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Area
Guide....
The
Magic Kingdom Park
The
Magic Kingdom Park is what springs to mind for most people when
you mention Disney. The park does get busy so get there early
and you'll see so much more. Stop by the home of the world's
most famous mouse in 'Mickey Toontown Fair' and have a look
at where the big cheese actually lives. Take a thrill ride across
the galaxy on' Space Mountain', explore the ghostly happenings
at the Haunted Mansion, or prepare to get wet with Brer Rabbit
and friends on 'Splash Mountain'. Do try and catch one of the
wonderful parades featuring some of your favorite Disney characters,
and don't come home before you've seen the fireworks high above
Cinderella Castle. It's a long day but an absolute must![back
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Disney's
Animal Kingdom
Disney's
Animal Kingdom Theme Park is an adventure involving the very
real, the imaginary and the extinct! Ride 'Kilimanjaro Safaris'
where the animals are almost close enough to touch. Come face
to face with a magnificent troop of gorillas, or travel back
in time on 'Dinosaur'. Asia is the newest area of the park where
you can cool off on 'Kali River Rapids'. Animal Kingdom is a
great combination of the magic and fun of Disney and all that
mother nature has to offer. Make sure you get there early when
the animals are at their most active and don't miss the 'Lion
King Stage Show' and the highly amusing 'It's Tough To Be A
Bug'.[back
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Disney
Hollywood Studios
Take
a journey through 'tinsel town', courtesy of the Disney Hollywood
Studios. Battle imperial star-fighters on Star Tours, then it's
on to the exciting Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Jim
Henson's Muppet 3D movie, and superb live shows like the Hunchback
Of Notre Dame. Try and make time for the afternoon parade. The
highlight for many guests is 'Fantasmic!' as Mickey Mouse battles
the evil fantasy villains with a barrage of fireworks, water
and lasers and don't miss the Rock N Roller Coaster Starring
Aerosmith.[back
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Epcot
The
Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow is a showcase for
cutting edge technology along with an eclectic mix of international
entertainment and cuisine. In Future World you get an enthralling
look at how our modern world has developed along the very latest
developments in science and technology, and it's all done in
a fun and often interactive setting. Make sure you see 'Honey
I Shrunk The Audience'- Disney's 3D magic is not to be missed!
World Showcase, on the other hand, features the traditions and
cultures of people from around the world. Eat and drink your
way around the globe in a day and don't miss 'Illuminations:
Reflections of Earth' every night around the World Showcase
lagoon - it's truly a breathtaking event.[back
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Pleasure
Island
If
it's clubbing you're into then head over to Downtown Disney
Pleasure Island - 'Mannequins' is a dance palace of epic proportions
for over 21's, or there's jazz, comedy, hip hop, and country
and western on offer as well The 'Adventurers Club' is a little
on the wacky side with its off the wall look at life in the
'Raj', then head outside with your family for a non-stop street
party with live shows and fireworks. Look out for some very
well known bands playing on the West End Stage and don't forget
to stay late![back
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Downtown
Disney West Side
The
West Side features a huge Virgin Mega store for cheap CD's,
a 20 cinema complex to catch the latest films, live music at
the House of Blues, and numerous excellent eateries like Wolfgang
Puck Café and Bongos Cuban Care. Disney Quest Indoor
Interactive Theme Park is a video game fanatics dream come true
with 5 floors of high tech entertainment! The amazing Cirque
Du Soleil, a mix of street theater and circus artistry, is hard
to describe and it's not the cheapest ticket in town - even
though it's worth every penny.[back
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Disney
water parks are great fun and suitable for all ages,
Makes sure you have some good sun block and keep re-applying
it throughout the day. In the blazing heat of the summer 3-4
hours without any shade is plenty so don't overdo it.
Disney's
Blizzard Beach
Water Park is a highly unusual ski resort where the snow has
melted and turned the place into a mecca for water rides and
slides - look out for the one and only 'Summit Plummet' and
hang onto that swimsuit.
Disney's
Typhoon Lagoon
Water Park is home to the biggest surf wave ever to hit Florida
and is a tropical paradise full of slick flumes and giant slides
like the 'Humunga Kowabunga'. Makes sure you take time to snorkel
'Sharks Reef'.
Disney
Quest
Disney
Quest is an Indoor Interactive Theme Park, combining cutting-edge
entertainment technologies such as virtual reality and 3-D with
Disney stories and characters to create a one of a kind experience.
Climb into a real river raft, ride the rapids and avoid hungry
dinosaurs in a Virtual Jungle Cruise. Design your own roller
coaster and then ride it on Cyberspace Mountain. Explore five
floor of virtual fun with over 250 attractions, rides and games.[back
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Universal
Studios
Park
number one is where Hollywood, movies and television come alive
in numerous excellent rides, shows and attractions. Jaws is
always good value as is the revamped ET. The Mummy and the Simpsons
are the newest rides and Terminator 2: 3-D is definitely worth
the wait. 'Twister' will definitely put the wind up you and
if you're a sucker for 'Lassie' head over to Animal Planet Live.
Men in Black Alien Attack - how it ends depends on the amount
of aliens you happen to ZAP! It's a very full day and lots of
fun.[back
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Islands
Of Adventure
Park
number two is definitely designed for the 21st Century. You'll
experience some of the world's most advanced ride and show technology
on five exciting islands. Seuss Landing is where you'll find
Cat In The Hat, hurtle around the Last Continent on 'Dueling
Dragons' and a monster of a water ride in Jurassic Park. Toon
Lagoon is full of high spirited cartoon fun and Marvel Super
Hero Island is where you'll find Spider-Man (the best ride of
it's kind in the world) and the Incredible Hulk Coaster with
it's cheek chattering inverted turns and loops.[back
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City
Walk
This
is Universals nighttime entertainment complex where you might
grab a top notch dinner at Emerils, a cocktail at Jimmy Buffet's
Margeritaville or dance the night away at The Groove. There's
also a 20 cinema complex with stadium seating that serves wine
and beer - who cares if the film's not great! Look out for top
name acts at Hard Rock Live and check out the infectious beat
of the Motown Café. You have to walk through CityWalk
to exit the two main theme parks so maybe take a break from
the crowds and stop for dinner or a drink at the end of a very
enjoyable day.[back
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Sea
World
This
Orlando favorite draws visitors back time and time again year
after year. Grab a show schedule upon arrival and plan your
assault on the park. Touch and feed dolphin, pet some perfectly
harmless sting rays or get face to face with Shamu and family.
If it is a hot day a front row seat at the whale show is a guaranteed
way to cool off, then dry your clothes in 60 seconds flat on
Kraken, a roller coaster without a floor! Journey to Atlantis
is part water ride part roller coaster and Wild Artic also features
a somewhat bumpy ride en route to some very cool encounters.[back
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Wet'n
Wild
Orlando's
original Beach Within Reach is very conveniently located on
International Drive right in the heart of 'Tourist-ville'. It's
well known for some great multi-person rides where the whole
family or group can splash around together. All ages are well
catered for and tiny tots have a very safe water playground
where they can paddle and slide in complete safety. 'Der Stuka'
is quite a ride as is 'The Bomb Bay' - the names say it all!
If you aren't into a daredevil descent then head over to the
aptly named Lazy River the best place in town to get a tan.
The Surge is a great place for a family get together as is the
Bubba Tub and it's a lot more fun than riding on your own.[back
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Busch
Gardens
Located
in Tampa and a hours drive from Orlando, Busch Gardens is a
335 acre African themed park featuring cleverly designed animal
attractions, thrilling rides and live entertainment. Edge Of
Africa is a lot of fun or take an off-road adventure on Rhino
Rally. The park is best known for an incredible collection of
roller coasters like Montu, Kumba and the dueling wooden roller
coaster Gwazi. The Tanganika Tidal Wave, is as the name suggests,
a good way to cool off but if that sounds a bit strenuous the
park is owned by Budweiser, so a free sample may be in order.[back
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Kennedy
Space Center
The
home of America's space program, Kennedy Space Center features
a variety of exhibits, shows and tours which are both interesting
and informative. An hour away from Orlando its very family friendly
and whether you're of the Apollo generation or a Shuttle space
cadet there's plenty to enjoy. Don't miss the stunning Imax
movie or the Spaceport USA bus tour which gets you out to the
observation gantry overlooking the biggest rockets you're ever
likely to see - if you're not careful this could be the most
fun you ever had in a science lesson![back
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Gatorland
The
Gator Capital Of The World is home to over 5000 of Florida's
original residents. The park is very concerned with the conservation
of the Florida Alligator so fun shows like Jumparoo and Gator
Wrestling have an educational side to them as well. A lot of
the activity centers around a beautiful breeding marsh, which
is also a haven for hundreds of birds-any amateur ornithologists
will have a great time. Jungle Crocs Of The World features some
more fearsome imports and feeding time is not to be missed!
Gatorland is a reasonably priced and entertaining half day attraction
that kids particularly will enjoy.[back
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Daytona
Beach
For
something completely different, the world famous Daytona Beach
is definitely worth the drive - literally! While surf may be
a little rough, you can actually enjoy this beach from the comfort
of your car, since it's one of the few beaches in the world
on which you can drive and park. Take I-4 east and drive for
about 60 miles. Daytona is approximately 1 ½ hours drive
from Orlando.[back
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Cocoa
Beach
Located
on Florida's Space Coast, (named after the Kennedy Space Center).
You'll find lots of amenities and a seemingly endless stretch
of sand. Cocoa Beach is approximately 1 hour drive from Orlando.
Head east on Bee Line Expressway (Hwy 528).[back
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New
Smyrna Beach
One
of Orlando's closest beaches, New Smyrna features a historic
district, plus shops, marinas and restaurant. New Smyrna Beach
is about one hour from Orlando.[back
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St.
Petersburg & Clearwater
Florida's
west coast beaches are where you want to be! Close to everything,
yet miles away. A beautiful peninsula located on Florida's West
coast, the area is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the west
and by Tampa Bay to the east. There is 35 miles of white-sand
beaches on some 20 barrier islands. Located just 30 minutes
to Busch Gardens in Tampa and 90 minutes to Walt Disney World
Resort in Orlando. [back
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