It’s usually around this time of year, when the weather is still disagreeable for most, that people start to think about their summer vacation. If it’s a US destination that you seek, a place that has a little something for the entire family, then look no further than Orlando, Florida. You are pretty much assured nice weather as the climate is good year round, and the number of attractions are second to none.
Theme parks abound in Orlando, with Walt Disney World being the jewel in the crown. It comprises 4 theme parks (Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom), as well as two giant water parks. The park also boasts over 20 themed hotels, allowing you to limit your visit to Disney alone, or use it as a base for the rest of your trip.
Two other theme parks that are a must see are, Universal Orlando Resort, a movie themed resort that has expanded to include, The Islands of Adventure and, City Walk, an area with a number of pubs, clubs and other adult oriented attractions. SeaWorld is an aquatic based theme park that boasts a wide array of sea creatures that entertain guests with daily interactive shows. It’s not just fishy fun at the park though, as there is also a variety of roller coasters and other rides to please the thrill seekers in your family.
Sports lovers will get a kick out of Orlando too. The great weather makes it a perfect spot for golfers and the area is host to numerous world class courses. Baseball fans can take in spring training and hoops fans can catch some live NBA action with the Orlando Magic. Also within close proximity to the city is Daytona International Speedway, home of the Daytona 500 NASCAR race.
For those interested in the arts, Orlando is home to a number of great museums; The Orlando Museum of Art is devoted to American works and features an exhibition of glass sculptor, Dale Chihuly, a display that had garnered critical acclaim worldwide. If it’s a more hands on experience you are looking for, then a visit to the Orlando Science Center may just be what you are looking for. Chock full of interactive exhibits, it’s a spot that kids will love. The center is also home to an exhibit called, “Our Body, the Universe Within”, which features preserved human cadavers. You will also find Florida’s largest refracting telescope housed within the observatory, but why stare off into space when you can get a taste of the real thing.
A short drive outside of Orlando is the Kennedy Space Center, the home of NASA’s launch headquarters and a very popular vacation destination. Guests of the center can meet real astronauts, see rockets up close and personal, take a virtual trip into space in a flight training simulator and, if you are there are the right time, and catch a shuttle launch.
There are many more attractions, too numerous to mention here, and that is without even getting to the shopping and fine dining that Orlando is home to. It may take more than one visit to take it all in; a perfect scenario given that one trip there will leave you begging for more.
