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Things To Do
Sports & Outdoors
Orlando tourism is driven by the Walt Disney World resort and surrounding hotels, restaurants and shopping. The three theme parks are usually what one thinks of when Orlando comes to mind, but there is much more to central Florida.
1. Universal Orlando Resort
Universal’s Island of Adventure features thrill rides for tourists of all ages, from the suspenseful Dueling Dragons roller coaster, which comes within inches of a second coaster, to exploring on the Jurassic Park River Adventure. For more information, please call 407-363-8000 or 877-688-8011.
Guests are plunged into the action of their favorite movies and television shows at Universal Studios Florida. Come face to face with warrior mummies at the Revenge of the Mummy-The Ride or laugh your way through an adventure with Shrek at Shrek 4-D. For more information, please call 407-363-8000 or 877-688-8011.
2. SeaWorld Orlando
Animal lovers can delight in the family-friendly theme park SeaWorld, featuring the world-famous Shamu, the killer whale. Roller coasters, dolphin shows, animal habitats and quaint shopping at the Waterfront are sure to satisfy. For more information, please call 407-351-3600 or 800-327-2424.
3. Walt Disney World
At the Magic Kingdom, fantasy comes alive in the seven enchanted lands, which feature more than 40 attractions and events. The classic Cinderella’s Castle is lit by a nightly fireworks show and Tomorrowland’s Space Mountain provides thrills as the only roller coaster that’s completely in the dark. For more information, please call 407-824-4321.
Celebrating show business and glamour, Disney-MGM Studios provides non-stop entertainment with a 13-story free fall in The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and special effects at the “Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show.” For more information, please call 407-824-4321.
Epcot reveres world travel, multiculturalism and interactive media inside the golf-ball-shaped dome. Space travel, flying adventures and a Test Track all bring thrills at Epcot. For more information, please call 407-824-4321.
Ever wondered if you could handle a safari? Your chance has arrived at Animal Kingdom, where an authentic African safari whisks guests through the peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro. Dinosaur attractions and a jaunt to the top of Mount Everest provide unique adventures. For more information, please call 407-824-4321.
Arts Museums & Landmarks
Dining
Shopping
If you don’t come for the roller coasters and Mickey Mouse, you are probably coming for Orlando’s shopping! Large, open malls invite visitors to wile away their days in a shopper’s paradise.
1. The Mall at Millennia features 1.2 million square feet of world-class shopping. Neiman Marcus, Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s anchor the behemoth Mall at Millennia, while upscale, international boutiques dot the interior, including Jimmy Choo, Chanel and Gucci. For more information, please call 407-363-3555.
2. Florida Mall is Orlando’s largest and most popular mall, with more than 250 stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom, and premium guest services such as gift wrapping, a multilingual staff and valet parking. For more information, please call 407-851-6255.
3. Winter Park’s Park Avenue features a picturesque boulevard of high-end shopping, quaint restaurants and art galleries. This Orlando suburb’s shopping mecca features designers such as Tuni and Nicole Miller. For more information, please visit http://www.ci.winter-park.fl.us/2005/.
Events
Families will enjoy rubbing elbows with the locals at the arts events and film festival. Best of all, the events cost no admission and offer a unique alternative to usual Orlando entertainment.
1. Third Thursdays is a monthly arts event that takes place on the third Thursday of each month in downtown Orlando, showcasing art galleries, exhibits, performances and restaurants. For more information, please call 407-648-7060. The event is held at various downtown arts venues; the main address is 27 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801.
2. Popcorn Flicks in the Park features classic films on the second Thursday of each month at sunset, between 7 and 8 p.m. Movie buffs flock to Central Park for this popular event, located between Morse and Canton in the Winter Park area, at 1300 South Orlando Avenue, Maitland, FL 32751. Please call 407-644-5625 for more information.
Gay Pride Events and Gay Parades in Orlando
Neighborhoods
Orlando, Florida, has become a year-round destination with more than 35 million tourists visiting the area each year. Walt Disney World and the temperate climate have greatly contributed to Orlando’s third-place ranking for overseas travelers to the United States. Orlando offers sun, adventure and a decadent atmosphere that appeals to travelers looking for relaxation, excitement and culture in their vacation plans.
1. Disney
The Walt Disney World Resort area features four amusement parks, dozens of hotels and resorts, and a myriad of restaurants and shopping, making the area Orlando’s busiest locale. Here guests find the Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Magic Kingdom.
2. SeaWorld
Located off the famous International Drive, SeaWorld offers 200 acres of attractions and animal shows. The Orlando Convention Center and Wet ‘n Wild are also located in this area.
3. Universal
Two amusement parks populate the Universal area: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. A low-key, sophisticated nightlife permeates City Walk, Universal’s after-hours destination. City Jazz features live jazz acts nightly.
4. Kissimmee
Kissimmee sits off Interstate U.S. 92, boasting dozens of moderately-priced hotels and inexpensive restaurants just outside the Walt Disney World park grounds and 15 miles south of Orlando. Kissimmee’s Civic Center and Visitor’s Bureau provide tour assistance for visitors to central Florida.
5. Lake Buena Vista
Less than one mile outside the Disney area, Lake Buena Vista provides pleasing accommodations with convenient access to Epcot (less than three miles), SeaWorld (three miles) and Wet ‘n Wild (less than seven miles). Lake Buena Vista offers superb shopping and dining experiences for those wishing to stay in a quieter area of Orlando.
6. Airport
Whether you are staying in the Orlando area for business or leisure, hotels near the airport are always convenient. The Orlando International Airport is just nine miles southeast of the city center and 22 miles northeast of Walt Disney World. The airport is served by more than 80 airlines and is the largest car rental market in the world.
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