by: John Higgins
Orlando, Florida is filled with attractions for
vacationers of every age group; it is known for its
beaches, golf courses, night life, museums, restaurants,
and theme parks. Three all-time tourist
favorites include Disney World, Busch Gardens, and
Universal Studios,
Florida.
Disney World:
The home of Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck is a
perennial favorite with not just kids for whom it offers
a mind boggling range of things to see and do. The
overwhelming extent of experiences that Disney World
offers ensures that adults too have a great time.
Accommodation at Walt Disney World, which has over
twenty hotels, offers a choice to suit every wallet. The
Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Disney Contemporary
Resort are two of the most popular resorts
with a unique theme and excellent service. Vacationers
can take advantage of the various promotional packages
offered by Disney World from time to time. In one visit,
it is not possible to take in all the rides and get
one's fill of everything that Disney World has to offer;
however there are some classic rides such as Space
Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Peter Pan,
Primeval Whirl, etc. The Magic Kingdom, which is spread
over 100 acres, can be accessed via the
Monorail or the Steamer. It has several attractions of
which the chance to pose with Disney characters and
getting their autographs is high on the wish-list of
many children. It is best to enjoy Disney World in the
company of a local acquaintance who can point out the
major attractions and also the early-entry days during
which hotel-guests are allowed to enter early.
Busch Gardens:
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is an approximately one-hour
drive from
Orlando. Many vacationers find its location, which is
away from the
hustle and bustle of Orlando, to be an added attraction.
The Busch
Garden Shuttle Express is a free service with a 5-Park
Orlando Flexi
Ticket; it's an alternative for those do not wish to
travel to the
park by road. Busch Gardens offer several exciting
attractions that
replicate the wonders of Africa. The wildlife includes
more than 2,000
animals and thrilling roller-coaster rides are a hit
with the kids and
adults alike. The Sky Ride cable car affords an
excellent view of the
park. Attractions at the park also include the Serengeti
Railway that
has several stations around the park; the Haunted
Lighthouse, which is
a 4D show for kids over seven; KaTonga, which is a
35-minute musical
celebrating African fables; the tomb of King Tut;
Serengeti Safari
tours; the slides and rides at the Land of the Dragon,
and many
others. Food at the Busch Gardens ranges from pizzas and
turkey legs
at Quick Bite and fine dining at the Crown Colony
Restaurant.
Preferred parking is available alongside the main
entrance.
Universal Studios Florida:
Universal Studios in Orlando is the largest studio
outside Hollywood.
This major tourist attraction of Hollywood has some very
popular rides
and experiences that are based on hit movies. Terminator
2 is a
high-tech 3D adventure; Back to the Future is a
simulated ride that
has one falling down volcanic tunnels; Twister and
Earthquake are
other thrill-a-minute shows in which an individual
experiences a
five-storey volcano and the power of an earthquake.
Other attractions
at Universal include Kong, Nickelodeon, ET, the Animal
Show, etc. The
main rides and attractions are at the edges of the
oval-shaped
Universal plot, which is quite huge. Priority parking
and valet
parking are available, these make exiting the Universal
premises at
the end of a fun-filled but tiring day a little easier.