rodeo
Titanic-The Exhibition
Skull Kingdom
