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Busch Gardens / Sea World
Both of these great theme parks are part of the Anheuser Busch family, and as such they offer the type of quality
experience that brings people back time and time again. They're also a showcase for many Anheuser Busch products and
free liquid samples are on offer to the over 21's!
For years small children have been chanting “Shamu, Shamu, Shamu” at the very mention of SeaWorld® Adventure Park.
Well, the killer whales are still there, along with polar bears, birds of all shapes and sizes and some amazingly
friendly dolphins. For those seeking a little more active stimulation the park has spent the last few years adding
some truly incredible thrill rides.
SeaWorld® Adventure Park sister park is Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, an easy 60 minute drive from Orlando. Animals and
adrenaline are in abundance as thrill ride enthusiasts from all over the world loop the loop and defy gravity high
over the African plains!
With it's new name and new look, SeaWorld® Adventure Park is a great idea for the first full day of your holiday -
stadium style shows means there's tons to see without having to line up in the searing heat
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has long been a favorite with visitors of all ages. A combination of animal encounters and
superb white knuckle thrill rides, the park caters to a variety of tastes and age groups.
Let's Do Disney! It's massive, it's magnificent! The Walt Disney World® Resort covers over
47 square miles, hosts thousands of visitors each day and we're about to give you a crash course in finding your way
around.
There are 4 major theme parks, Magic Kingdom® Park, Epcot®, Disney-MGM Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park.
There are also 2 waterparks, Disney's Blizzard Beach and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon. Choose from 2 nightime entertainment
complexes, DOWNTOWN DISNEY West Side, or Pleasure Island.
Disney's Wide World Of Sports™ Complex is 200 acres of sporting action, while shoppers should head for DOWNTOWN DISNEY
Marketplace. There are also numerous Disney Resort Hotels and 5 championship golf courses.
Walking between the Disney theme parks is not an option due to the distance involved. Use of the Disney monorail,
ferryboats, and buses while on Disney property is included with your tickets so give those feet a rest! If you intend
to go by car be sure to write down the name of your row (Goofy 5, Minnie 3, etc), as the parking lots at Disney are vast!
Lockers are available so don't haul around lots of surplus items. When shopping avoid haulage altogether by utilizing
'Package Pick Up' and collect your purchases as you leave (Great idea!). Strollers and wheelchairs can be rented to
speed your progress and do carry some water to avoid overheating.
Always get to the big theme parks as early as you can. You'll see more in the first couple of hours than you will all
afternoon when the crowds reach their peak. Pick up a park map and entertainment schedule upon arrival.
Operating hours vary from park to park and season to season - you can call 1 800-W-DISNEY or (407) 824 2222 for
general Disney information or to be connected to any location on Disney property. For Disney Dining reservations,
which we strongly recommend, call (407) WDW-DINE (407 939-3463).
Kennedy Space Centre
Budding astronauts and their parents will thoroughly enjoy a visit to the Kennedy Space Center. It's an hour from
Orlando and well worth the drive. It comprises 70 plus acres of space hardware, artifacts from four decades of space
exploration, lots of excellent exhibits and some superb film and video presentations. Inside the main visitor complex
your first stop should be booking one of several spectacular IMAX movies, along with a bus tour that will take you to
view the Space Shuttle launch pad from the observation gantry and the gigantic Vehicle Assembly Building.
The Apollo/Saturn V Center is also a scheduled stop and features the most awesome piece of hardware you'll ever get to
stand underneath! The final item on the tour is an impressive close-up look at the International Space Station
(a fascinating peek at your tax dollars at work!)
After the film and the tour its time to take in the rest of the visitor complex. Astronaut Encounter is a unique live
show featuring face to face question and answer sessions with real astronauts! It's all very inspirational stuff!
The Rocket Garden is worth a look as it contains many very interesting space projectiles (how on earth did those things
ever fly?) and right next door is a space shuttle mock up. All this however, pales by comparison should you get lucky
and your visit coincides with an actual launch. It's worth noting that younger kids might space out on some exhibits -
if that's the case check out the Children's Play Dome. However for most kids of school age, it's one of the best science
lessons they'll ever have!
Old Town Don't miss Old Town in Kissimee. It is a stretch of shops and restaurants, amusement arcades, rides, fun fair, it's really worth a visit. Go at night when it's all lit up and music's playing. Some of the shops are really unusual. On Saturday nights the locals parade their customised cars around Old Town for the tourists. Also, they have one of those 200ft high rides that up to three people can jump off in a sling and feel like they're flying. Thats great to watch.
Universal Studios
Universal's family of theme parks, hotels, and entertainment complexes has developed into a truly first rate destination
with 2 amazing theme parks, Universal Studios® and Universal's Islands of Adventure. The great dining and entertainment
complex CityWalk® and several world class on-site hotels round out Universal Orlando ResortSM, making it a premier
destination of its own.
Getting there is now a lot easier. Universal Boulevard runs right into International Drive or you can approach from
either direction on I-4. You'll leave your vehicle in a MASSIVE multi story parking lot (write down where you park!).
Then a series of escalators and moving walkways deliver you to the entrance of CityWalk® a night-time entertainment
complex featuring some excellent themed restaurants, night clubs, bars, and unique shops. Once you've strolled through
CityWalk®, you can either bear left to Universal's Islands of Adventure or head to the right and aim straight for
Universal Studios® (You can easily walk between these 2 theme parks, which is unusual for Orlando).
Lockers are available and you can also rent strollers and wheelchairs if needed. Get to Universal as early as you can.
You'll see more in the first couple of hours than you will all afternoon when the crowds reach their peak.
(With certain Universal Orlando Resort Multi-Day Tickets extra early admission is included) Pick up a park map and
entertainment schedule upon arrival - take a few moments to read it and plan your day to include some 'sit-down' shows
(your feet will appreciate it!).
Operating hours vary from park to park and season to season - you can call (407) 363-8000 for information or to be
connected to any location on Universal property. For Universal Dining we strongly recommend making a reservation by
calling (407) 224-WALK.
Wet 'n' Wild
Located in the International Drive Resort Area, Orlando's original waterpark is a great day out for all ages with it's
emphasis on multi person rides that groups can enjoy together. After lathering up with sunscreen (waterproof SPF 30
is recommended) load the family onto the phenomenal Flyer, a four passenger 'bobsled' run. On the four passenger Surge
or Bubba Tub everyone can climb aboard for a good soaking! All 3 are full of drops, twists, banked curves and have a
big wet finish! Smaller kids have their own very safe miniature playground to swish around in with mini versions of the
parks big thrill rides. Lifeguards are constantly watchful and soft rubberized surfaces protect little bottoms from
scrapes and bumps.
Bigger kids of all ages can have their fun in the huge wave pool where you can rent tubes to float around on - any other
pool toys must have lifeguard approval. If you get the chance, try out Hydra Fighter - a self propelled soak'em and
swing'em ride that uses high-pressure hoses to send two riders on a high tech squirt-a-thon!
The Lazy River circles the West Side of the park at a very leisurely bob so basically all you have to do is lie there
and bronze! Knee Ski also involves circles, though you're travelling a lot faster and hanging on for dear life, as you
try and master a kneeboard! Daredevils will want to have a go on Der Stuka (the name says it all!) and the Bomb Bay,
where the floor is literally pulled out from underneath you!
The Mach 5 is a more moderate ride where guests glide through turns on a mat. If you're up for a darker challenge ride
a tube through the pitch-black twists and turns of the Black Hole.
For further detailed information, check out www.orlandoattractions.com