Orlando Attractions:

Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World covers 47 square miles and hosts thousand of visitors each day. It consists of four major theme parks and two waterparks.

Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom was the first Disney theme park opened in Orlando, Florida, and its also the most famous. For more than 30 years, visitors have been flocking to the park to ride classic rides, see timeless shows and experience Disney magic in ways only imagined.

This attraction is home to childrens' fantasies. Here all their dreams come true. Mickey with his friends, the most famous characters from Disney movies, meet guests at Magic Kingdom. With seven lands of fantasy and fun, Disney's Magic Kingdom features more than 50 Disney attractions in addition to the daily Magical Moments Parade.

Animal Kingdom

Walt Disney's Animal Kingdom park is much more than a traditional zoo. It's not just watching the animals, but also a fascinating adventure that gives visitors the feeling of admiration for our planet.

The Animal Kingdom Park covers 500 acres. Among it's residents are over 1700 animals representing 250 different species. Great efforts were made to re-create their native habitats. This Orlando theme park combines the classic rides, shows and attractions that Disney is known for with a completely new Disney animal experience.

Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, 407-W-DISNEY

Disney's MGM Studios

Disney- MGM Studios is home to more recent Disney characters. Besides, it's a place where guests can witness the inner working of television and movie production. If you drive through the web of Disney World roads long enough in Orlando, Florida, you'll see a vintage hotel on the side of the road. The Hollywood Tower Hotel may look comfortable from the outside, but don't plan on staying there, as the hotel face hides a scary secret? The Tower of Terror.

A theme park within a motion picture and television studio, attractions include Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - Play It!, Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage!, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

Epcot-Downtown Disney Exit (exit 26) from Interstate 4. (407) 824-4321

Epcot

A trip to Epcot is a trip into the world of tomorrow. The futuristic attractions are fun and educational, and the dining options in the World Showcase area of the park are second-to-none. Epcot showcases the power of human imagination with The Circle Of Life, Ellen's Energy Adventure and the Making of Me. Kids' favorites include Cranium Command and Food Rocks! By night, IllumiNations is a kaleidoscope of sky artistry with more than 1,100 pyrotechnic bursts, accompanied by music.

Interstate 4, Exit 25. (407) W-DISNEY

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Big among locals, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, open year around, offers twisting tides, roaring rapids and relaxing rivers. Whether navigating the nine water slides, swimming with sharks and tropical fish or conquering waves in the nation's largest wave pool, this exotic paradise promises maximum adventure in water heated to a pleasant 75-80 degrees year around.

(407) 560-9283

Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park

Disney's Blizzard Beach water park features one of the world's tallest, fastest free-fall speed slides, smack in the middle of sunny Florida. As the largest of Disney's water parks, it has 22 water slides and fast "icy" bobsled runs that stay comfortably warm.

1801 West Buena Vista Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL
(407) 560-9283

Disney Quest

The five-story DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park combines Disney's magic with cutting-edge technologies. Guests board a river raft on Virtual Jungle Cruise, ride a roller coaster of their own design on Cyber Space Mountain, and become part of a human pinball game in Mighty Ducks Pinball Slam. Some events require a separate admission charge.

1486 Lake Buena Vista Boulevard
Lake Buena Vista, FL
(407) 939-7429

Downtown Disney

Call for hours of operation. Admission Charged.

When you're done with the theme parks for the day, head towards Downtown Disney for nightlife for all ages. With restaurants, shops and more, there's something for everybody at Disney's gigantic entertainment complex in Orlando, Florida. The best of big cities with more than 70 shops, restaurants and clubs. Home to Pleasure Island, Cirque du Soleil, House of Blues, Planet Hollywood, World of Disney, Rainforest Cafe and Disney Quest.

Walt Disney World Resort
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 939 - 2648

Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil mixes fantastical characters, hypnotic music, and expert acrobatics in creating an engaging show that amazes and delights. La Nouba, the resident theatrical experience at Downtown Disney, contrasts the black-and-white world of Urbanites with that of the colorfully ruffled, feathered, and outrageously bedecked Cirques, the circus people. The story is secondary to the eye-catching muscular and ballet-like moves.

Cirque du Soleil: (407)939-1298

Universal Orlando

Open daily, call for hours of operation. Admission Charged.

Universal Orlando® Resort - the vacation destination with two theme parks that define state-of-the-art entertainment, and non-stop nightlife. Get inside the action of the movies at Universal Studios Florida and experience the adventure of a lifetime at Universal's Islands of Adventure. Enjoy the dining and nightlife of Universal CityWalk.

Universal Orlando Resort
1000 Universal Studios Plaza
Orlando, FL 32819
407-363-8000

Universal Studios Florida

It's always been the place where you can "ride the movies," but Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida is also much, much more. In addition to the thrilling rides, you can learn the secrets of movie-making when you go behind-the-scenes at a number of educational attractions.Ride the movies at Universal Studios. Attractions like Men in Black, Alien Attack, Terminator 3-D, and more cinema-inspired rides turn blockbusters into immersive experiences spiked with special effects.

Islands of Adventure

Open daily, call for hours of operation. Admission Charged.

Experience innovative thrills and unexpected adventures at Universal's Islands of Adventure, where the world's most cutting-edge rides, attractions and interactive shows challenge every one of your senses. You'll take an unforgettable journey through five uniquely themed islands where all your favorite stories, myths, legends, children's books, cartoons and comic book characters come to life before your eyes.

Islands of Adventure, a sister park to Universal Studios Resort adds more thrills with stomach-churning coasters based on comic books. The park's Seuss Landing aims at younger kids with gentle rides based on Seuss' books.

Universal's Islands of Adventure
1000 Universal Studios Plaza
Orlando, FL 32819
407-363-8000

Universal CityWalk

Open daily, 1100AM - 2:00AM. Admission Charged.

Shopping, dining and nightlife are the themes at Universal CityWalk in Orlando, Florida. After you park your car in the Universal garages and head toward the parks, you'll have to pass through this lively area, filled with restaurants, fine shops and nightclubs. Take note of where you want to visit, and when you're done with whatever theme park you're going to, head back and enjoy CityWalk.

Universal CityWalk is Orlando's hottest spot for entertainment -- a dazzling 30-acre complex where you can experience the best of the best in live music, casual and fine dining, dancing, shopping, movies and more. No matter what kind of entertainment you're in the mood for, CityWalk has it all!

Universal CityWalk
6000 Universal Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 363-8000

SeaWorld Adventure Park

Call for days and hours of operation. Admission Charged.

There's no place in the world like SeaWorld Orlando. Where else can you touch and feed dolphins, count the teeth on a shark and come face-to-face with a polar bear. Challenge Kraken, Orlando's only floorless coaster. Don't miss Journey To Atlantis, a super-charged water coaster of mythic proportions. And, just try to stay dry when the world famous Shamu comes a splashing! At SeaWorld Orlando, it doesn't get any closer than this!

SeaWorld Orlando
7007 SeaWorld Drive
Orlando, FL 32821
(407) 351-3600

Discovery Cove

Call for reservations, hours, and additional information. Admission Charged.

Welcome to a world all its own... Discovery Cove. At this exclusive island oasis you'll swim with dolphins, snorkel with tropical reef fish, glide with rays and hand-feed exotic birds. Indulge your senses and frolic under majestic waterfalls, float in blue lagoons, relax on sugary white beaches and enjoy a delightful lunch. Attendance is limited at this reservations-only adventure.

Discover the feeling of Discovery Cove Orlando. Located right next door to SeaWorld Adventure Park, Discovery Cove is not your commonplace Orlando theme park. There are no tickets, no rides of which to speak, and no larger-than-life characters signing autographs.

Discovery Cove
6000 Discovery Cove Way
Orlando, FL 32821
(407) 370-1280

Gatorland

Welcome to Gatorland, Orlando's Best Half Day Attraction located in sunny Central Florida! Known internationally as the Alligator Capital of the World, Gatorland is a 110-acre alligator theme park and wildlife preserve, located just minutes away from Sea World, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and the Orlando International Airport on US 441 near the Orlando - Kissimmee border.

Gatorland
14501 South Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, FL 32837
(407) 855-5496

Busch Gardens Tampa

Busch Gardens It may be an hour or so away, but it's well worth it. Busch Gardens is one of the best spots for roller coaster enthusiasts in all of Florida and beyond. Sporting some of the biggest, fastest coasters around, Busch Gardens is a high-impact place for a day trip. Among the choices: Shiekra, the largest, fastest coaster in the Southeast U.S., Kumba, a 110 feet plunge into a diving loop making for a "roar" of a ride and Montu, an egyptian themed coaster with an inverse diving loop and a 60-foot vertical loop. (Located 1 hour from Orlando)

Busch Gardens Tampa
Post Office Box 9158
Tampa, FL 33674
Toll Free 1-888-800-5447

Wet n' Wild

Wet 'n Wild - Orlando, voted by Amusement Business magazine as America's number one water park, features a full-day of fun for the entire family. Also honored by Aquatic's International as the first true water park, Wet 'n Wild's world-class signature thrill rides and quality service offer something for fun-lovers of all ages.

This popular water park has acres of ways to get wet from thrill rides to lazy rivers. On Blast, the new tube attraction, you swirl around curves and get soaked by bursting pipes. The Black Hole, a two-person raft, twists you through 500 feet of darkness. At the Children's Playground, those under 48 inches splash in shallow pools and float on tube rides.

Wet n' Wild
6200 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
Tel: (407) 351-1800 or (800) 992-WILD

Cypress Gardens Adventure Park

Directions: From Orlando: I-4 W to exit 55 (Hwy 27 South). Turn right off Highway 27 at State Road 540/Cypress Gardens Boulevard. Park is 4 miles on the left. Various Shows, over 41 rides, home to over 300 animals, concerts and events, and one of the most famous gardens in the world which has been around for over 70 years.

Cypress Gardens Adventure Park
6000 Cypress Gardens Blvd.
Winter Haven, FL 33884
(863) 324-2111

Buena Vista Watersports

(Located next door to Blue Heron Beach Resort - You may request boat/water ski pickup at the Blue Heron boat dock.)

With a beautiful location on the shores of Lake Bryan, this is the ideal place to chill for a couple of hours. Those who want to can participate in a variety of activities while less active members of the group can lie out on the sandy beach. Sound good? Super fast Sea-doos can be rented by the hour and there's a lot of smooth open water to go at.

Packages are also offered that include Seadoo rental, a ride in a Seadoo jetboat, and a tube ride behind a speedboat. (Hold on tight!) Ski-boat charters are available - there is a slalom course and wake boarders in search of a watery fix are also well taken care of.

Buena Vista Watersports
13245 Lake Bryan Drive
Lake Buena Vista FL 32821
Telephone: Call (407) 239-6939 for rental rates

Daytona International Speedway

DAYTONA USA is a 60,000-square-foot interactive motorsports attraction that is the world-class showplace to soak in the history of America's fastest sport!

From the heart-pounding thunder of bumper-to-bumper competition on the historic high banks of Daytona International Speedway, to the high octane thrills and spills of high-tech motion simulators - catch all the energy and non-stop excitement of DAYTONA USA, The Ultimate Motorsports Attraction.

Daytona International Speedway
1801 W. International Speedway Blvd.
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
(386) 947-6800

Hawaiian Rumble Miniature Golf

(Located next door to Blue Heron Beach Resort - All residents of the Resort receive a 10% discount all day.)

At Orlando's newest adventure style miniature golf course is a lush Hawaiian oasis. Fire and lava pour from a fifty-foot volcano.

Kids and families laugh and dance to the calypso beat while spectacular palms shade the fiercely running waterfalls and streams. Hawaiian Rumble Adventure Golf was designed to entice crowds with their rhythmic music and sophisticated design. Holes range from beginner to advanced, with uniquely designed putt-through logs, hills, waterfalls, and tunnels.

Enjoy cold beer, fresh wraps, and hot snacks at Mahina Café. Take advantage of the high speed T-1 line with wireless capability in the Internet Café to check in with family and friends.

Hawaiian Rumble Miniature Golf
8969 International Drive, Orlando
(407) 351-7733

Kennedy Space Center Complex

Located about an hour east of Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center complex is home to a major NASA launch site and interactive experiences about rockets and space. The IMAX films, space flight simulator, and a re-created rocket launch control room detail the excitement of space exploration.

Visitors age 14 and up find out if they have "the right stuff" at the day-long ATX Astronaut Training Experience (extra fee), which includes a look at the real launch pads.

Hours: Visitor's Complex: Daily, 9:00AM - 6:00PM
Astronaut Hall of Fame: Daily, 10:00AM - 7:00PM

Directions: From Orlando: Turn right (east) onto SR 405 and follow signs for Kennedy Space Center, approximately 9 miles ahead on right.

Kennedy Space Center Complex
State Road 405 East, Kennedy Space Center
(321) 449-4444

Richard Petty Driving Experience

The kids might not have been thrilled on the drive down to Orlando ("Are we there yet?") but they'll hate getting out of the car at the Richard Petty Driving Experience.

For those teens (and adults) fascinated with fast cars, track time here may top all the thrills in theme park land. Several experiences get you inside the stock car cars. On a Ride-Along, ages 16 and over sit beside an instructor who zooms them around for three quick, but exhilarating laps. Licensed drivers can choose to go solo for eight, 18, or 30 laps.

Richard Petty Driving Experience: 800.BE.PETTY

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Orlando Odditorium

Call for days and hours of operation. Admission Charged.

If you think our building looks crazy, wait until you see what's inside! Explore an amazing variety of exhibits, artifacts and displays in 16 galleries that pay tribute to the odd, bizarre and unbelievable. Marvel at our collection of weird and unusual relics and rare treasures. Discover that truth is indeed stranger than fiction! Self-guided, self paced tour.

8201 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 345-0501

 

Orlando Shopping:

Orlando area is a perfect place for shopping, a real shopper's paradise. It's home to large number of malls and retail shops, including Orlando Fashion Square Mall, Mall at Millenia, Osceola Square Mall and the West Oaks Mall.

Besides, there are a lot of outlets, such as Orlando Premium Outlets (a 430,00-square-foot shopping complex), Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, Belz Factory Outlet World, Belz Designer Outlet center and Kissimmee Manufactures Outlet.

Malls:

Mall at Millenia
Location: Millenia Blvd., Orlando
(Exit I-4 at Conroy Road (Exit #31a) and turn right onto Conroy Road. Then turn right onto Millenia Blvd. The center will be on your left.

Among the 150 stores in the mall, some which are new and notable are Bernini, Burberry, Giorgio's, Gucci, Japanese Weekend, Oilily, Sisley, Tommy Bahama, Chanel, Lancel, Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Lladro, L'Occitane and Lindt Chocolate. Restaurants including Brio Tuscan Grille, California Pizza Kitchen, Panera Bread, The Cheesecake Factory and 12 "on the go" eateries.

Hours: Monday through Saturday - 10 am to 10 pm; Sunday - 11 am to 6 pm

Osceola Square Mall
Location: 3831 West Vine St
(10 miles from Disney World entrance on Hwy192)

Shops includes Byrons, Ross, Eckerd Drug, Morrison's Cafeteria, Food Court, and 12 Cobb Theaters.

Hours: Monday through Saturday - 10 am to 10 pm; Sunday - Noon to 6 pm

Orlando Fashion Square Mall
Location: 3201 East Colonial Dr
(exit 41 of I-4)

Burdines, Dillards, JC Penney, Sears, plus 165 specialty shops.

Hours: Monday through Saturday - 10 am to 9 pm; Sunday - 11 am to 6 pm

West Oaks Mall
Location: 9401 West Colonial Dr
(10 miles from Disney World entrance on Hwy192)

Victoria Secret, Disney Store, Toys R Us, Dillard's, Parisian, J.C. Penney, and Sears among others.

Hours: Monday through Saturday - 10 am to 9 pm; Sunday - 11 am to 6 pm

Outlets:

Belz Factory Outlet
Location: 5401 West Oakridge Road
(Off I-4 at Exit 30A)

2 malls and four annexes. Anne Klein, Bugle Boy, Calvin Klein, Guess, Oshkosh, Reebok among others.

Hours: Monday through Saturday - 10 am to 9 pm; Sunday - 10 am to 6 pm

Belz Designer Outlet Center
Location: 5200 BLOCK International Drive
(Off I-4 at Exit 30A)

Off 5th - Saks 5th Avenue Outlet, Jones New York, Ann Taylor, Donna Karan, Waterford/Wedwood among others.

Hours: Monday through Saturday - 10 am to 9 pm; Sunday - 10 am to 6 pm

Orlando Premium Outlets
Location: 8200 Vineland Ave., Orlando, FL 32821
(Off I-4 at Exit 27)

110 stores featuring Banana Republic Factory Store, Bottega Veneta, Burbery, Coach, Cole Haan, DKNY, Dooney Bourke, Fubu, Kenneth Cole, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren FActory Store, Tommy Hilfiger, Versace and more.

Hours: Monday through Saturday - 10 am to 9 pm; Sunday - 10 am to 6 pm

Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores
Location: State Road 535
(Lake Buena Vista, 1/2 mile south of International Drive)

Liz Claiborne, Reebok, OshKosh, Samsonite and Vanity Fair among others.

Hours: Monday through Saturday - 10 am to 9 pm; Sunday - 10 am to 6 pm

Kissimmee Manufactures Outlet
Location: 4673 West U.S. 192, Kissimmee

American Tourister, London Fog, Fieldcrest, Cannon, Nike, and Totes among others.

Hours: Monday through Saturday - 10 am to 9 pm; Sunday - 11 am to 5 pm

Specialty Shops:

Downtown Disney Marketplace
Location: Walt Disney World Resort
(Lake Buena Vista - near the junction of SR535 and I-4)

Several stores and restaurants. Among others the LEGO Imagination Center, the World of Disney stores, and the Rainforest Cafe.

Hours: Daily - 9:30 am to 11 pm

Downtown Orlando
It features more than 50 specialty shops and restaurant.

Hours: Daily - 11 am to 11 pm