Theme Parks and other less well known Attractions

By Carol Chant

Posted on 07.25.05

Orlando, Florida, the number one holiday destination in the world. Where else can you find the combination of sunshine, blue skies and so much to entertain the whole family.

With so much to see and do the natural inclination is to start with a trip to the Four Main Walt Disney World Theme Parks at Epcot, Magic Kingdom, MGM Studios and Animal Kingdom and the Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon Water Parks. Disney is adding new attractions all the time and some of the most recent are Space and Soarin at Epcot and Philharmagic at the Magic Kingdom. MGM Studios have recently opened their new stunt show with cars performing death-defying feats in a new purpose built arena. Animal Kingdom is due to open a new exciting roller coaster ride next year.

As well as Disney, there are the two Universal Theme Parks; the Universal Studios Park where you ride the movies and Islands of Adventure with it’s cartoon and superhero theme. The Universal Theme Park has recently opened its newest ride, Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride. This is a roller coaster with a difference, hang on and be prepared to experience fireballs, scarab beetles and an army of warrior mummies.

Sea World is a more relaxing day where you can marvel at Dolphin and Killer Whale Shows as well as seeing many marine animals, including the Manatee. In addition there are thrill rides like the Kraken for the more adventurous.

However, there is a great deal more to the area than the main Theme Parks.

For a really good view of the original Florida, a ride on an Airboat is a not to be missed adventure. Boggy Creek Airboats just South of the Orlando International Airport are probably the best known of many operators in the area. There you can take a 30-minute airboat ride. With earmuffs to deaden the sound of the jet engine on the back of the boat, you can skim across the surface of the lake, twisting and turning at high speed, with the wind on your face. Stopping here and there to look at alligators, turtles and other wildlife in the water around you and Eagle nests in the trees above.

Florida’s original Theme Park at Cypress Gardens has re-opened with a completely new look. The historic botanical gardens with the Southern Belles in their beautiful dresses will again be on show, as will the world famous water-skiing. You can visit a turn of the century working village and come face to face with Florida’s native animals. A new and exciting addition is 37 rides, including 4 roller coasters and the world’s tallest spinning rapids ride. A great day out for all the family. Cypress Gardens is located at Winter Haven, just 30 minutes south of Disney.

On South Orange Blossom Trail there is the home of the Florida’s oldest inhabitants, the alligator. Visit Gatorland for a view of the alligator in its natural habitat, from the boardwalk walkway with towers overlooking the river, you will be amazed at their size and number. There are many shows including the world famous Jumperoo where meat is suspended over the alligator's heads and alligators jump into the air to snatch the food from a pole. The display of reptiles from all over the world and the poisonous snake shows are a ‘must see’. There is also a Florida Bear called Judy. There is a new Railroad train, which will give you as many rides as you want around the park. A very good day out for all the family and you can even taste alligator meat at the barbecue shack.



Trademarks as appropriate to:
Disney
Universal
Sea World
Gatorland
Cypress Gardens
Boggy Creek Airboats

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