Where do you start when you get to Orlando? 'There is so much to do, so little time to do it in!' as they say. As well as Florida being 'The sunshine state', there is no doubt that Orlando is a city completely dedicated to having fun.
We will try to give you a few ideas and some information of what there is on offer. Top on many peoples list are the two 'big ones'. The first being, Walt Disney World Resort, which boasts four huge theme parks and three amazing water parks, and the shops, restaurants, clubs and attractions of Downtown Disney. The second major attraction is Universal Orlando, consisting of the magnificent Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios theme parks with Citywalk for shops, bars, clubs and restaurants.

Water parks, dinner shows, themed restaurants and wacky museums are just some of the other attractions around. However, another exciting past time is ……SHOPPING! There are shopping opportunities in abundance.

Should you wish to soak up some rays by the seaside, using the main routes in Florida, you have easy access to some fantastic beaches of the east and west coasts , or south to Miami and the Florida Keys.

Anyway, here are a few main points, too many to list, but we are sure you'll get the gist of how much fun can be had by all!

Link to Disneys UK site here, or click here to follow their link to Disney Florida information

The four main parks are, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Holiwood Studios and the Magic Kingdom. These are no doubt as much for adults as they are for the kids to enjoy. From fantastic rides to brilliant shows and futuristic adventures. See how the films are made and meet all your favourite Disney characters, you can even get their autographs,(for the children of course!).
Recent and new rides include Soarin' and Mission Space at Epcot, the Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show at MGM, Stitches Great Escape and Cinderellabration at Magic Kingdom and finaly Expedition Everest (opening 2006) at Animal Kingdom.

Disney's three water parks are Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon and River Country. All have a different theme and are equally brilliant. Whether you're after a relaxing float or the thrill of sliding down the amazing water slides , you are sure to have an excellent time.

Downtown Disney is the home of many shops, restaurants, bars and nightlife in Pleasure Island. Restaurants include Rainforest Café and Planet Hollywood. There is also a large cinema complex and the Virgin Megastore, as well as Cirque du Soleil, a show of circus and street entertainment, and Disney Quest. You will also find the largest Disney store in the world, so have lots of time to spare as you won't get the kids out of there for ages!

Universal Orlando

Link to Universal Studios site here

At Universal Studios everywhere you go you'll find yourself in the movies! Here you can roam glamorous streets like Hollywood Boulevard, Fifth Avenue and Rodeo Drive. You can ride blockbuster movie rides such as Men in Black Alien Attack , Jaws, Earthquake and Terminator 2, and find out what its like to ride out a Twister!
Shrek 4-D is the newest ride and is a must see for everyone.

For the younger members of the family Barney awaits with his friends BJ and Baby Bop ,and Woody Woodpeckers Kid zone will keep them amused while you have a well earned rest

.Islands of Adventure is not for the faint hearted! There are five uniquely themed islands to explore , including Seuss Landing, The Lost Continent, Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park and Marvel Super Hero Island. Challenge your nerve on the Incredible Hulk Coaster and make sure you check out 'The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man!'


Citywalk is a 30 acre complex featuring a mix of live entertainment, fine dining including Hard Rock Cafe, speciality shops and state of the art cinemas. Great evening entertainment is always on offer here.

Busch Gardens

Link to Busch Gardens site here

About an hours drive away in Tampa Bay, is Busch Gardens. An African themed family entertainment park featuring a combination of amazing animal habitats, thrilling rides and other live entertainment.
Busch Gardens is nearly 335 acres large, with over 2,800 exotic mammals, birds, and, reptiles. Don’t miss the ‘Edge Of Africa’ safari.
It boasts a total of over 30 thrilling attractions and rides, including 5 world-class coasters - Scorpion, Gwazi, Kumba, Montu, Python. Buckle up for the rides of your life!
Experience Shei Kra which opened in May 2005. A roller coaster to remember, 200 feet up, 90 degrees straight down!

Sea World Adventure Park

Link to Sea World site here

Another must see. Get right up close to the most amazing animals including dolphins, killer whale, polar bears, sea lions and walruses. The live shows are fantastic , you will not want to miss out on this experience. Ride the Journey to Atlantis water coaster and other thrilling rides to make your day even more memorable. You can also visit Discovery Cove and actually swim with the dolphins, something you will never forget.
A must see for everyone is the Blue Horizons Dolphin Show.

Be sure to visit SeaWorld's recently opened water park, Aquatica

Wet 'n' Wild - water park

Watermania - water park

Church Street Station, Orlando - family entertainment for a fun night out

Gatorland - View gators and other reptiles in a natural environment and watch where you're stepping!

Dinner shows: Arabian Nights, Medieval Times, Pirates Dinner Adventure & King Henrys Dinner show

Kennedy Space Centre - Less than an hours drive away, the Visitors Centre gives tours of the launch pad and assembly Building. Don't miss the IMAX Theatre experience.

Cypress Gardens, Winter Haven - A truly beautiful park with various shows on offer including a water skiing show on the lake.

½ day attractions such as Wonderworks, Ripley’s – Believe it or not, Hard Rock Vault and The Titanic Experience are just a few great attractions that are worth visiting if you can find the time
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SHOPPING GALORE! -
                                  
The Florida Mall is huge, with more than 250 stores and definitely worth a visit. Belz Factory Outlet Mall just off International Drive & Orlando Premium Outlets are great places for bargains. Millenia Mall, Orlando is the newest with 1.2 million-square-foot of shopping space. West Oaks Mall and Altamonte Mall both we have found a bit farther out but still well worth a visit. Bargains to be had almost everywhere especially for trainers, jeans, designer clothes etc. Be warned though, you may want to buy an extra suitcase to bring home all your goodies, unless you plan ahead and take half empty suitcases with you!

Restaurants - There are many different choices, of course there are all the familiar fast food restaurants such as Mac Donalds, Burger King, KFC and Arbys.
Our favourites for good value, 'all you can eat' buffet meals are Ponderosa and Sizzlers, particularly for breakfast to set you up for the day and the salad bars are out of this world.
The Olive Garden, Outback and Red Lobster are also excellent. All of these restaurants and many, many more are all within close driving distance on the 192 highway and the surrounding area.

There are so many places to visit we could go on, but you will enjoy finding them for yourself too.

A-Z of Florida - More info links

Location	Area	Time	Distance from villa
Walt Disney World	Kissimmee	10-15 Minutes	8 miles
Universal Studios	Orlando	20 Minutes	17 miles
Sea World	Orlando	15-20 Minutes	15 miles
Busch Gardens	Tampa Bay	65 Minutes	60 miles
Kennedy Space Centre	Cape Canaveral	60 Minutes	65 miles
Orlando Int. Airport	Orlando	25 Minutes	20 miles
Sanford Airport	Sanford	45 Minutes	40 miles

 

Flight, Car Hire & Theme Park Ticket Information:

Web sites for flights and car hire:

www.holidaysbyphone.com
www.justflights.com
www.skycars.com

Web site for theme park tickets:

www.undercovertourist.com
www.attraction-tickets-direct.co.uk
www.floridaorlandotickets.net

Web sites for last minute offers:

www.priceline.co.uk
www.lastminute.com

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Top Tips:

Alcohol- Laws are strict in the USA, if you are, or look under 21 years of age you will not be able to buy alcohol. Carry some ID with you and also be aware that you cannot carry alcohol in your car unless it is locked in the boot (trunk).

Money- Dollar travellers cheques are used as cash everywhere, always have some ID on you in case this is needed when cashing them. Do not take sterling travellers cheques. Have some cash on you when you arrive for the road tolls from the airport. Of course our good old flexible friends are widely accepted also.

Tickets for all attractions can be purchased before you go on holiday, but if you do leave it to buy them when you get there, we have found the supermarket Wal Mart useful, and at competitive rates. Having the tickets beforehand, saves time on queuing at the main entrance gates to the parks.

Gratuity tips - 15 to 20 % is customary in the U.S.

Eating out is cheap but if you do fancy cooking or need some groceries, Wal Mart and Publix are just half a mile up the road on the 192. (Beware, Wal Mart could take some time getting round, as it is so large!)

Use the Fastpass system in Disney and the Express pass in Universal; it does save time on queuing.

On arriving at the theme park, head for your favourite most popular ride first, even if it is at the other end of the park. Early in the day is the best time to avoid the longer queues, or else wait until late in the day.

Wear comfortable shoes/trainers as you will be doing a lot of walking! And make sure you have your sunscreen with you.