|
|
The Magic Kingdom Park
The
Magic Kingdom park is what usually springs to mind for most people
when you mention Disney World (or Walt Disney World Resort, to
give it its full name), probably because it was the first of the
four parks to be opened (in 1971). 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!
|
| |
|
|
|
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Disney's
Animal Kingdom, opened in 1998, is the most recent addition to
Walt Disney World Resort and is the largest Disney theme park in
the world. Animal conservation was a subject close to Walt
Disney's heart and the creators of the park have designed it
around this theme, which makes the Animal Kingdom a great
combination of the magic and fun of Disney and the beauty and
splendor of Mother Nature. 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'. 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'.
|
| |
|
|
|
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Take
a journey through 'tinsel town', courtesy of the Disney's Hollywood Studios
(formerly known as MGM Studios),
where the theme is Hollywood classic movies and popular
television entertainment. Battle imperial star-fighters in the
'Star Tours' motion simulator, then take your seats for the
exciting live show 'Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular', Jim
Henson's 'Muppet 3D Movie', and other superb live shows like 'The
Hunchback of Notre Dame'. The afternoon parade features characters
from the latest animated Disney blockbuster. For lovers of roller
coasters, don't miss the 'Rock 'N' Roller Coaster Starring
Aerosmith'. The highlight for many guests is the nighttime show
'Fantasmic!', as Mickey Mouse battles evil fantasy villains with a
barrage of fireworks, water and lasers.
|
| |
|
|
|
Epcot
The
Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow - known by its
acronym EPCOT - was the second park to be built and opened in
1982. With its dual themes of international culture and
technological innovation, EPCOT is a showcase for cutting edge
technology and an eclectic mix of international entertainment and
cuisine. In 'Future World', you get an enthralling look at the
very latest developments in science and technology and their
impact on our modern world, all presented 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 be sure to stay for 'Illuminations: Reflections
of Earth', performed every night around the 'World Showcase
Lagoon' - it's truly a breathtaking event.
|
| |
|
|
|
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 21s, but there's jazz, comedy, hip hop, and
country and western on offer as well. Visit the 'Adventurers
Club', 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!
|
| |
|
|
|
Downtown Disney West Side
The
'West Side' features a huge Virgin Megastore for cheap CDs, 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 'Bongo's 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 theatre and circus artistry, is hard to
describe and although it's not the cheapest ticket in town, it's
worth every penny.
|
| |
|
|
|
The Disney water parks
'Blizzard Beach' and 'Typhoon Lagoon' - are great fun and suitable for all
ages. Make sure you have sun block with you and keep re-applying
it at regular intervals. In the blazing heat of the summer 2-3
hours without any shade is plenty, so don't be tempted to overdo
it, especially on your first day! Remember to drink plenty of
water too..
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'. Make 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 unique experience. Climb
into a real river raft, ride the rapids and avoid hungry dinosaurs
in the 'Virtual Jungle Cruise'. Design your own roller coaster and
then ride it on 'Cyberspace Mountain'. Explore five floors of
virtual fun with over 250 attractions, rides and games.
|
| |
|
|
|
Universal Studios
Park
number one is where Hollywood, movies and television come alive in
numerous rides, shows and attractions. 'Jaws' is always good
value, as is the revamped 'ET'. The 'Back to the Future' ride is
still one of the best simulator rides ever and 'Terminator 2:3-D'
is definitely worth the wait. 'Twister' will put the wind up you
and if you're a sucker for 'Lassie', head over to 'Animal Planet
Live'. 'Men in Black Alien Attack' is the newest addition - how it
ends depends on the amount of aliens you happen to ZAP! It's a
very full day and lots of fun.
|
| |
|
|
|
Islands Of Adventure
Park
number two is an all-new theme park definitely designed for the
21st century. You'll experience some of the world's most advanced
ride and show technologies on five exciting islands. 'Seuss
Landing' is where you'll see The Cat in the Hat, hurtle around the
'Last Continent' on 'Dueling Dragons' and ride 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 its kind in the world),
as well as the 'Incredible Hulk Coaster' with its cheek-chattering
inverted turns and loops.
|
| |
|
|
|
City Walk
This
is Universal's nighttime entertainment complex where you can enjoy
a top notch dinner at 'Emerils', a cocktail at Jimmy Buffet's
'Margaritaville' 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 at
'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.
|
| |
|
|
|
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 the Killer
Whale and family. If it's 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 the all new '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.
|
| |
|
|
|
Wet'n Wild
Orlando's
original 'Beach Within Reach' is very conveniently located on
International Drive right in the heart of 'Touristville'. 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; there's a very safe water playground where toddlers
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.
|
| |
|
|
|
Busch Gardens
Located
in Tampa and an hour's 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, and so is the off-road adventure on
'Rhino Rally'. The park is best known for an incredible collection
of roller coasters like 'Montu', 'Kumba' and the new 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 too over the top, then grab a cool beer instead - the park is
owned by Budweiser, so there's no shortage of refreshment here!
|
| |
|
|
|
Kennedy Space Center
The
home of America's space program, the Kennedy Space Center features
a variety of exhibits, shows and tours which are both interesting
and informative. An hour's drive from Orlando, it's 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!
|
| |
|
|
|
Gatorland
'Gatorland'
is a reasonably priced and entertaining half day attraction that
kids particularly will enjoy. This is gator capital of the world,
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 - amateur ornithologists will be in their
element. 'Jungle Crocs of the World' features some more fearsome
imports and feeding time is not to be missed!
|
| |
|
|
|
Daytona Beach
For
something completely different, the world famous Daytona Beach is
definitely worth the drive - literally! While the 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 which
you can drive onto and park. Take I-4 east for about 60 miles.
Daytona is approximately 1 ½ hour's drive from Orlando.
|
| |
|
|
|
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 one hour's drive from Orlando.
Head east on Bee Line Expressway (Hwy 528).
|
| |
|
|
|
New Smyrna Beach
One
of Orlando's closet beaches, New Smyrna features a historic
district, as well as shops, marinas and restaurants. New Smyrna
Beach is about one hour's drive from Orlando.
|
| |
|
|
|
St. Petersburg & Clearwater
Florida's
Gulf coast beaches are where all you beach lovers will want to be!
A ninety minute drive from Orlando, the towns of Clearwater and St
Petersburg are on a peninsula bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to
the west and Tampa Bay to the east. There are 35 miles of
beautiful white-sand beaches on some 20 barrier islands. If lazing
on the beach isn't for you, then why not hire a speedboat, go
sailing or take a fishing trip? St Petersburg has an attractive
and lively downtown area located on the waterfront, offering
plenty of opportunities for shopping and dining.
|
| |
|
|
|
Golf Courses
The
following golf courses are all within 7 miles of the villa:
ChampionsGate
Golf Resort: regarded as one of the top golf courses nationwide.
This 36 hole resort was designed by Greg Norman. One course, the
International, is a links style course reminiscent of the top UK
courses: the other, the National, is an American style course.www.championsgategolf.com
Reunion Resort: listed on Golfweek's list of "America's Top 40 New
Courses for 2005", the three full courses at the spectacular multi
million dollar resort were designed by three of golf's great
masters, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus. www.reunionresort.com
Ridgewood
Lakes Golf Club: listed amongst the top 30 golf courses in
Florida. Web site: www.ridgewoodlakesgolf.com
Mystic
Dunes Golf Club: ranked Orlando's number two after ChampionsGate.
See www.mysticdunesgolf.com
for details.
Highlands
Reserve Golf Club: rated 3.5 stars by Golf Digest's 'Places to
Play' guide. Visit www.highlandsreserve-golf.com to find out
more.
Celebration
Golf Club: renowned club which has hosted several prestigious
tournaments in recent years. Go to www.celebrationgolf.com
|
|
Dolby Properties
If
you're considering buying an investment property in Florida, we
recommend you contact the team at Dolby
Properties. We really appreciated their enthusiasm, professional
experience and willingness to help during every stage of the
process!
|
|