Orlando

Description

Orlando is an essential part of any Florida holiday. There are no less than eight major theme parks, all of which take at least a day to visit, some even two! Within Orlando there are four main areas to stay, Walt Disney World Resort, Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista and International Drive and all have their own benefits. Wherever you decide to stay, its the multiple attractions of this amazing place that will bring constant amusement to the whole family, day and night. Transfer approximately 40 mins from Sanford airport.

Orlando Resorts

International Drive
Kissimmee
Lake Buena Vista
Walt Disney World Resort

Back To Florida

Attractions

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
Universal Studios promises to offer more excitement per square foot than anywhere else. Universal still haven't finished with their plans, they still have 2,000 acres that they plan to develop at least two additional theme parks and more resorts. They have got a long way to go before they even get close to catching up Disney but have established themselves as a strong player within the attractions market. Whilst they battle it out it is the customers that reap the benefits, whether it is better value for money or greater variety and choice of attractions.
Universal Studios is the largest working film and television production studio outside of Hollywood. Whilst actors and actresses are busy filming visitors can enjoy the amazing array of rides, shows, movie sets and attractions. Like most of the parks Universal Studios is divided up into 6 zones, all of which amuse the family. Production Central, New York, San Francisco/Amity, World Expo, Woody Woodpeckers KidZone and Hollywood are the names of the zones which all contain incredible shows and awesome attractions.
Guests get the chance to take a peek at the behind the scenes secrets, see how make up artists create amazing special effects in the Universal Horror Make Up Show or experience an authentic 8.3 quake in a San Francisco subway station by simulation. It is important to make sure you have enough time to visit the most popular and exhilarating attractions, it is probably best to start with these as queues may be long depending on the time of day and year.

DISCOVERY COVE

Discovery Cove costs a little bit more than the other theme parks but for what is included it is worth it. To get the best value for money it is advisable to arrive early. The park doesn't tend to get crowded as they limit the number of guests to 1,000 per day. Because of this and its popularity it is recommended to book well in advance, especially during peak times. The park is set in a secluded and natural tropical setting, once inside it is hard to believe that the hustle and bustle of Orlando is just outside.
Practically everything is included in the price you pay, although there are two options to choose from depending on whether you wish to swim with the dolphins. Parking, breakfast, lunch, snacks and beverages, snorkel gear, wet suits, towels, lockers and beach chairs are all included in the price. Children of all ages are admitted to the park however they must be 6 or above to swim with the dolphins. The main attractions of Discovery Cove is the dolphin swim which is a once in a lifetime opportunity. You get the chance to kiss, hug, talk, touch, play and swim with the gentle and extremely friendly bottlenose dolphins. You will join a group of 6-8 guests allowing you to interact personally.

Shopping

Orlando may be the theme park capital of the world but believe it or not, shopping is the number one activity of visitors to the area. The main tourist areas have a staggering range of shops and stores

FLORIDA MALL

Shoppers are in for a real treat when they visit The Florida Mall (Orlando's largest mall) with its first class fashions, exceptional eateries and something for the kids. This retail showcase features an impressive array of more than 270 stores for adults including Dillard's, Macy's, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Kenneth Cole Reaction. For the kids there is Build-A-Bear Workshop where you can build your own bear from scratch. First you choose from a variety of plush animals, give it a heart, help to stuff it, fluff it and sew it. Lastly you get to select their clothes and accessories, even cell phones. Playmobil Fun Park Orlando offers all the latest construction sets as well as the old classics, there are plenty of toys to try before you buy.
Fifty percent of the retailers are newcomers to the Orlando retail market, including luxury stores such as Tiffany & Company, Burberry, Chanel, Nordstrom, Gucci and Louis Vuitton. As a result this mall is very popular with Europeans. With more than 250 stores at The Florida Mall, the whole family will have no problem finding stores they'll love.
The Florida Mall is conveniently located on the way to Orlando International Airport at the junction of Sand Lake and Highway 441. It is ideal for last minute shopping or if you find you have some spare time before you fly home.

Restaurant

With more than 5,300 restaurants offering unique experiences, it's no surprise that dining ranks as a top attraction for British holidaymakers in Orlando.
Have a taste for international cuisine? Whether it's Italian, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Kosher, French, German, Asian or other ethnic dining experiences, Orlando can step up to the plate. Longing for the tastes of home? We've got it covered there as well with traditional English fare. And, if your tastes run to a well-prepared steak or creatively prepared seafood, you won't be disappointed either.
And, if you've always wanted to dine with princesses, pirates or medieval knights, or enjoy a meal served in a castle, a bohemian artists loft or amidst rock 'n roll, movie or sports memorabilia, you are in luck. Orlando's themed dining experiences will transport you.
Unique locations, great food and friendly people mean that you'll enjoy every meal in Orlando

Nightlife

Orlando is home to a thriving nightlife scene with options for everyone looking to extend their daytime fun. There are ultra-hip bars and high-energy dance clubs along with laid-back pubs and multi-venue entertainment complexes to entertain the whole family.

After a fun-filled Orlando day, we're sure you will find the perfect place to bring in the evening

Tipping

A 15% tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but don't tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants.
In expensive restaurants or for large parties tip 20% of the bill.

Electricity

110 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the two, flat-pin type, though three-pin plugs are also widely used.

Currency

USD

Timezones

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-5). (GMT - 4 from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October).

Language

English