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Central Florida is a dream destination with so much choice for all memebers of your party irrespective of age !From the huge theme parks to fabulous shopping malls to crazy golf on the 192 to a restful walk around Celebration on a Sunday morning and enjoying a coffee on the lakeside , the hard bit will be making up your mind !
Theme Parks
Magic Kingdom®
The world of “make believe” comes alive in the Magic Kingdom® Park
where new adventures, fantasy and fun surround you in seven wondrous
lands of enchantment: Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty Square,
Tomorrowland, Main Street U.S.A., Mickey’s Toon Town Fair and
Adventureland. There are over 40 incredible attractions and shows to
experience.
Animal Kingdom®
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, expect the unexpected as you
encounter wild animals, dinosaurs, loveable characters, spectacular
shows and attractions. Come and explore where the rides and attractions
of a theme park meet the excitement and adventure of an African safari!
Epcot Center®
Epcot is dedicated to the ageless delight of discovery. An exciting and
fun place for the whole family, filled with high-tech gadgets.
Countless delights from around the world can be found at the World
Showcase which is situated around a beautiful lagoon which houses
pavilions from eleven countries.
Holywood Studios®
Disney Holywood Studios celebrates the fascinating world of show
business with thrilling attractions, glamorous shows and backstage
tours highlighting your favorites from movies, television, theater,
music and animation. Test your fright and engage your senses from
coasters to live action stunt shows all with the backdrop of glamorous
Hollywood.
Universal Studios®
Go beyond the screen and experience the action and excitement of the
movies at the number one movie studio theme park in the world. At this
real working motion picture studio an incredible array of rides, shows,
movie sets and attractions puts you right in your favorite scenes from
your favorite movies. Experience the thrills of the Revenge of the
Mummy™; see, hear and feel the excitement of the Shrek 4-D™ and zap
aliens on the interactive ride MEN IN BLACK™ Alien Attack. This is the
only place on earth where you can Ride the Movies®.
Islands of Adventure®
Experience the innovative thrills with one of the most technologically
advanced theme parks ever created. You’ll take an unforgettable journey
through five uniquely themed islands; Marvel Super Hero Island®, Toon
Lagoon®, Jurassic Park®, The Lost Continent®, and Suess Landing™ -
where the world’s most cutting-edge rides and attractions challenge all
your senses. You’ll battle villains high above the streets, defy
gravity, escape the jaws of the hungry T-Rex, and brave white water
rapids. Live the Adventures of a lifetime!
Sea World®
There’s no place in the world like SeaWorld® Orlando. All kinds of
marine life can be found in this beautiful park which combines
research, conservation, education, fun and entertainment. Here you can
come face-to-face with wonderful animals and challenge your senses on
amazing rides and attractions. It doesn’t get any closer than this.
City Walk®
From wild rock concerts to best in live jazz, reggae and more, fine
casual dining to gourmet cuisine, and quiet conversation to dancing the
night away. Here you will find the nightclubs, shops and restaurants to
make the best for your Florida vacation. Don’t miss the 2 story
Universal Cineplex theater if you want to catch the latest movies and
enjoy some popcorn!
Busch Gardens®
This is the ultimate family adventure park featuring unparalleled
combinations of world-class animal habitats, thrill rides, and live
entertainment. Busch Gardens® is on the leading edge of technological
thrills, providing guests with five legendary steel coasters, including
three of the world’s top-rated ones. The adventure park, recognized
among the top zoos in North America, provides more diverse ways to get
up-close to animals than any other place outside of Africa.
Kennedy Space Center®
Take a tour for an adventure that combines history and fun. Explore the
rocket garden where you can view life-size rockets, board an exact
replica of the Space Shuttle Explorer, or watch the latest 3-D movie on
an IMAX screen. You can even tour restricted areas which include NASA’s
Space Shuttle Facilities, the various launch pads and the Vehicle
Assembly Building.
Water Parks
Wet ‘n Wild®
There is something for everyone at Wet ‘n Wild®. Soak up the sun while
floating leisurely around the lazy river or riding in the wave pool.
Experience the exhilaration of world renowned water thrills and slides.
Also at Wet ‘n Wild® is a children’s play area. Here, water rides have
been designed just for those 48 inches and under, including, a mini
wave pool, mini water slide and more.
Aquatica by Sea World®
Sea World® is the first to open a water park which incorporates live
animals from lands all over the world. The water park features several
water slides, rivers and lagoons, and more than 80,000 square feet of
beach area. Aquatica’s signature attraction, Dolphin Plunge, races
riders through a crystal blue lagoon where you can slide through the
aquarium habitat of the playful black-and-white Commerson’s dolphins!
Aquatica is a one-of-a-kind waterpark experience that you won’t want to
miss!
Disney Water Parks
The fun continues in Walt Disney World® with its two water parks.
Typhoon Lagoon® is the home of tropical water slides, a large lazy
river, and ocean size waves. You can even snorkel among tropical fish
and sharks! Blizzard Beach® is based on a ski resort and is the largest
water park at Disney with 19 water slides and “icy” bobsled runs!
Experience the Slush Gusher or Summit Plummet.
Themed Events
Medieval Times®
Journey back in time at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament® as you
enter an 11th century-style castle for an exciting evening of
entertainment based on the glory of the Middle Ages. Inside the
Ceremonial Arena, you’ll feast on a four-course banquet in true
medieval pre-silverware fashion while watching knights compete in a
tournament.
Arabian Nights®
Arabian Nights® combines 60 beautiful horses, special effects, haunting
music, stunning costumes and incredible stunts to create a
Broadway-style production inspired by ancient storybook tales. A
magical genie conjures up more than 20 acts including The Hoop of
Fire™, The Ben Hur Chariot Race™, and Walter Farley’s Black Stallion™.
Your dining adventure includes a three-course prime rib, roast chicken
or vegetable lasagna meal with unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks.
Pirates Dinner Adventure®
Pirates Dinner Adventure® offers you a Broadway style musical comedy
showcasing daring stunts and action-packed live performances as well as
a grand Pirate’s feast; make sure to stay for the Buccaneer Bash dance
party!
Golf Courses
Highlands Reserve
This Mike Dasher designed course features 120 foot elevation changes,
which is unheard of in Florida. This is a par 72, 6700 yard
Championship course in a layout that winds through citrus groves and
pine trees.
Southern Dunes
A must-play course that will present you with a challenge unique to
Central Florida. Steve Smyers’ dramatic hillside layout features huge
undulating greens and expansive fairways flanked by more than 180
bunkers of every size and shape. Rising and falling over 100 feet, the
dunes are planted in scrub, grasses and ornamentals. The wind is your
constant companion. Each hole is as different as the one before,
offering you multiple options in reaching the putting surface.
Falcons Fire
This Rees Jones designed par 72 championship course offers the golfing
public an experience usually reserved for members of the finest,
private courses.
Diamondback Golf Club
Offers a native setting where you can challenge yourself to Florida’s
most preserved 18-holes of golf. Designed by world-renowned golf course
architect, Joe Lee, the par 72 championship course was carved out of
240 acres of virgin Florida forest. Diamondback’s rolling tree-lined
fairways, undulating greens and preserved wetlands create the ultimate
atmosphere for all golf enthusiasts.
Celebration Golf Club
The Robert Rent Jones (Sr. & Jr.) designed course is regarded as a
modern version of the Old Course at St. Andrews. The 18-hole
championship course features periodic clusters of native oak, pine and
magnolia on its generous fairways; greens are challenging with
undulation, placing a premium on consistent putting.
Walt Disney World Resort® Golf Courses
Walt Disney® has five championship courses that have been part of the
PGA Tour for more than 30 years. Their courses have lush green fairways
and tournament ready putting services, surrounded by pines, magnolias,
palms and ponds.
Eagle Pines
This course follows the natural contours of the land where in place of grass rough, there is pine, straw and sand.
Lake Buena Vista
Enjoy this meandering course that winds its way through pastel villas,
pine forests, palmettos, sparkling lakes and other wonders of nature.
Magnolia
This championship course has the widest and longest fairways and is home to the final rounds of the PGA Tour’s FUNAI Classic.
Oak Trail
Enjoy a delightful day at this 40-acre retreat that is home to a
pleasurable nine-hole, par 36 walking course. It is for both the
professional and the beginner.
Osprey Ridge
Recognized as one of the best courses in Florida, this challenging
course is surrounded by elegant wilderness and a serene atmosphere.
Orlando Shopping
You can enjoy a day of shopping at the latest malls the state has to
offer including The Florida Mall, Lakeland Mall, Eagle Ridge Mall,
Altamonte Mall, Seminole Town Center, Mall at Millenia, and Fashion
Square Mall, all together you will find more than 600 stores to browse
through.
For excellent savings you will find Prime 1 Factory
Outlet Mall located on International Drive and home to over 160 stores.
Further south are the Buena Vista Factory Stores and Orlando Premium
Outlets where you truly cut out the middle man and buy direct from the
manufacturer. Other shopping centers include the Marketplace in
Downtown Disney and Old Town in Kissimmee. Bargains can also be found
in the large discount stores such as Target, K-Mart, and Wal-Mart.
The Florida Mall
8001 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32809 Tel: (407) 851-6255
Mon-Sat 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sun 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Mall at Millenia
4200 Conroy Road, Orlando, I-4 at Conroy Road (Exit 78) Tel: (407)
363-3555 Mon-Sat 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sun 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Seminole Towne Center
8001 200 Towne Center Circle, Sanford, FL 32771 Tel: (407) 323-2262
Mon-Sat 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sun 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Fashion Square Mall
3201 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32822 Tel: (407) 896-1131 Mon-Sat 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sun 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Osceola Square Mall
3831 W. Irlo Bronson Highway, Kissimmee, FL 34741 Tel: (407) 847-6941 Mon-Sat 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Pointe Orlando
9101 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 Tel: (407) 248-2338 Mon-Sat 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sun 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Downtown Disney Marketplace
Located in the Lake Buena Vista area, the Marketplace has various shops
& restaurants. Tel: (407) 828-3025 Mon-Sat 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Old Town
Located at the corner of I-4 and Highway 192 in Kissimmee, Old Town is
a great place for shopping, dining & entertainment with over 70
specialty stops, restaurants, train museum & rides. Tel: (407)
396-4888 Mon-Sun 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Universal City Walk
With 15 stores, you will find anything you could want to shop for at
Universal City Walk, from park souvenirs to Fossil® watches and
tropical apparel. Tel: (407) 224-5800 Shop Hours Mon-Sun 11:00 a.m. to
11:00 p.m.
Prime 1 Factory Outlets
5211 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819 Tel:(407)352-3632 Mon-Sat 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sun 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Buena Vista Factory Stores
15591 State Road 535, Orlando, FL 32821 Tel: (407) 238-9301 Mon-Sat 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sun 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Orlando Premium Outlets
8200 Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32821 Tel: (407) 238-7787 Mon-Sat 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sun 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Lakeland Mall
3800 US Highway 98 North Lakeland, FL 33809 Tel: (863) 676-2300 Mon-Sat 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sun 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Beaches
After you’ve hit the theme parks, head for the beach! You’ll come back
refreshed and renewed - and ready to enjoy a few more days at Orlando’s
attractions!
Atlantic Coast Beaches
The state of Florida is filled with natural, historical and cultural
points of interest. Nowhere are these more prevalent than in South
Florida in the metropolitan areas of Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. Discover
an architectural masterpiece through a walking tour of Miami’s art deco
and South Beach District. Experience the ethnic diversity of the region
through its food and shopping.
Cocoa Beach, 50 miles due east of Kissimmee, is the
nearest beach and much quieter than the Gulf Coast beaches. This sandy
beach is ideal for a few hours of relaxation after a trip to Kennedy
Space Center.
Daytona Beach is 70 miles north east of Kissimmee and
home to the world famous raceway. Cars are allowed on the beach in
controlled areas. It is a gently shelving sandy beach with a long pier.
Gulf Coast Beaches
Locals consider the white, sandy beaches of Florida’s Gulf Coast to be
some of the finest in the state. From the “pink castle” landmark of the
Don Cesar Resort on St. Pete’s Beach to the sponge docks in Tarpon
Springs, this area is very popular with those seeking scenic beauty and
a casual pace.
Clearwater, with its white sandy beaches and glorious
sunsets is probably the liveliest and most popular of the Gulf Coast
beaches. About 95 miles southwest of Kissimmee, Clearwater is an island
linked by a series of road bridges to the mainland and can be reached
in about 2 hours.
Sights to see include Busch Gardens and the Florida
Aquarium in Tampa. Plenty of cruises are available from pirate themed
family fun to memorable sunset voyages.
Possibly the best kept secret in Florida is the area
known as Southwest Florida. Long, golden sunsets adorn the southwest
coast from Sarasota to Marco Island. South of Marco Island lie the
largest wetlands in the world, the Florida Everglades. As ageless as
time itself, the Everglades is home to an array of wildlife.
Wining & Dining in Orlando
Welcome to the land that invented the concept of “all you can eat and
drink for one reasonable price!” Eating is one of America’s favorite
pastimes and for your stay in Florida, why not make it yours? A great
number of restaurants also offer buffet style breakfast, lunch and
dinner. The variety is widespread and the portions are a great deal
larger than most other countries. You will find it is generally very
reasonable to eat out as a family even on a daily basis. Do not be
embarrassed to ask for a “doggy bag” for the food that you cannot
consume; it is an accepted American custom. Look out for specials, for
instance, many restaurants offer smaller portions with comparable
prices for those 55 and over as well as for children. In addition there
are early bird specials if you order between the hours of 4:00 p.m. -
6:00 p.m. Some restaurants also offer free hor d’oeuvres if you drink
at the bar during happy hour. You never need to look for a good
special.
It is also customary in the USA to tip all waiters and
waitresses and when at a bar, your bartender. The usual accepted amount
is 15%, but can vary based on the level of service. Some restaurants
will automatically add the 15% tip for groups of 6-8 or more. So, if
you are with a large party, check the bill to see if the gratuity has
already been added. Also, remember that when ordering alcohol at a
restaurant or bar, you will need to show proof of age and you will not
be served unless you can prove to be at least 21 years of age. Please
remember to bring your passport unless you have a USA driver’s license
with photo. There are many places around the Orlando area that combine
dining, shopping & entertainment in order to satisfy all your
vacation needs!
Some of these places include: -
Downtown Disney’s West Side, The Crossroads at Lake Buena Vista, Pointe
Orlando on International Drive, and CityWalk at Universal Studios. You
will also find lots of restaurants around various shopping centers and
malls and with the typical “chain” restaurant, you will always find
great food in abundance. Don’t forget Orlando has a Hard Rock Café at
Universal Studios and a Planet Hollywood outside Disney’s Pleasure
Island. |
