Voice of Travel

Orlando, Florida

There are a lot of things to do in Orlando.  One of the main reasons families visit Orlando is to visit the theme parks.  There are so many, that no matter how many times you go, there is always something new to see.  There are things to do for people of all ages, and everyone will have a great time.  Here are just some of the many things you can do in Orlando, Florida.

Walt Disney World – There are many things for families to do in Walt Disney World.  There are four theme parks, two water parks, and a whole lot more.

• Magic Kingdom:  This is the theme park with Cinderella’s Castle.  There are many rides and attractions for every age, although this is probably the park with the most to do for younger children.  They have parades daily, as well as fireworks at night before they close.  There are multiple restaurants and shops, and you will find plenty to keep you busy.
• Epcot:  There are two major parts to Epcot.  There is Future World, which has many interesting, educational, and fun rides.  There is also the World Showcase, which has 11 pavilions representing different countries. Each country has restaurants, things to see or do, as well as shops. They are also very educational, as well as fun.  At night they have a show called IllumiNations around the World Showcase Lagoon, with fireworks and a lot more.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios:  This is the “movie studios” park, with almost everything related to showbiz.  You will find a few great thrill rides, as well as many rides and attractions dedicated to showbiz.  There are also a lot of restaurants and shops.  At night there is Fantasmic, an amazing show done with special effects and some of your favorite Disney characters.
• Animal Kingdom:  As you would expect, there are many animals in the Animal Kingdom.  There is a lot more to do then just look at the animals though.  There are a lot of rides and attractions, including a safari ride, river rapids, and thrill rides.  Of course there are also many restaurants and shops, all that are a lot of fun to visit.
• Blizzard Beach:  The legend of Blizzard Beach is that there was once a freak snow storm, so Florida’s first ski resort was built.  Of course, soon after the weather returned to normal, so everything melted, leaving this water park.  There are many water rides, slides, and more to keep families of all ages occupied.
• Typhoon Lagoon:  The legend of Typhoon Lagoon was that at one time a furious storm came through Florida, blowing everything all over the place.  What is left is Typhoon Lagoon, a water park with lots of rides and attractions, as well as a wave pool.
• Downtown Disney:  Downtown Disney has many shopping locations and restaurants.  Also located here is DisneyQuest, which has five floors of games to play and is known as an indoor interactive theme park.  There is also a Cirque De Soleil show called La Nouba here.

There is even more to do at Walt Disney World, including golf, spas, Disney’s Boardwalk, and more.  Since Disney World is meant for families, almost everything is kid friendly.  You will find restaurants where you can eat with your favorite characters, stores where the kids can play while shopping, and lots of other pleasant surprises that will make everyone’s trip magical.

Universal Studios – There are 2 theme parks in Universal Studios.  There is the original, Universal Studios Orlando, and the newest addition, Islands of Adventure.  These both have many rides, attractions, restaurants, shopping, and more.  There is also Universal Citywalk, which includes shopping and restaurants.  There are rides and attractions for people at every age, so no one will be left out, and everyone will have a lot of fun. Plus, for everyone who loves Harry Potter, there is of course a section dedicated to the movies and books as well, and they plan on adding on even more to it.

Sea World – This is a marine theme park, with many rides, animal attractions, and exhibits.  There is also shopping, and many restaurants.  For anyone who likes watching dolphins, sharks, and a lot more, this is a lot of fun.

Discovery Cove – This is Orlando’s only “reservations-only” adventure.  They only allow 1,000 people in per day, so that each person gets to interact with the dolphins, birds, fish, and rays.  Some of the attractions include a dolphin swim, ray lagoon, aviary, resort pool, coral reef, and tropical river swim.  This is an all-inclusive adventure, although you can choose to purchase the dolphin swim or not.  Everything else is included, so you won’t have to pay extra for any meals, snacks, or drinks.

Legoland – This is Orlando’s newest theme park, which recently opened. While this theme park is geared towards children, anyone who enjoys looking at things made out of Legos will have a good time. They are already expanding, and will have a new waterpark that opens in the summer of 2012.

Gatorland – Gatorland is a 110 acre alligator theme park and wildlife preserve.  Some of the attractions include alligator island, Lilly’s pad, snakes of Florida, a train ride, flamingo lagoon, aviary, breeding marsh, jungle crocks, Allie’s barnyard, swamp walk, and more.

Wet & Wild – Wet & Wild is a water theme park, with over 30 acres of slides and other water rides and activities.  There are rides just for kids, easy going rides, multi-person rides, as well as thrill rides.  Families of any ages will find something they like here.

Orlando Science Center – There are many hands on attractions and exhibits that kids of any age will enjoy learning about and playing with.  They also have a planetarium as well as a CineDome theater showing different movies every hour.

Besides the theme parks, there are many shopping locations, restaurants, dinner shows, and more.  Because this is a huge tourist destination for families, you will find that almost everything is geared towards families, and you will have many choices of what to do.

Are you ready to plan your next vacation? Don’t wait any longer. Book your trip to Orlando, Florida today and have a great family vacation!