Walt Disney World
Located in Lake Buena Vista / Kissimmee, Walt Disney World is an enchanting and magical universe of fantastic amusement and diverse entertainment experiences, and all the loveable Disney characters. Discover fun, excitement and wonder throughout Disney's four major theme parks: The Magic Kingdom, which offers attractions and live shows depicting popular Disney stories and fantasy themes; Epcot, a world's fair-like vision of the present and future themed around countries, technology, Earth and the future; Disney-MGM Studios, with popular movie-themed attractions; and Disney's Animal Kingdom, a park built around animal-themed attractions, live shows, safaris, action and thrill rides and educating the public about preserving wildlife and their habitats. In 2004, the Festival of the Lion King was Voted Best Family Attraction by ThemeParkInsider.com.
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando provides a unique vacation experience with two theme parks that define state-of-the-art entertainment, three extraordinary hotels and a thriving nightlife. Feel the energy of the world s first 3-D cyber adventure, zap an army of marauding aliens, soar through time and space, fly to the stars, and face the fury of a full-blown tornado at Universal Studios Theme Park. The Revenge of the Mummy was voted Best New Attraction in 2004 by ThemeParkInsider.com. Universal s Islands of Adventure is America s hottest new theme park. Journey through five islands of adventure, where you will defy gravity, escape the jaws of a T-rex, brave white water rapids, face the world s first inverted dueling roller coasters, and battle evil high above the city streets. The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man was voted Best Attraction by ThemeParkInsider.com in 2004. City Walk is a 30-acre entertainment complex located between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
Sea World Orlando Adventure Park
Sea World Orlando's 200-acre, marine-themed park is filled with world-class shows, rides and interactive animal habitats. Open year-round at 9 a.m., their closing times change with the season with extended hours during the summer and holidays. Enjoy a full day of family shows and attractions.
Discovery Cove
Adjacent to Sea World, Discovery Cove is a unique tropical hideaway, offering up close experiences with sea life. Relax on pristine beaches. Soak in the stillness as you find yourself surrounded by acres of lush greens and deep blues. Feel the lure of the sparkling lagoons, reefs and grottos. Experience both power and playfulness during your swim with a bottlenose dolphin and glide through the waves. It's the centerpiece of your visit and a once-in-a-lifetime thrill. After swimming under a picturesque waterfall, you'll enter a series of free-flight aviaries that tower above you. Touch, feed and get acquainted with hundreds of colorful tropical birds and wildlife. Snorkel amid thousands of rays and exotic fish, and explore the splendor of coral reefs and grottos - an experience as vivid as the colours you'll encounter. Get in the water and interact with dolphins, rays and many other types of organisms. Your admission price might seem steep compared to other attractions in Central Florida , but admission to Discovery Cove also gains you access to Sea World for seven days.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens is a world-class amusement park that features state-of-the-art coasters, live shows, fun attractions, and a gigantic animal preservation park with animals from around the world and highlighting African animals (and the African theme runs throughout much of the park). Busch Gardens has many live shows and new attractions, such as R. L. Stine's Haunted Lighthouse in 4-D.
Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba Show
Experience a fantastic choreographic and electrifying theatrical event with spectacular light, sound and special effects and an acrobatic carnival of human feats. Within the tent-like facade, but permanent comfortable theater, you'll experience a cornucopia of circus art, Broadway and acrobatic prowess. Discover virtual reality and other interactive gaming and electronic entertainment experiences at Disney Quest Indoor Interactive Theme Park
Downtown Disney
Indulge in an urban playground that s alive with unique shops, restaurants and exciting entertainment. Explore the Downtown Disney Marketplace, home to the largest Disney character store in the world, Downtown Disney West Side - with wonderful restaurants, theaters, shows and amusement - and Pleasure Island, a party paradise of live performances and lively nightclubs..
Fantasy of Flight
See vintage aircraft such as a British Spitfire, B-24 Liberator, Short Sutherland (a four engine flying boat), B-17 Flying Fortress, Corsair and more. Try the Great Balloon Experience in which you ride a large, tethered gas balloon up to 600 ft. with views up to 25 miles. They also have many combat simulators where you sit in the cockpit of a Corsair over the Pacific during WWII in their "Fighter town", which you can visit as often as you want. Dine at the Compass Rose Restaurant, a 1930's art deco style diner with high ceilings. Fantasy of Flight is a 20 minute drive from Walt Disney World Resort.
Gatorland
Self-proclaimed as the "Alligator Capital of the World, Gatorland features alligators and crocodiles from around the world, including jungle crocs from Asia, Africa's Nile River, Cuba, South America and of course American crocs and gators. There are also shows that feature gator wrestling, jumping gators pursuing their lunch, and a Snakes of Florida show with poisonous diamondback rattlesnakes, water moccasins and deadly coral snakes. There's a small-scale train there, and a mini-water park for kids called Lilly's Pad. You will also enjoy a bird sanctuary, petting zoo, eco-tour, and a jungle excursion. If you are curious what alligators taste like, try their Gator Tail Nuggets and Gator Ribs, or go for some traditional fast food favorites.
Daytona USA® Motor sports
Daytona USA Motor sports features movies, tours, and simulators and is located at the world-famous racetrack, Daytona International Speedway where the Daytona 500 and Pepsi 400 races are held annually.
Orlando Science Center
Experience a world-class, interactive, modern science museum with excellent hands-on exhibits, an IMAX theater (at a very reasonable price) and a planetarium. Ripley's Believe It or Not! Orlando Auditorium - See displays and unique exhibits of bizarre oddities. It takes 1 to 2 hours to see all of the exhibits. Its building is set as if it's falling into a sinkhole.
Silver Springs and Wild Waters Water Park at Silver Springs
Approximately 72 miles from the Orlando/Kissimmee attractions area, you'll discover natural aquatic fun! Glass-bottom boats cruise on the Silver River which emanates from Silver Springs, a natural spring outflow from the Florida aquifer which gushes out 550 million gallons of crystal clear water every day. See their new Jeep Safari ride. All cruises and shows have cover from rain and the sun. Free animal kennels and picnic grounds are provided. Adjacent, Wild Waters Water Park offers thrilling water rides, attractions, and pools for the entire family (March to Sept.).
SkyVenture
Fly on a 120 m.p.h. column of air and experience the thrill of sky diving . . . inside! Put on a flight suit and helmet and enter a padded chamber with an assistant who will help to prevent you from bumping into the walls. Watch from their free public viewing room - just on the other side of the glass from the flyers. See formation flyers, novices and everyone in between. Even George Bush Sr. did it! Old Town - Situated on Hwy. 192 in Kissimmee, this collection of gift shops also offers amusements and thrill rides. Dads can seek relief from shopping at the 'Saturday Night Cruise' featuring a variety of classic cars.
Reptile World Serpentarium
This is a unique and educational attraction providing all the right ingredients to make your skin crawl. Visitors can watch a snake handler extracting poisonous venom from cobras, rattlesnakes, and other deadly serpents. The indoor exhibits house more than 60 species of reptiles, and it’s the largest of its kind in central Florida.
Old Town
Essentially, this is a tourist-oriented shopping mall filled with around 75 stores covering the usual array of gifts, novelties, and souvenirs – kitsch or otherwise. What sets it apart from other gift shop strips are the numerous entertainment options: a cheerful 18-ride amusement park, Laser Tag, a Haunted House, carousel, live music performances, and a vintage car show every Friday and Saturday night. It’s very much about family fun, and there’s no charge for admission, although the carnival rides are priced separately. On a warm Florida night, the feeling is one of strolling the bustling midway of a state fair.
World of Orchids
This unusual and serene spot was founded in 1983 by a couple who moved north when their Miami orchid nursery was destroyed by Hurricane Andrew. There are more than 1,000 orchids on display in the conservatory and outside on the nature walk, both of which are densely and beautifully landscaped.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
North of the space center, the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 140,000 acres of land owned by NASA. More than 500 species of animals reside here. Visitors to the refuge may see bald eagles, manatees and loggerhead sea turtles.
Golf
Champions Gate, Polo Park East, Highlands Reserve Golf Course, Ridgewood Lakes Golf Club are just a few of the magnificent greens surrounding our fabulous Florida golf vacation rental. All are just a short drive away.
Fishing
If you are looking for the excitement of trophy bass fishing while visiting Orlando Florida, take a guided bass fishing trip with Florida Bass Adventures Guide Steve Boyd. A Full Time Trophy Bass Fishing Guide and tournament angler that knows how to provide the ultimate trophy bass fishing experience for his clients. Catching big bass and creating memories that last a lifetime are what his bass fishing guide trips are all about!
Lake Tohopekaliga plays host to some of the largest professional Bass tournaments in the world. Florida is the fishing capital of the world. The saltwater fishing is a little extreme with so much central Florida coastline. There is nothing to compare to fishing Mosquito lagoon for Bull Redfish or on the Flats. Tarpon fishing is the next extreme, this silver king can run up to 200 lbs. South Cocoa Beach is only 45 min. east of Orlando or Kissimmee. Port Canaveral has the most Florida fishing records.
Airboat rides (a must!)
See areas that ordinary boat tours can not access, large alligators in their natural habitat, beautiful bald eagles, exotic birds, turtles, moss covered cypress, serene surroundings - this and much more from your boat. The fun and excitement of an airboat tour is something you will remember for years to come.
When planning a trip to a theme park or other entertainments always allow plenty of time (for the unexpected). Also remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring extra film as you're sure to need it!
