Attractions & Activities

ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES

There is so much to see and do in and around Orlando and in Florida generally that it would be foolish of us to think that we could provide the ultimate oracle of information here. Nevertheless, if you are not already familiar with the area, we hope that the following information gives you a clue as to what your holiday has in store for you.

All of our guests do of course receive a complimentary CD-Rom that comprises a 60,000 word / 500 image guide to Orlando, Central Florida and all its attractions. This really will give you the information you need to plan your holiday.

THEME PARKS
WATER PARKS
OTHER ORLANDO ATTRACTIONS
ATTRACTIONS A LITTLE FURTHER AFIELD
DINING
SHOPPING
GOLF

THEME PARKS Although they are but a part of the overall Orlando experience, the theme parks are ultimately the main focal point of most people’s holidays. All of the numerous theme parks are on a scale that far exceeds what is normally to be found in the UK. The Orlando theme parks do not just provide a day out. They provide more of an experience that delves deeply into every emotion and sense you have. Few visitors are left unimpressed and awe-struck by what they have seen and encountered. The countless rides and attractions cater for every age group and preference and, if you think that the Orlando theme parks are for thrill-seekers only, then think again. There really is plenty for everyone and some of the world’s best thrill rides are more than adequately complemented by rides, shows and attractions that are perhaps more placid, but no less wondrous for the imagination, technology, special effects and money that have been lavished on them. All of the Orlando theme parks are exceptionally spacious, beautifully landscaped, unbelievably clean and tidy (and that includes the plentiful toilet facilities) and there are always members of staff to assist you if required - and particularly so if you have anyone disabled in your party or have very young children with you. Food and drink outlets are plentiful and cover all requirements, from fast-food to casual family dining, and from themed dining to a la carte. Quite simply, everything about the Orlando theme parks puts the UK’s efforts largely to shame. The principle theme parks (all of which require at least one full day’s visit) are as follows:
Disney’s Magic Kingdom	The park that started the entire Disney Florida empire and often the first ‘must visit’ place on people’s itineraries. Here there is an unrivalled blend of fantasy, adventure and the future in a full package of rides and shows that focuses on Disney’s movie and TV characters. Plenty of opportunities to meet the characters and the parades and spectacular end-of-day firework display are must-sees.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom	The most recent of Disney’s theme parks where conservation is a key theme. Here visitors are brought face to face with the wildlife of Africa and Asia. No thrill rides as such, although the safaris and white-water rafting are (as can be expected from Disney) not quite as straightforward as they may sound. Great shows and a good place for a slightly more relaxing day out.
Disney MGM Studios	Still a working studio, this really is a ‘lights, camera, action’ location. Here Disney’s movies and TV shows are brought to life through a series of live-action shows and stomach-churning thrill rides. Plenty of chances to see behind the scenes, see how cartoons are created and how some of the dramatic special effects are executed.
Disney’s Epcot	A park perhaps better suited to slightly older children and adults as true rides are thinner on the ground here, although Test Track and Mission:SPACE are a must. Future World looks at technology and World Showcase features the culture, architecture and cuisine of 11 different nations. Fabulous end of day laser and firework display over the lagoon.
Sea World	Many people’s favourite park which has a slightly more laid-back pace and a strong educational and environmental approach. Fabulous presentations of aquatic wildlife with chances to interact with wonderful creatures such as dolphins, seals, stingrays, some superb shows (don’t miss ‘Shamu Rocks America’) and some great thrill rides as well.
Universal Studios	A theme park which almost takes the principle that what Disney can do, Universal Studios can equal, and probably better. Still a working studio, here the movies really do come to life and you can live them to the full. Spectacular rides and shows are de rigeur and you can be enthralled and terrified at your whim.
Islands of Adventure	Sister park to Universal Studios, this is the thrill-ride junkie’s nirvana. With some of the highest, fastest and best rides in town, largely speaking, this is not a place for the young, weak of stomach or plain squeamish. Many of the rides do have height restrictions or health warnings, so be prepared to be scared!
Busch Gardens	Near Tampa, about an hour’s drive away, this fabulous combination of wildlife park and thrill rides should not be missed. Five different roller coasters (including one of the most highly-rated in the US) are but a start of the excitement on offer here. The terrific variety of rides and shows and the fabulous wildlife viewing opportunities make this a really full day out.

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WATER PARKS Perhaps unsurprisingly bearing in mind the sunshine, water plays a major role in Orlando’s world of entertainment and excitement. There are a number of water parks to visit and these are essentially aquatic theme parks. The level of detail and imagination lavished on these water parks is no less spectacular than the main theme parks and each has a variety of attractions and features varying from the sublimely relaxing to the absolutely terrifying. The water parks provide a most pleasant alternative to the hustle and bustle of the main theme parks and the principle ones are:
Disney’s Blizzard Beach	If you can visualise a ski resort in 90 degrees of Florida sunshine, then you have Blizzard Beach. Here the melting ski-runs become seven different water slides. all effected in the usual imaginative Disney style. Geared more to teenagers and adults than the very young, Blizzard Beach battles with Wet ‘n’ Wild for water park supremacy.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon	A slightly gentler water park with a strong family gearing and plenty to keep the younger visitors amused. An enthralling mix of slides, tubes and pools, including the largest wave pool in the US and a fascinating Shark Reef over which you can snorkel amongst colourful fish and harmless sharks.
Wet ‘n’ Wild	Possibly the best of Orlando’s water parks, certainly for the thrill-seeker anyway, here there is a wide selection of rides and slides, as well as plenty for those seeking a more sedate aquatic day out. Wet ‘n’ Wild is conveniently located on International Drive, although as a result it can get very crowded at certain times.
Discovery Cove	This is the ultimate relaxation water park where you can unwind on a tropical beach, swim with dolphins or snorkel over coral reefs. This is very much an upmarket water park (a very special day out if you like), and admission is not cheap, although visitor numbers are limited to 1000 each day.

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OTHER ORLANDO ATTRACTIONS Orlando has so much to offer over and above the true theme park environments that we could not hope to cover them all here. Some are often overlooked, and often unfairly so, but alternative attractions include:
Gatorland	Crammed with hundreds of alligators, as well as crocodiles, this park is an entertaining half-day out. Feeding time is always entertaining, with alligators jumping for food that is dangled above them by keepers, and the alligator wrestling is an impressive must-see feature.
Holy Land Experience	Not to everyone’s taste, this park brings ancient Jerusalem to life. Make no mistake, this is a 100% religious theme park where you can see a reconstruction of Jesus’ tomb and the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Bible scenes are acted out and narrations of Bible stories are also read by professional actors.
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not	An oddball attraction which nevertheless attracts good numbers and always appeals to kids. Dedicated to the world of the curious, the odd, the bizarre and the downright freakish, here the kids can squeal with delight whilst the adults quietly cringe.
Titanic - Ship of Dreams	An impressive recreation of the world’s most famous ship’s last hours. Guided tours led by professional actors playing crew members and passengers bring the exhibits to life and give a good feel for what the final moments of the doomed ship must have been like for those on board.
World of Orchids	Not really an attraction that will appeal to the younger audience, this working greenhouse features more than 1,000 orchids in all shapes, sizes and colours. Lush paths, serene streams and the occasional exotic bird contribute to an unusual and relaxing couple of hours for those so inclined.
Downtown Disney	This is the epicentre of Disney nightlife, as well as providing a wide range of shopping, dining and activities for the whole family. Pleasure Island and its various nightclubs boast party animal appeal once the sun goes down, whereas Marketplace allows families to stroll at leisure among shops, restaurants and entertainment opportunities.
Disney Quest	Located in Downtown Disney (see above), this is an interactive, indoor theme park which is somewhat akin to a huge games console. High-tech is the name of the game here and this highly-rated attraction inevitably gets very busy, particularly after lunch. Four zones of themed activities provide hours of entertainment for kids and adults alike.
Cirque Du Soleil	Performed in its own purpose-built location in Downtown Disney (see above), the world-famous Cirque Du Soleil’s 90 minute ‘La Nouba’ show is a mind-blowing, breath-taking experience that should not be missed - at any cost. The tickets are quite pricey but you will not be disappointed.
Celebration	Although not an attraction in the true sense of the word, Celebration is quite something and well worth a visit for a few hours. Here is perfect small-town USA (think ‘The Truman Show’) where the houses are excruciatingly pretty, nothing is ever out of place and the well-heeled choose to live. The Marketplace has a good choice of quality dining, a cinema and a selection of upmarket shops.
Crazy Golf	As with most of its other attractions, Orlando does crazy golf at a level not to be found in the UK. Always themed, often with quite spectacular settings and a great deal of water, these are a great way to spend a couple of hours.

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ATTRACTIONS A LITTLE FURTHER AFIELD If you can find the time to tear yourself away from everything that Orlando has to offer, there is much to experience within an hour or so. In addition to the highly recommended Busch Gardens (see Theme Parks) you might like to consider the following:
Kennedy Space Center	Although Shuttle launches may currently be suspended, a visit to the Kennedy Space Center is still a truly unique experience. A tour takes you out to the launch pads where you can climb a gantry, see the Shuttle Crawlers, visit the original Apollo Mission Control room and stand beside one of only three remaining Saturn V rockets, as well as a lunar module. Spectacular Imax theatres and a host of other attractions provide a full day’s entertainment.
The Everglades	Although admittedly a long day out, due to their distance from Orlando, The Everglades are a unique environment. A conducted tour by coach is probably the best option and a typical one of these includes a luxury yacht cruise to see dolphins and manatees, then on an airboat ride to see alligators, raccoons and other wildlife close-to, a visit to a replica local Indian village and often on to a glorious Gulf Coast beach to end the day. A long day, but a very special one nevertheless.
Silver Springs	An enchanting and relaxing day out which features a wildlife experience with a difference. The main attraction however is the amazingly crystal clear waters which can be experienced through glass-bottomed boats. Looking through 30 or 40 feet of water to the bubbling springs below is truly seeing nature at its best.
The Beaches	Florida’s beaches are amongst the best in the world and really need to be seen to be believed. Warm, azure waters lapping on pristine, white powdery sand beaches can be found on both the east and west coasts. To the east there are famous spots such as Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach, and to the west, on the Gulf Coast, can be found Clearwater and St Petersburg.

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DINING Orlando really does cater for every taste and need when it comes to dining. There are literally thousands of restaurants from which to choose and so many that you should never struggle to find something suitable, nor travel far to it.
Fast-Food Outlets	These are everywhere (this is America after all) but are only the tip of the dining iceberg. The menus are more varied than in the UK, the servings are bigger and the prices are lower too.
Family Dining	These offer a wide variety of food, in copious amounts and at very keen prices. There are so many of them that you are never far away from one and they vary from low cost, simple fare to some of the more sophisticated steak-houses.
Themed Dining	There are an abundance of novelty dining experiences in Orlando. These range from venues such as Rainforest Cafés (well worth a visit), Hard Rock Cafés and Planet Hollywoods to sport-themed restaurants and motorsport restaurants. The food is generally good and the novelty of the settings and props add interest.
Character Dining	Many of the theme parks provide the opportunity for character dining. A favourite is always the character breakfast where, over a huge breakfast, the kids can meet their favourite characters and you also get to some of the rides half-an-hour or so before the main gates open.
International Dining	As befits such a huge holiday destination, Orlando has a massive range of international dining options to suit all budgets.
A La Carte	Whether it be within some of the more prestigious hotels or at numerous other locations, there are many exceptional restaurants catering for those who want a special treat or perhaps have something to celebrate.
Dinner Party Dining	As an extension of its entertainment raison d’etre, Orlando offers a number of evening dinner party-type dining experiences. These evenings include Murder-Mystery, Arabian Nights, Medieval Times and Dixie’s Stampede and include authentically themed settings, food and entertainment.

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SHOPPING
Shopping is almost as much an accepted part of an Orlando vacation as are the visits to the theme parks. Prices are generally lower than in the UK, and often considerably so.

Traditional mall shopping is available at the huge Florida Mall, where there are more than 200 stores. Even more upmarket is the newer Mall at Millennia where the department stores and fashion outlets are very chic indeed and the prices can tend to reflect this, although they are still lower like-for-like than in the UK.

Perhaps the greatest shopping draw to most people are the factory outlets. All the big brand names are represented in large spacious stores, and the prices inevitably invoke much flashing of the credit cards. The main ports of call are Orlando Premium Outlets, Prime Outlets Orlando and Prime Designer Outlet Centre.

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GOLF Golf is taken very seriously in Florida and there are so many golf courses in and around the Orlando area that to list them all would be impossible. Every ability is catered for and, as with pretty much every other amenity or facility, the standards that you will find are fastidiously maintained. Even Disney has its own golf courses, five of them in fact. Some of the premier courses are:
Champion’s Gate	This fabulous complex is just five minutes from our Citrus Grove villa. Greg Norman designed the two 18-hole courses, one of which is similar to a British links course, the other being a typical US showcase course. This is a prestigious and award-winning location which provides a good challenge to the low handicap player.
Osprey Ridge	Possibly the most challenging of Disney’s courses, Osprey Ridge features native woodlands, elevated trees, nine holes with water and more than 70 bunkers.
Grand Cypress	Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the New Course here was inspired by the Old Course at St Andrew’s. This challenging course features 45 holes in total and, although it is semi-private, it does have some public tee-off times.
Eagle Pines	Another Disney course which is quite a challenge for even the best golfer. Only two of the holes do not feature water, hardly surprising when one takes account of the wetlands that line the course, and the rough areas feature pine straw rather than grass.
Magnolia	The most forgiving of the Disney courses with wide fairways. There are however 97 bunkers and 11 of the 18 holes feature water so it is not all plain sailing.
Palm	Another Disney course, this time one that is surrounded by woodlands. Half the holes feature water, there are 94 bunkers and the 18th hole is rated one of the toughest on the PGA Tour.
Falcon’s Fire	This course hosts the Senior PGA Tour’s qualifying school and features a seemingly straightforward outward nine. The inward nine are however a different story and provide plenty of lost ball opportunities in the two large lakes.
Highlands Reserve	Just three minutes from our Citrus Grove villa, this course is located within a vacation home estate. It is a moderately challenging course but does feature some good variations in elevation.

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Email: martyn@amess.org

Tel - International:	+44	(0)	7768	106174	(anytime)
	+44	(0)	7768	106174	(evenings)

Tel - From the UK:			07768	106174	(anytime)
			07768	106174	(evenings)