Christmas at Disney World

Christmas at Disney World is a truly merry affair. This world-renowned resort goes all out in terms of decorating during the holiday season, and the tickets for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party go fast. Other events, such as the Candlelight Procession at Epcot, also sell out fast, and arranging everything in advance is recommended if you want to attend the magical Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade. If you miss out on the chance to see the parade in person, worry not, as it is aired on TV on Christmas Day. You can also try to catch one of the more general holiday parades, which are held on select dates in December.

Christmas at Disney World is more than just a one-day affair. The resort and its various theme parks around Orlando start celebrating the holiday season in early November, and the fun doesn't stop until early January with the ushering in of the New Year. As for the famed Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade, it is taped in late January or early December, depending on the year, and it then airs on Christmas Day. Tickets are made available for people who want to attend the live taping, though they are hard to get. Thankfully, the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade airs on Christmas Day, so you don't have to miss Mickey, Santa, and all the stars who provide live entertainment throughout the celebration.

The Christmas Day Parade isn't the only parade that you can hope to enjoy while celebrating Christmas at Disney World. At the Magic Kingdom theme park, Mickey Mouse and a bunch of other famous Disney characters parade down Main Street on select nights between early November and mid-December. The Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and the variety of other holiday season events that are associated with it get started at 7 p.m. and end at midnight. Snow falls on Main Street, adding to the festive holiday atmosphere, and live stage shows featuring Disney characters help to keep the fun going. Complimentary cookies and hot cocoa are on offer, and the chance to meet and greet an array of Disney Characters is just one more perk. There's also Cinderella's Castle, which is illuminated in grand fashion by Christmas Lights. All of this is part of the larger Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, which is capped off with a spectacular fireworks show.

During the holiday season, Walt Disney World visitors can enjoy any number of fun events and activities. The nightly Candlelight Processional at Epcot is just one more event that gets a lot of attention, namely for the moving way in which it tells the story of Christmas and how it is celebrated around the world. As for fun activities, checking out the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights is a very popular pursuit. This holiday display at Disney's Hollywood Studios features millions of bulbs and can be enjoyed from November to early January. Over at the Animal Kingdom theme park, checking out the unique Christmas trees, visiting with Goofy, and watching Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade are fun ways to spend time. Goofy dons a Santa costume, thus allowing visitors to Santa Goofy's Wild Wonderland to enjoy some interesting photo opportunities.

Celebrating Christmas at Disney World is a blast, regardless of which theme park you find yourself at. Of course, visiting all of the resort's different theme parks is recommended, as they all offer their own allure. You might also keep some of the resort hotels in mind when looking for things to do. At Disney's Beach Club Resort, for example, holiday season visitors can check out the chocolate and gingerbread carousel in the lobby. It's life-size. There's also the lovely-smelling gingerbread house in the lobby of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. Visitors to this savory house can walk inside, and should the temptation to eat some gingerbread treats set in, which it most likely will, various goodies are for sale.

Christmas is a very busy time at Walt Disney World. In fact, it just might be the busiest time of year. As such, arranging everything well in advance is recommended. Various ticket packages are available if you want to celebrate the various events that relate to Christmas at Disney World. It is also possible to book a more complete Orlando Christmas vacation package that includes things like your flight, your stay at one of the Orlando area hotels, and special event tickets for Disney World and other area destinations.

Wonderworks Orlando

Just south of Universal Studios and Sea World is where you will find the Wonderworks Orlando Amusement Park . In a land full of theme parks, Wonderworks does well to offer a unique experience that the whole family can enjoy. The attractions at Wonderworks are diverse, and they include interactive exhibits that you can enjoy while making the rounds. A great place for birthday parties, family trips, youth groups, and even corporate outings, Wonderworks can help your group enjoy a fun-filled day in sunny central Florida .

It's hard to miss the Wonderworks Amusement Park when driving along International Boulevard, as the park boasts an upside-down main building. According to Wonderworks legend, the main building was once a laboratory that was swept away from its original spot in the Bermuda Triangle by a powerful tornado. Where it rests today is where the fictional tornado left it. The building is still very much a place where scientists can run all kinds of experiments, and guests are welcome as well to try their hands at things like landing a Space Shuttle. From your simulated Space Shuttle cockpit, you'll man the controls and take charge of making sure that you touch down safely on the airstrip. For those visitors who always wanted to be pilots, the Fighter Jets exhibit is sure to please. You'll again find yourself in a simulated cockpit, only this time you'll be flying fighter jets.

Should you be coming to Orlando from California , or from anywhere else in the world that experiences earthquakes from time to time, you might not rush to experience the Earthquake Simulator ride at the Wonderworks Amusement Park . For those who have never been in an earthquake, however, it's a chance to see how powerful and strange they can actually be. The Earthquake Simulator aims to recreate the San Francisco earthquake of 1989, and you'll rock and sway to a quake that measures 5.3 on the Richter Scale. Other fun attractions at Wonderworks include the Global VR, where you can try your hand at virtual combat, and the Wonder Coaster, where you can design your own simulated roller coaster and then ride it! For the little ones in your group, the Bubble Lab is sure to be a hit. At this "laboratory," kids can make bubbles so big they can fit inside them.

In addition to the aforementioned attractions at Wonderworks, visitors can also hit the onsite arcade to play some video games or enjoy a game of Lazer Tag. When day starts to give way to night, Wonderworks Amusement Park visitors can consider sticking around to enjoy The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show. Appropriate for all ages, this dinner show includes comedy, magic, and audience participation, so you just might become part of the proceedings if you're not careful. Orlando dinner shows don't get much funnier than this one, so if you're looking for a good laugh to cap off a fun-filled day, this is worth a look. If you can't hang around to catch the dinner show, then you might find yourself looking to grab something to eat at Wonderworks Orlando during the day. The café here serves up quick favorites like pizza, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, french fries, ice cream, and you can get sodas and other refreshments as well. Should you get the shopping itch, you can always hit the Wonderworks gift shop, which sells souvenirs and a satisfying array of candy.

Tickets for a day at the Wonderworks Amusement Park are reasonably-priced, even if you buy an Ultimate Combo ticket. The Ultimate Combo ticket includes all of the exhibits at Wonderworks, a Lazer Tag game, and a seat at the dinner show. In addition to buying combo tickets at Wonderworks Orlando, you can also purchase single tickets for each separate attraction, including the dinner show.

Because Wonderworks is so close to Sea World, you might look to stay at one of the Sea World hotels if you are thinking of including it on your Orlando itinerary. You can also look to stay nearby at one of the Universal Studios resorts. Disney World is not too far off either, so you might even take a minute to check out the Disney resorts and hotels as well.

Harry Potter Theme Park

The Harry Potter Universal Orlando park is a dream come true for Pottermaniacs everywhere. When the J.K. Rowling first book came out in 1997, it broke records in the publishing world as did every book in the series. The blockbuster films soon followed suit. The Harry Potter Amusement Park—called the Wizarding World of Harry Potter—is located in Orlando, Florida, where a couple dozen theme parks such as Disney World and Islands of Adventure draw millions of tourists each year. The Harry Potter Park in Orlando is sure to fit right into this amusement park backdrop, if not break all the records here as well.

The Harry Potter Amusement Park (partnered with Universal Studios Orlando) has worked closely with the celebrated author to ensure that everything is authentic as possible. Most of the rides were named by Rowling herself, and she had approval rights over innumerable details.

The Florida Harry Potter Theme Park will have thrilling Disneyland-type rides and attractions, as well as restaurants, snack stands, pubs, and numerous shopping venues. Like Dickens World in Kent, England, all the park attractions are faithful to the books and will bring the films alive. In fact, one enters the world of Hogwarts at Harry Potter Park in Orlando the same way J.K. Rowling had Harry and his schoolmates enter in the books and films—at the Hogsmeade Station in a waft of billowing steam from the Hogwarts Express train. Zonko's is the first shop to greet visitors, and is where you can outfit yourself with extendable ears or arm yourself with Sneakoscopes. When you’re ready to move on to the next part of the Harry Potter Universal Orlando park, you can stroll to your destination, and hop aboard the train whenever you want a lift somewhere.

What’s in store for visitors? Here are just of a few of the Harry Potter Theme Park rides and attractions. The Quidditch Skyway, in addition to the Hogwarts Express, is a transportation system. Passengers ride replica Nimbus 2000 broomsticks. For an added thrill, they aren’t enclosed; passengers hold on in the same way you hold on to a carousel horse. The Moaning Myrtle Express has visitors whirling through the theme park onboard toilets that spin, drop, invert, and twist. The Dragon Challenge roller coaster has two dueling roller coasters named after dragons involved in the Tri-Wizard Tournament in book four. The Hippogriff is another of the park’s roller coasters, abeit tamer so all members of the family can enjoy it.

Harry Potter Park in Orlando will have dining spots and restaurants, including the Hog’s Head, a traditional English pub. There’s an Owl Post Office, where you can actually send mail that will arrive at its destination with a Harry Potter Amusement Park postmark. There’s no lack of shopping either. Pottermaniacs can completely equip themselves by the time they leave at stores such as Hufflepuffs House of Magic Flutes, Olivander’s Magic Wand Shop, and Dervish & Banges where you can find apparel and other Quidditch equipment. There is, of course, even an elaborate Hogwarts Castle.

Visit the Harry Potter Theme Park and you will find plenty of Orlando hotels to accommodate you near to plenty of other Orlando attractions to keep entire families busy and happy for their entire vacations. The Harry Potter Universal Orlando park is located at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure. It is comparable in size to all other Universal parks.

Universal Studios

Like that "other" Orlando attraction destination, Universal Studios theme park Orlando is a world-class Florida attraction with wild rides and famous characters. Built as a direct challenge to Disney World in 1990, Universal Studios Orlando has succeeded with interactive rides where guests play action star in blockbuster movies. More than just a working studio theme park, Universal Studios Orlando destinations also include Universal Islands of Adventure amusement park, and the Wet 'n Wild water park.

Universal Studios

Discover a world beyond Disney at Universal Studios. Universal has six themed areas, made up of a Hollywood backlot area where guests enjoy interactive 3-D movies and film-related displays, and a lagoon encircled by awesome thrill rides. While grown-ups scream on action rides like Twister ... Ride It Out, Terminator 2 3-D: Battle Across Time, and Men in Black: Alien Attack, toddlers can spend A Day in the Park with Barney. Avoid long waits at major attractions with the Universal Express and Express PLUS passes.

Revenge of the Mummy takes you back to ancient Egypt in a $40-million indoor rollercoaster. Ten years in the making, this hi-tech surround-sound-enhanced ride hurls riders twisting and turning through darkened tombs past skeletal warriors, fireballs, and creepy crawlers.

Shrek 4-D lets you join Shrek, Princess Fiona, Lord Farquaad, and the Three Little Pigs on a multi-sensory fairytale adventure. Special effects involve water spritzers, pneumatic motion simulator seats, and "OgreVision" glasses.

Nickelodeon fans of all ages will enjoy Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast. Travel on state-of-the-art motion simulator seats in Jimmy's Rocket Pod, along with Cindy Vortex and Jimmy's robot dog Goddard. Also featured are characters from SpongeBob SquarePants, Rugrats, and the Wild Thornberrys.

Other longstanding favorites include ET Adventure, Earthquake - the Big One, and Jaws.

Universal Studios is a working motion picture and TV production studio. Occasionally there's live filming done at Nickelodeon's sound stage. Forty actual sets are exhibited along Hollywood Boulevard and Rodeo Drive.

Universal Islands of Adventure gives stiff competition to Tampa rival Busch Gardens and lesser cheap Florida theme parks for thrills. Its six themed areas include Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park, Lost Continent, Seuss Landing, and Port of Entry.

The top draw is the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, rated best attraction in the world by Theme Park Insider. It uses coordinated motion simulation, computer animation, 3-D glasses, and special fire and water effects. This literally amazing adventure sends you twisting, spinning, and flying after Spiderman's nemesis, Doc Oc, who breaks through a brick wall, raises your car to the top of a skyscraper, and then releases you for a simulated 400-foot free fall to the pavement below.

If you love roller coasters, you'll love Dueling Dragons. It suspends you beneath one roller coaster track as you hurtle into terrifying near misses with other riders coasting on a dual track.

Recently purchased by Universal, Wet 'n Wild is the most popular water slide park in America, with raft flumes, nearly vertical body slides, wave pools, water cannon battlegrounds, and the indoor water disco Disco H20.

UCF Arena

Just thirteen miles east of downtown Orlando is where you will find the UCF Arena. The University of Central Florida opened the UCF Arena in tandem with its new open-air football stadium, helping to give a fresh face to their already impressive campus. While the Bright House Networks Stadium is used primarily for college football games, the UCF Arena is a multi-purpose venue. In addition to serving as the home for the UCF Knight's volleyball and basketball teams, the UCF Arena Orlando also hosts concerts, commencement ceremonies, and other events. With more than 7,400 fixed seats, the UCF Arena doubles the capacity of the university's old arena. In addition to the fixed seats, there are also club seats, luxury suites, seats for the disabled, and retractable seats available depending on the event. When a scheduled event isn't taking place at the UCF Arena, it can be rented for private functions, such as dinner events, exhibitions, and parties.

While enjoying a vacation in Orlando, it's always a good idea to see what UCF Arena events coincide with your trip. For those who want to catch a concert while visiting Orlando , the UCF Arena is one of the best places to go in the city. Top name acts, such as Motley Crue, Carrie Underwood, Alan Jackson, and Jim Brickman swing by the arena rather consistently, so you might be surprised to see who's in town when you're in town. In addition to seeing what's on the agenda at the UCF Arena, those who are interested in catching a live music performance when they are in Orlando will also want to check out the schedule at the House of Blues. When big name acts aren't performing at the House of Blues, you can often catch a free concert by an up-and-coming artist. At both the UCF Arena and the House of Blues, it's always a good idea to get your tickets in advance if you want to see a top act perform. Even though the UCF Arena Orlando can hold over 10,000 people for a concert, tickets can sell out quickly.

As mentioned, sports are often the focus when it comes to UCF Arena events. For basketball fans, the chance to see the men's and women's teams play is a nice addition to Orlando itineraries. The basketball season heats up in December and carries on through early March. You can bet that both students and alumni alike come to the games, so you will also want to consider getting your UCF Arena tickets in advance when going to a basketball game. If you can't catch a college basketball game at the UCF Arena Orlando, you might try to get tickets to see the Harlem Globetrotters, who are known to showcase their talents and their unique brand of humor on the UCF Arena court from time to time. As for the volleyball season, it runs from late August to November, so you can plan accordingly if that's your sport of preference. The University of Central Florida is a Division I school, so you can bet that regardless of the sport you're watching, some talented players are going to be on display.

For those who are enjoying Orlando vacations during the holiday season, heading over to the UCF Arena to enjoy the "Light Up UCF" festivities is always worth considering. From mid-November to early January, the UCF Arena transforms itself a bit and becomes a center for holiday fun. During the day, visitors can skate on the outdoor skating rink, and when the evening sets in, a nightly light show occurs. Lucky kids will get to see Santa at the UCF Arena, as he makes a guest appearance a few days before Christmas, and on certain nights, free movies are played on a big screen. The movies include Christmas classics like A Christmas Story and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, making them UCF Arena events that the whole family can enjoy. The nightly light shows are free as well, and while you'll have to pay to go ice-skating, the price is an agreeable one. Whether you want to go ice skating, catch a sporting event, or see a concert at the UCF Arena, you might need to get tickets first. You can order your UCF Arena tickets for special events before you arrive, or you can stop by the UCF ticket office once you get into town. The ticket office is easy to find, as it's located at the front of the arena.

Silver Springs Theme Park

Because the Silver Springs Theme Park is 90 miles north of Orlando, it sometimes manages to miss the radars of Orlando vacationers. But you might be happy to know that the Orlando Card, which gets you in to a number of great area attractions, such as WonderWorks and Fun Spot, also includes admission to the Silver Springs Theme Park. Due to this fact, Silver Springs often gets mentioned in the same breath as the greater Orlando attractions. On your Silver Springs Orlando adventure, you'll enjoy a diverse range of attractions, from the popular glass bottom boat rides to the intriguing animal exhibits. The park sits on 350 beautiful acres so there's definitely plenty to explore.

Glass bottom boat cruises are a Silver Springs Orlando favorite, as they give passengers the chance to see what's going on below the surface of the Silver River . It's kind of like scuba diving or snorkeling without getting wet. The boats that carry passengers along the river are manned by licensed captains, and they provide cover from the warm Florida sun. While you explore the area headwaters, the kind of marine life that you might spot along the way includes turtles, alligators, and a number of different fish species. In addition to taking a glass bottom boat cruise, Silver Springs Theme Park visitors can also enjoy the Fort King River Cruise, which covers the history of the Silver River, and the Lost River Voyage Cruise, which usually involves quite a lot of animal viewing. Among the creatures that you are likely to see on the Lost River Voyage Cruise include alligators, osprey, heron, and turtles. While Orlando attractions like Disney's Animal Kingdom and Sea World are great places to see some exotic animals from across the globe, the Silver Springs Theme Park gives you a chance to witness some of the local species in their natural environments.

If you don't get to spot an alligator on one of the Silver Springs Orlando boat cruises, then you can head to the Big Gator Lagoon exhibit to see more than three dozen of them. A pair of rare white alligators also figure among the attractions at Silver Springs. Often referred to as "swamp ghosts," they are quite the sight to see. Other animal exhibits at the Silver Springs Theme Park include Panther Prowl, where you can see a western cougar, and the World of Bears, where Kodiak brown bears and North American black bears roam free on two acres of land. At the Ross Allen Island exhibit, visitors will get the chance to see an impressive collection of spiders, snakes, turtles, and other animal species that are native to Florida . For a more hands-on approach, your group can make way for the Kritter Korral exhibit. This is arguably the top choice for kid-friendly attractions at Silver Springs, as kids love to pet and feed the Kritter Korral goats, turkeys, rabbits, sheep, donkeys, and other farm animals. As a side note, for those who want to see a lot of alligators during their central Florida vacation, Gatorland is another great theme park to consider.

In addition to viewing a lot of different animals at the Silver Springs Theme Park , visitors can also check out over 100 different varieties of plants at the park's Botanical Gardens. Beautiful floral displays abound at the Botanical Gardens, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk along a lovely pathway. Upon seeing the beauty of the Botanical Gardens at Silver Springs, it's easy to see why it's a popular site for wedding photographs. After a stroll through the gardens, you might also take the chance to check out a bird, reptile, or snake show, or perhaps catch the 2:30 p.m. alligator feeding. For the opportunity to spot wildlife in a different environment, visitors can also enjoy Wilderness Trail tours, which involve heading out into a local forest. The attractions at Silver Springs are diverse. There's definitely something for everybody here.

As any good theme park usually does, the Silver Springs Theme Park also has some rides for its visitors to enjoy. The Kids Ahoy! Playland is home to a replica Riverboat, a Ferris Wheel, a playground, a carousel, and more. For a bigger thrill, you can ride the Lighthouse Ride, which is part carousel, part gondola. You'll be able to see far and wide once the Lighthouse Ride finishes its gentle climb to 80 feet. On top of having an array of fun rides, the Silver Springs Theme Park also boasts some souvenir shops, some quick-service restaurants, a bar and grill, and plenty of places to grab some snacks.

Sea World Orlando

That SeaWorld is a top Orlando Florida attraction is due in no small part due to Shamu and the orca’s crack team of handlers. But there is more to this wonderfully entertaining and educational park than an acrobatic killer whale. SeaWorld is devoted to demonstrating the ways we all can protect the mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles that live in the ocean and its tributaries. As the world's largest marine adventure park, SeaWorld uses gentle humor to bring us closer to these creatures to foster our responsibility in safeguarding their environment.

Like sea currents, the curving paths here include no distinct “lands” as in other Orlando theme parks, but instead center on a 17-acre lake. Exhibits feature manatees, dolphins, penguins, beluga whales, walruses, and other creatures of the sea.

Although the pace is slower here than at other thrill parks, it can get crowded at popular attractions like Penguin Encounter, Wild Arctic, Shark Encounter, Journey to Atlantis, and Key West at SeaWorld. There’s less chance of lines at the Key West Dolphin Stadium, Turtle Point, Stingray Lagoon, Manatees, Dolphin Cove, and the Sea Lion & Otter Stadium. Other attractions include Shark Encounter, Odyssea stage show, and the Dolphin Nursery and Tropical Reef.

At Shamu Stadium, the park's prize orca performs several times daily with Shamu Rocks America. Seating provides views from above and under the surface of the water. Be prepared to sit further back or get wet, as the killer whale's is happy to soak anyone within reach.

If you’ve ever had the fantasy to swim with dolphins, you will want to look into Discovery Cove. This all-inclusive limited-admission attraction only allows 1000 people a day into its authentic recreation of a Caribbean coral reef, complete with sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls, and underwater ruins. And best of all, you come face to face with exotic birds and sea life from the Bahamas, Micronesia, Tahiti, and other parts of the world, as well as swim with live dolphins.

SeaWorld is also home to some killer rides. Built to be the fastest, tallest, longest and wildest rollercoaster in Orlando, the savage Kraken hurls you at 65 mph and extreme G-forces through a cobra roll, zero-G roll, several vertical loops, and flat spins over water, underground, and entering an underwater eel lair at full speed, huge plumes of spray drenching bystanders. Don’t be surprised if afternoon thunderstorms cause temporary closures of Kraken, Journey to Atlantis, Sky Tower, Ski Show, Shamu's Happy Harbor, and the Paddle Boats.

If you get tired of whales Florida rescue shelters provide the stars at the SeaWorld Theater’s Pets Ahoy, where 12 dogs, 18 cats, and an assortment of ducks, doves, parrots, and a pig perform a series of incredible and complex stunts leading to a grand finale.

Across the street from the amusement park is the Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld, with a 10-story atrium full of waterfalls, goldfish ponds, exotic birds, and palm trees. It’s excellent restaurant, Atlantis, features Mediterranean cuisine.

Orlando Museum of Art

There are an amazing wealth of things to do when vacationing in Orlando, and quite often activities involve a lot of shooshing about in the Florida sun to a number of theme parks where sensory overload is the norm. As fun as the Orlando theme parks and overall attractions can be, sometimes it’s nice to head indoors for a quiet and reflective time like that found at the Orlando Museum of Art. The Orlando Art Museum was founded in 1924, and while encouraging community support for the arts, it holds true to its mission of enriching the cultural life of Florida. Orlando Museum of Arts pieces are included in collections that present the works of local and regional artists, as well as notable entries of national and international significance. For a pleasant Orlando Museum experience in the visual arts, make time during your next Orlando vacation to enjoy the Orlando Museum of Art.

The Orlando Art Museum offers 10-12 in-house exhibits year round, and maintains 13 exhibitions off-site. There are a number of award-winning tours you can take throughout the day, and educational programs focus not only on typical visitors, but on the Florida community as a whole. Through various outreach programs, the Orlando Museum of Art strives to educate not only its residents statewide, but national and foreign visitors as well. With their teacher in-service training programs, educators get a chance to develop their knowledge of art for the classroom, and various lectures offered to the public focus on art appreciation.

Among the Orlando Museum of Arts galleries, the visitor will find a number of temporary exhibits, and three permanent collections that offer a comprehensive array of works. The American Art Collection is comprised of paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures from the 1700's to the present. Expect to find works by such notables as Ansel Adams and Georgia O’Keeffe here. The Art of the Ancient Americas Collection showcases articles from over 30 different cultural groups from North, South and Central America. These objects date from 2000 B.C. to A.D. 1521. Also among the fixed collections is the African Art Collection. Ceremonial and practical artifacts from several different regions of Africa make up the bulk of this collection, as well as objects of personal adornment. You can enjoy these permanent Orlando Museum exhibits, as well as the rotating temporary exhibits that feature some of the most notable national traveling exhibits.

Among the various events offered at The Orlando Museum of Art, first Thursdays offer free admission to this great Orlando Museum from 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. and a new theme is presented through works by local artists. Live music, cash bars and café offerings from area restaurants are on the menu, and it presents a good opportunity to mingle with fellow art appreciators.

The Orlando Art Museum can be found at 2416 North Mills Avenue, and admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors (65+), college students with i.d., as well as groups of more than 10. Students ages 6-18 pay only $5, and children 5 and younger get in free. The Orlando Museum of Art is closed on Mondays, and open Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday hours are from Noon to 4 p.m.

Orlando Balloon Rides

A typical vacation to Orlando usually involves heading to places like Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Studios, and a number of other theme parks. If you are a golfer, you book a couple of rounds on the side to enjoy some of the best Florida golf courses, and the dining and shopping found in and around the area is enough to keep you busy for a couple of days at least. There are just so many things to do in this haven of good weather and sunshine, but have you ever considered booking a flight on one of the many Orlando balloon rides? A hot air balloon ride Orlando style involves soaring over the attractions for a bird’s eye view where you drift with the winds and enjoy the silence of floating. Orlando balloon rides start at the break of day, as the natural earth around you begins to come to life. If you have never had the opportunity before to take to the skies as such, be sure to book a hot air balloon ride Orlando on your next vacation to central Florida for an experience that you will never forget.

There are a number of different hot air balloon ride Orlando companies, ensuring that at some point during your next vacation to the area you should have every opportunity to enjoy this “uplifting” experience. Just be sure the night before your ride that you get to bed early, as flights begin just after sunrise when the winds are at their lightest. Many companies will pick you up at your hotel, or you meet at an arranged place where an initial briefing by your pilot takes place. Often, the site of your launch is dependent on wind and weather conditions, and most rides last for about an hour. However, you will want to reserve at least 3-4 hours out of your day for the whole experience. Getting the balloon ready is the first stage of actually getting off the ground, and with most companies you are encouraged to help if you so desire. Part of the preparation for Orlando balloon rides usually involves safety checks and last minute answers to any questions you might have. There is no such thing as a stupid question either before, during or after your hot air balloon ride Orlando. Four eyes are better than two, so if you have concerns about any obstructions you might consider dangerous during your flight, feel free to speak up. Safety is the main concern during Orlando balloon rides, and every company is focused on making your experience as safe as possible.

As far as what to wear during a hot air balloon ride Orlando, you should dress comfortably as possible and as you might for a country walk. Long trousers and flat shoes are recommended, and dress in layers to maximize your comfort. With the cooler temperatures during winter months, it is usually recommended to dress for how the weather feels on the ground, as the burners will keep you warm in the balloon. As you set up for and disembark from Orlando balloon rides, you might encounter wet or muddy fields, so keep that in mind. You might also consider bringing a hat to wear during your hot air balloon ride Orlando if you are thinning on top, as the radiant heat from the burners may leave you feeling a bit “hot-headed”. Other than that, just remember to bring your camera.

Disney area balloon rides Orlando give you an interesting perspective of the theme parks below, and these unique Florida tours in the sky allow you to see all the surrounding lakes of the area from above. Sometimes, during your Disney area balloon rides Orlando, you can spot alligators drifting along area waters, and you may just spot a bald eagle sharing the sky with you.

Most Disney area balloon rides Orlando companies operate 7 days a week and rates vary a bit for each, but the average price you should expect to pay is around $185 for a single adult, and somewhere around $100 for Jr. Adults. Children 9 and under usually ride for free, and rates for private Orlando balloon rides for couples will typically run you around $575. Many companies will pick you up if you are staying at one of the nearby Orlando hotels or Kissimmee hotels. More often than not, most companies like Orange Blossom and Magic Sunrise Ballooning, offer a ceremonial champagne toast at the end of your ride, as well as a post flight all you can eat breakfast buffet.

Lake Eola Orlando

When you find yourself in downtown Orlando and you are looking for a good place to relax and hang out for a bit, then Lake Eola Park might just be the ideal fit. Found at 195 N. Rosalind Avenue, Lake Eola Park is open to visitors between the hours of 6 a.m. and midnight, so there's plenty of time to enjoy it. It's not uncommon for downtown Orlando workers to take their lunch breaks at Lake Eola, as its beautiful surroundings do well to rejuvenate the mind. In addition to parking yourself on a bench or strolling about the Lake Eola Park walkways, visitors can also enjoy gondola tours, paddle boat rides, and more. There's even a playground here for kids, so the whole family will enjoy a visit. When the Orlando weather is nice, as it usually is, Lake Eola Park is simply an excellent place to be.

For those who want to enjoy Lake Eola Orlando gondola rides, they last approximately 30 minutes, so they won't take up a bunch of your time. Should you prefer to get a little more exercise out of your visit, you can always rent one of the swan-shaped paddle boats and give your legs a workout. Electric swan-shaped boats are also available for rent if you prefer to save your legs for something like a round of Orlando golf. In addition to taking boat rides, feeding the swans and the other birds at Lake Eola Park is a popular thing for visitors to do. Other things that you can do while hanging out at Eola Park include reading a book or having a picnic. You can also take to the walking paths to do some jogging if you want to fit in a nice workout. The beautiful setting of Lake Eola Park encourages just about any park-related activity that you can think of, which is part of the reason why locals cherish the park as much as they do.

Many folks who have enjoyed the Lake Eola Orlando experience will tell you that it's one of the best places in the city for people watching. The park is also ideal if you want to arrange an impromptu game of frisbee, or something the like, and kids will find the high-tech playground to be a dream. So impressive is the playground here that you might find yourself wishing that you were a kid again. Unless you are armed with a full picnic basket during your Lake Eola Orlando visit, there are few restaurants close to the park where you can grab something to eat or treat yourself to a glass of wine perhaps. You might even wander off around the downtown area to do a little shopping on the side. For those who are driving into town to check out Lake Eola , there is a parking garage a few blocks away. You can also find free and metered parking on some of the nearby city streets, but it can go fast. This is especially true during the different events at Lake Eola .

Overlooking Lake Eola is a Disney amphitheater where some of the events at Lake Eola take place. The amphitheater events at Lake Eola generally consist of plays, concerts, and things like candlelight vigils. Other events at Lake Eola include the 4th of July celebrations, the Sunday Farmers Markets, and the Orlando Food and Wine Festival. More than 20 of the top restaurants in Orlando showcase their talents at the Orlando Food and Wine Festival, which also features a beer pavilion and live music entertainment. If the Orlando Food and Wine Festival piques your interest, you might also consider visiting Orlando in late September. That's when the food and wine festival at Epcot Center begins its two-week run. Both festivals are excellent, so if you can catch both, then you are encouraged to do so.

Kennedy Space Center

Chances are that at some point in your life you either thought about being an astronaut, or at least about how cool it would be to fly into space. For most, space travel is extremely interesting and a trip to Florida just might not be complete without a visit to the NASA Kennedy Space Center. Located just 45 minutes from Orlando and about an hour south of Daytona Beach, the Kennedy Space Center is based on a large island wildlife refuge that is eight times larger than Manhattan. Many visitors come to this center of technology and discovery every year to experience a place where some of mankind’s greatest dreams and aspirations have become a reality. A truly unique experience awaits you at Kennedy Space Center Florida, where you can tour NASA’s launch and landing facilities, meet an actual astronaut, and experience interactive simulators. The Kennedy Space Center will both inspire and intrigue you from the moment you enter the Visitor Complex and begin your journey. So take a break from the great Florida beaches and Florida golf courses, steer away from Walt Disney World and Universal Studios for a day and find a different Florida experience at NASA Kennedy Space Center.

At the Visitor Complex of the Kennedy Space Center Florida, a collection of exhibits and shows will fill you with wonder and amazement. Before you delve into all there is to see and do at the Visitor Complex, you begin your day at the NASA Kennedy Space Center with a tour that takes you to the impressive NASA facilities. Included in the tour is a trip to see the massive launch pads, the expansive Vehicle Assembly Building, and the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Among the many options for Florida tours, this one ranks among the most interesting and unique.

Upon return to the Visitor Complex, guests of the Kennedy Space Center can easily fill the rest of the day exploring all the exhibits and taking in shows, whether live or on the world’s only back-to-back IMAX theaters. Pay homage to fallen heroes of space exploration history at the glorious glass-structure Astronaut Memorial, or head to the Rocket Garden to observe actual rockets from every space exploration era. Delve into the early days of space travel at the Early Space Exploration exhibit, and enter an actual Space Shuttle at Space Shuttle Plaza, where you can see how astronauts live and work on board. Among the highlights at the Visitor Complex is the Astronaut Hall of Fame, where visitors experience exhibits dedicated to famous astronauts. Here, the world’s largest collection of astronaut memorabilia joins forces with realistic astronaut training simulators to give lift-off to your imagination. As you enter the Astronaut Adventure room, your interactive adventure begins. Here, you can simulate walking on the moon, experience four times the force of gravity in the G-Force Trainer, ride a rover over Martian terrain, and coordinate a Space Shuttle landing.

For an interesting break in your day at the NASA Kennedy Space Center, you can make reservations to “Lunch with an Astronaut” during your visit. This gives you an unparalleled opportunity to talk one on one with a member of NASA’s Astronaut Corps while you enjoy a wonderful meal. And if your family is looking for the ultimate space experience, you can spend one or two days immersed in astronaut training with the Astronaut Training Experience (ATX).

The Kennedy Space Center Florida is open every day of the year, except for December 25th, and certain launch days. Operating hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and General Admission for adults is $38, and $28 for children ages 3-11. General Admission covers a tour of the Kennedy Space Center, IMAX space movies and all exhibits and shows, and is valid for two days. Tickets can be bought exclusively for the Astronaut Hall of Fame, which closes an hour later, and the price is $17 for adults, and $13 for children. The Annual Pass option will give you 12 months of admission, as well as discounts on programs like ATX, and 10% off select merchandise at the Space Shop souvenir store, and 10% off food and refreshments in Orbit Café and Mila’s restaurant. The Astronaut Training Experience runs at $250/person for one day, and includes training simulators, full scale Space Shuttle Mission Simulation, a VIP tour of Kennedy Space Center, and ATX gear, including a Mission polo shirt. Additional tours include NASA Up Close, Cape Canaveral: Then and Now, and Lunch with an Astronaut, and additional fees for each are $22 for adults, and $15 for children.

Islands of Adventure

On your next family vacation to Orlando, “Live the Adventure of a Lifetime!” at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. At the Islands of Adventure Theme Park, you’ll enjoy a trip through five amazing islands where some of your favorite comic book and cartoon heroes are among the main stars for the park’s series of innovative rides and attractions. There are high-speed rides for the daring, tame rides for children, and the new-age 3D attractions will have you dazzled. Universal has your best interests covered with its feature ticket offer found only online at Universal websites, which allows you unlimited admission for up to a week to both Universal Studios and the Islands of Adventure theme park for just $85.99 plus tax. Universal Studios also offers options for great Orlando hotels that have you staying on-site, thus allowing you to bypass the regular ride and attraction lines. Choose from the Royal Pacific Resort, the Hard Rock Hotel and the Portofino Bay Hotel. On-site hotel guests benefit from a variety of special theme park privileges, not to mention enjoying the amenities offered at these 4-diamond hotels that are just steps away from Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure.

Among the many Islands of Adventure attractions are five that the park dubs as its most featured. Kids will surely enjoy The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, which is a 3D Spider-Man thrill ride. Don your 3D glasses and prepare for an amazing adventure that has you swinging high above a simulated cityscape. Found on the Marvel Super Hero Island of Adventure, you’ll find this wonderful attraction amidst a comic book city that features some of the world’s greatest Super Heroes. At Seuss Landing at Universal Islands of Adventure, enjoy The Cat In The Hat.

On this ride, you grab a seat on a couch for a simulated spinning and swerving tour through the pages of the famous children’s book. Enjoy the laughs you’ll share with your group on this whimsical adventure.

For a thrill of a different kind, head to The Lost Continent at the Islands of Adventure theme park. On Dueling Dragons, get your heart rate up on the world’s first inverted, dueling roller coasters. Pick between the Fire Dragon and the Ice Dragon, and hold your breath as the two coasters pass within inches of each other on this ultimate adventure. For a wet and wild change of pace, make way to the Island of Adventure theme park’s largest island, Jurassic Park. The namesake water ride found here is called the Jurassic Park River Adventure, and it takes 1.5 million gallons of water to keep this thrill ride going. Prepare to be part of the menu for the dinosaurs that surround you on your wet journey. As you move along, narrowly escaping hungry Raptors and a large T-Rex, you eventually hit the 85-foot plunge that awaits you at the end. It might be a terrifying fall, but at least you’ll escape alive. Another water ride you won’t want to miss at the Islands of Adventure theme park, is Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges. On this wacky white-water journey, help Popeye rescue Olive Oyl from Bluto. You will get wet on this ride, but hey, you’re in Florida and the weather is nice. Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges can be found on Toon Lagoon. On Toon Lagoon, you’ll find a number of water rides and over 150 different cartoon characters.

There are a number of shopping and dining options found at Universal Islands of Adventure and you might consider starting your day off right here with the Character Breakfast at Islands of Adventure. Each Thursday through Sunday morning from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., you can enjoy breakfast with Spider-Man and The Cat in the Hat at the Island of Adventure Confisco Grille. The cost is $15.95 for adults, and $9.95 for children. Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are open 365 days a year, and operating hours normally begin at 9 a.m. with varying closing times, depending on the season. If you don’t take advantage of the aforementioned ticket deal, you can purchase a 1 day admission to both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure for $77 at the gate for adults, and $67 ages 3-9. A one day ticket for only one of Universal’s two parks goes for $67 for adults, and $56 for children. Families looking to visit Islands of Adventure will find numerous Kissimmee vacation rentals and Kissimmee hotels nearby for lodging, as well as a fine mix of Orlando hotels. Other Orlando theme parks recommended for families include Epcot Center, Discovery Cove, Disney MGM Studios, Disney Quest, and Disney Blizzard Beach, among others.

Holy Land Experience Orlando

Christians are encouraged to enjoy the Holy Land Experience Orlando, but even if you claim another religion, this park is still worth a look. Basically, the Holy Land Experience attractions revolve around the Bible, with close attention being paid to biblical history. Instead of riding thrill rides, Holy Land Experience Orlando visitors will instead find museum-like exhibits that center around topics such as Noah's Ark and the Dead Sea Scrolls. You can also see how Jerusalem looked in the first century or get a lesson on Jesus' tomb. In addition to museum-like exhibits, this Christian theme park Orlando destination also offers shows for visitors to enjoy, so you can definitely fill at least a few hours here. Florida is definitely home to some unique attractions, beaches, and great hotels, but the Holy Land Experience is certainly among the most original things to do here.

The Holy Land Experience Orlando theme park isn't hard to find, as it is located just east of Universal Studios. You'll be even closer to the Mall at Millenia when in the area, just in case you want to add some upscale Orlando shopping to the mix. You can easily pair a Holy Land Experience Orlando trip with a visit to the mall if you please. You might not have enough time to do both, however, as you might find yourself extending your Christian theme park Orlando experience to fit in all the attractions. Among the top Holy Land Experience attractions are the Jerusalem Model and Calvary 's Garden Tomb. The former is among the largest models of Jerusalem that you'll find anywhere, and it aims to depict the city as it would have been in and around the year 66 A.D. If you want to learn more about the exhibit, you can stick around for one of the daily 30-minute lectures, which discuss the city and Jesus' final days there. As for the Calvary 's Garden Tomb, its intent is to recreate the tomb of Jesus. Indigenous Holy Land plants and trees help to make for an authentic setting.

After enjoying the aforementioned Holy Land Experience attractions, you might check out the Qumran Dead Sea Caves exhibit, which revolves around the Dead Sea Scrolls, or head to the Plaza of Nations , where you can catch a musical drama that is inspired by the Bible. This drama, which is presented several times a day, isn't the only Holy Land Experience show that you can consider adding to your itinerary, however. The Wilderness Tabernacle show is one of the more popular Holy Land Experience attractions, and it details the plight of Moses and his people as they sought deliverance from Egypt . The Wilderness Tabernacle show lasts approximately 25 minutes, which is also the case when it comes to the Orlando of Life show. This show features a film called The Seed of Promise, which includes the stories of Abraham and Christ's resurrection.

On top of the attractions listed thus far, those who enjoy the Holy Land Theme Park Orlando experience can also sit in on storytelling sessions, as well as check out an intriguing collection of old Bibles. Should you get hungry during your visit, there is an onsite café that serves up some tasty Middle Eastern fare, and if the hot Florida sun is getting to you, you can always stop by one of the park's misting stations for some refreshment. In addition to a café, visitors can also access a small refreshment area to grab some snacks and beverages. As for Christian Theme Park Orlando tickets, they can be bought in advance or purchased at the park upon arrival. The general admission fee for the park is somewhat high by some standards, but it will still cost you less than a trip to one of the Disney World theme parks. For those who are driving to the Holy Land Experience, parking costs extra, so you will want to keep that in mind. For places to stay near the park, you can always consider the Universal Studios resorts and the Sea World hotels, among other area options.

Hard Rock Cafe Orlando

If you can say that you've been to the Hard Rock Cafe Orlando, then you can say that you've been to the largest Hard Rock Cafe in the world. For those who don't already know, the Hard Rock Cafe brand of restaurants revolves around everything rock and roll, hence the name. At the Hard Rock Orlando, it's no different. In fact, you'll find more rock and roll memorabilia on display here than you will at any other Hard Rock Cafe in the world. It wouldn't be too far of a stretch to say that this place doubles as a museum. In case you're wondering where you can find the Hard Rock Cafe Orlando, it's located in the CityWalk entertainment complex at Universal Studios. For true rock and roll fans, a stay at the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Studios is a perfect complement to the overall Hard Rock Cafe experience. The Hard Rock Hotel, like the other two Universal Studios resorts, offers some pretty upscale rooms and plenty of amenities to boot.

When it comes to the Hard Rock Cafe Orlando, it's hard to say whether the food or the rock memorabilia steals the show. As such, you might call it a tie. Starting a meal off here with some loaded nachos is often the aim of visitors, and afterwards, you might dive into some fried chicken or barbecue ribs. The Hard Rock Cafe burgers can satisfy pretty much any burger fanatic, and if you like pulled-pork sandwiches, you'll have to order one. While you enjoy your meal, you can listen to the music hits that play over the sound system, lending depth to the dining experience. If you want to get a better look at some of the rock and roll memorabilia that is on display at the Hard Rock Orlando, you can ask to be seated at a booth. It's harder to see what's hanging on some of the walls when you sit at one of the tables. Of course, you can always get up while you're waiting for your meal to look around. Perhaps you'll grab a beer from the extensive beer menu to sip on while you check out the various pieces.

You might be wondering what kinds of things you might see when it comes to the largest Hard Rock Cafe memorabilia collection. Among the top items on display here are a suit worn by Paul McCartney in the movie A Hard Days Night, and the black glasses that Buddy Holly was wearing when he died in a 1959 airplane crash in Iowa . Other items on display include a suit that Elvis Presley wore in the movie Viva Las Vegas, a Jimi Hendrix Fender guitar, a jacket that James Brown often wore, and various pieces related to the Rolling Stones. Visiting the largest Hard Rock Cafe in the world is pretty much akin to visiting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, when it all boils down to it. Well, not quite, but it's surely an experience that any fan of music will appreciate.

Should you be looking for fun events in Orlando during your vacation, you can always check out the schedule at the Hard Rock Cafe. A number of special concerts and other live acts pass through to perform at the Hard Rock Orlando's concert venue, which can accommodate up to 3,000 people. Some of the concerts feature well-known acts, so you might look to get your tickets in advance if you have one in mind. You might also check out the concert lineups at venues like the UCF Arena and The House of Blues as well while in Orlando. Between the Hard Rock Cafe Orlando and these other venues there's bound to be a show that you'll want to see. If none of the concerts or special parties at the Hard Rock Orlando pique your interest, you can always consider throwing your own party here. As the largest Hard Rock Cafe on the face of the planet, this place has ample room and facilities to spare.

Gatorland

At 14501 South Orange Blossom Trail, just between Orlando and Kissimmee, enter the realm of the famous Florida Gator at Gatorland. Gatorland Orlando is the “Alligator Capital of the World”, and this classic Florida attraction has been pulling in tourists for over 50 years. At Gatorland Florida, the experience is a break from the more “typical” theme parks of Central Florida, and it offers a unique diversion for families and animal lovers alike. Founded in 1949 by the late Owen Godwin, Gatorland is still owned and operated by his family to this day. Gatorland Orlando Florida is one of the state’s oldest attractions and its classic charm is accentuated by an array of new exhibits and exciting entertainment. Among the attractions found at Gatorland Orlando are thousands of alligators and crocodiles, a breeding marsh with a boardwalk and observation tower, reptilian shows, an aviary, a petting zoo, and a swamp walk. You’ll also find educational programs that will have you feeling like an alligator expert by the time you head out the doors.

There are a total of three shows at Gatorland Florida that are truly entertaining. They are Gator Jumparoo, Gator Wrestlin’ and Upclose Encounters. Gator Jumparoo is truly a one-of-a-kind show that gives viewers an idea of just how powerful alligators and crocodiles really are. As a trainer extends his handful of food over a dark lagoon, some of the largest alligators on the planet jump four to five feet out of the water to catch a bite. You wonder just how daring the trainer must be to tempt such large creatures.

But when it comes to daring, perhaps Gator Wrestlin’ takes top honors here. In this show, alligator wranglers catch a 6 to 8 foot alligator by hand and sit on its back while they point out the interesting survival features of the reptile. Guests then watch from their shaded seats in a 800 seat stadium as a brave trainer executes a series of stunts with the dangerous animal, before rolling it over and lulling it to sleep. The alligator is then promptly awakened with a bit of a tickle. Brings to mind images from “Crocodile Dundee”.

The third show found at Gatorland Florida is dubbed Upclose and Personal, as it involves encountering an array of animals, well, up close. Don’t worry, however, this doesn’t mean that you are required to wrestle any gators yourself, unless maybe you want to. In this exhibit, you will have the chance to meet some intriguing creatures from around the world, including some native Florida wildlife. Indiana Jones would likely skip this show, as some of the most dangerous snakes alive are part of the featured alignment.

In case a youngster in your group is having a birthday during your trip to Orlando, there are two birthday party packages at Gatorland Florida that will surely guarantee to be memorable. Each package offers admission for up to 10 children and 2 adult chaperones. Straws, piñatas and balloons are not allowed, but you are welcome to bring the other necessities and don’t worry about the cake, because with each package an exclusive Gatorland birthday cake in chocolate or vanilla is supplied.

Gatorland Orlando is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine. There is ample parking, and long lines and crowds are not what you will find at Gatorland. Voted Best Florida NonMajor Attraction in 2003, Gatorland Orlando is affordable at only $22.95 for ages 13 and over, and $14.95 for children 3-12 years old. Showtimes vary by season, but repeat several times each day.

Gatorland enjoys a great location that is close to a fine array of Orlando hotels and Kissimmee hotels that will satisfy your lodging needs during your central Florida vacation. Animal lovers who enjoy Gatorland for its animal appeal and unique attractions will likely find trips to Cypress Gardens and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to be equally as unique and enjoyable side trips in Central Florida.

Fun Spot Orlando

For more than 10 years, the Fun Spot Amusement Park has been bringing its own brand of fun to the table in Orlando . Because of Fun Spot's popularity over the last decade, a sister park has been opened in nearby Kissimmee . At Fun Spot Orlando, you'll find fun rides, action packed arcades, and some crazy Go Karts. It's all about family fun here, and when you're not in the mood for one of the larger Orlando theme parks, this is the perfect fit. You can find the Fun Spot Amusement Park just across Interstate 4 from Universal Studios, so if you're staying at one of the Universal Studios hotels or anywhere else in the area, it's worth adding to your itinerary.

Helping to make Fun Spot Orlando such a great family destination is the Kid Spot. This part of the park caters to youngsters, and has rides that all ages can enjoy. You can go around and around on the dazzling carousel, enjoy a mini-drop in the FrogHopper, and even ride on a small train made out of trucks. Another train for kids looks more like a train if you have any budding engineers in your group. If you're looking for attractions at Fun Spot that are intended for bigger kids and adults as well, you'll find some more fun rides, like the Ferris Wheel, the Bumper Boats, and the famous Scrambler. Other rides at Fun Spot Orlando include Bumper Kars, which are a classic, and the Paratrooper, which offers a bit of a different take on the Ferris Wheel.

As fun as the aforementioned rides are, it's the Go Karts that arguably take top prize when it comes to the best attractions at Fun Spot. There are tracks for young drivers and tracks for older and more experienced drivers, so the whole family can rev up some engines during their visit. Some of the Go Kart tracks here are even a bit intimidating, and if you are looking for a little adventure, they can surely deliver. Take the Quad Helix track, for example, which twists and turns along a course that is often elevated well off of the ground. Multi-level stretches also characterize the Blue Conquest Track as well as the Conquest Track, which at one point has you zooming down a 30-degree slope! You won't find go karts like these at larger theme parks like Magic Kingdom and Epcot Center.

When you're not riding the fun rides and the thrilling Go Karts at the Fun Spot Amusement Park, you can always hit the arcade to enjoy some gaming action. There are actually two arcades here, one of which is smaller and features mostly video games. You can play an unlimited amount of these video games for a relatively small fee. In the larger 10,000-square-foot Winners Circle Arcade, you'll find more state-of-the-art games, not to mention favorites like air hockey tables. Even if you only remotely enjoy video and arcade games, you're likely to have a blast at the arcade attractions at Fun Spot. When you need a little refueling to keep up your gaming action, you can stop by the snack bar to grab something quick to eat. Purchase a souvenir cup, and you'll enjoy all the soda that you want throughout the day.

There are different ticket options that are available at the Fun Spot Amusement Park , so you can choose accordingly depending on your budget and your preferences. Even the most expensive ticket package, which includes all day privileges on the Go Karts and the rides, is affordably-priced, which helps to contribute to Fun Spot's popularity. Because the Fun Spot Amusement Park is ideal for kids, you might even consider throwing a birthday party here. It's also a great place if you have a business or are part of a special group and want to work on team building. Fun Spot definitely earns its name, and you'll see why once you get here. While the attractions at Fun Spot are not as grandiose as they are at the larger Orlando theme parks, they do quite well to appease those who decide to stop by.

Walt Disney World

The wonderful world of Disney tops the list for most Orlando vacations for kids of all ages. Walt Disney World Florida first opened its gates to the public just over thirty-five years ago, transforming a quiet southern farming community into the biggest international vacation destination in the world.

Disneyland Florida is made up of four amazing theme parks in Orlando: Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Disney Hollywood Studios, Disney Animal Kingdom, and Epcot. At 30,000 acres, Walt Disney World is the size of the city of San Francisco, and twice as big as Manhattan.

Recently updated flexible Disney World Florida tickets options now fall under the Magic Your Way structure, which allows guests to customize their tickets by first purchasing a base ticket for a set fee, and then purchase add-ons. Options include a park-hopper no-expiration option, and Magic Plus Pack. Saving as much as 2 hours in lines on average, Disney’s FASTPASS is a very popular reservation-based approach to the rides.

Disney’s Magic Kingdom

The centerpiece of Walt Disney World Florida is the Magic Kingdom. The first of many global spin-offs of California’s Disneyland, it is home to the childhood memories of generations, from Snow White to the Lion King. Like Disneyland, it is made up of areas like Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland. Don’t be surprised if you run into Micky, Goofy, or Cinderella along Main Street USA.

The starting point for most first-time visitors on a Disney World vacation, it’s good to arrive an hour early to beat the crowds at opening time. Frontierland has Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and the animatronic Country Bear Jamboree show. Tomorrowland features Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, and Stitch’s Great Escape. At Adventureland, you’ll find the Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, Swiss Family Tree house, and Magic Carpets of Aladdin. Other popular attractions include the Haunted Mansion and It’s A Small World.

Disney Hollywood Studios

Originally planned as a working studio, Disney Hollywood Studios is a fully functioning movie and television production center, as well as a top Florida family vacation destination.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror takes guests in a haunted elevator car of the deserted Hollywood Tower Hotel, and then drops them 130 feet. The Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular has the audience involved in the filming of an action movie. Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show features high-flying high-speed movie stunts full of pyrotechnic effects. Other Attractions include the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster featuring Aerosmith.

Disney Animal Kingdom

This 500-acre zoo park features a menagerie of exotic free-roaming animals. The best time to encounter the lions, elephants, zebras, and giraffes of the free-roaming Kilimanjaro Safaris is in the cool of the morning or at the late-afternoon feeding by the Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge.

In between, chill out on the Asian tiger themed Kali River Rapids, and then head indoors to ride past the animated robotic Dinosaurs, or the popular 3-D show Its Tough To Be a Bug.

Epcot

A must-see at Disney's theme parks in Orlando is the Epcot center. Future World, dominated by the geodesic Spaceship Earth, offers popular edutainment rides like the interactive Mission: Space and Soarin’. Postcard pavilions from China, Mexico, and Morocco surround the World Showcase lagoon, where you can also enjoy a glass of wine in France or a stein of beer in Germany.

Discovery Cove

Sea World Discovery Cove is a truly memorable interactive experience that will have you swimming with dolphins and petting harmless stingrays. Reservations are required at this one-of-a-kind Florida theme park, where only 1,000 people a day are allowed to enter. With a high staff to guest ratio, you and your family will be made to feel special as you enter a marine world that gives you an up close and personal meeting with various aquatic creatures. Discovery Cove Orlando is adjacent to SeaWorld, and its chain of pools and lagoons wind in and out of lush settings complete with beaches, palm trees and rock formations.

Perhaps the highlight among the attractions found at Discovery Cove is the opportunity you will get to swim and play with bottlenose dolphins. Seven people at a time enter a shallow water pool to learn about the amazing creatures they are about to meet. A trainer begins with an overview about dolphin behavior and shows you how SeaWorld Discovery Cove trainers communicate with the animals through hand signals and positive reinforcement. During that time, guests meet the dolphins with hugs and kisses. After the primary introduction is over, it’s time to actually swim with the dolphins. Enjoy a tow through the water holding onto a dolphin’s fin, or give the playful animals a rubdown.

As you move on to some of the other attractions at SeaWorld Discovery Cove, your marine world adventure continues as you encounter more amazing animals. Snorkeling at the Coral Reef allows visitors to visit a submerged shipwreck where exotic fish teem, and you come face-to-face with sharks and barracuda. Sounds scary, but there is no need to worry, as the sharks and barracuda are behind a glass wall. Wading along the tropical pools and riverways will eventually lead you to the free-flight aviary, where guests interact and play with tropical birds, while feeding and touching them. Gentle and harmless stingrays play host at the Ray Lagoon, where you can feed, touch and swim with these beautiful creatures.

As you move from pool to pool around the grounds, you encounter sandy beaches, picturesque grottos and waterfalls. And for some rest and relaxation before or after your complimentary lunch, you can hang out at the large resort style pool. The Laguna Grill is where you will receive you complimentary meal, and among the food selections are chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, chicken pasta, Caesar salad, cobb salad, and stir-fry. Beverages in the form of water and sodas are also free, and beer and wine can be purchased by adults. The Laguna Grill opens at 11 a.m. and provides seating areas outside under umbrellas, or delivers your meal to you on the beach with their waiter service.

Due to the exclusive nature of Discovery Cove Orlando, guests will not encounter crowds or long lines. Again, advance reservations are required, and attendance is limited to 1,000 people a day. When you arrive at Discovery Cove, you are greeted at the check-in desk where you will meet with a personal guide for orientation and an initial tour. On-site, you will find clean and accommodating locker rooms, and all the equipment you need to enter the water, minus your bathing suit, is provided for you.

There are two all-inclusive Discovery Cove Orlando admission packages available when booking your reservation. The Dolphin Interaction package costs $259, and the Non-Dolphin Interaction goes for $159. Add $20 to each package admission price between the dates of March 12 - Nov. 11th. Included in your admission to Discovery Cove are your meals, beverages, gear, parking, and a 7-day pass to either SeaWorld Orlando or Busch Gardens Tampa. If you are planning to visit all of the Walt Disney World Theme Parks, your best deal is likely to purchase a Disney Park Hopper Ticket. It allows you to come and go through all four of Disney theme parks at Epcot Center, Magic Kingdom, Disney-MGM Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Your unused days never expire, and the options run from 4-7 days, ranging in price from $203-$325 for adults, and $161-$261 for kids. Slight discounts can be found when ordering on-line.

New Ripley attraction in Orlando?

As you may already know, here in Orlando (as in many other cities throughout Florida, U.S. and the world) we have a Ripley's Museum of oddities, which is very nice and it's located on International Drive.

Here's a picture of the museum, courtesy of an unknown Flickr guest:

Well, according to a Screamscape rumor, Ripley's is considering building a brand-new kind of museum experience, that will be focused on the "Guinness World Records". Ripley's already has some GWR museums (not in Orlando), but this will be different, much more interactive:

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Ripley Entertainment - (11/17/10) Ripley Entertainment has shown off a new version of the popular Guinness World Records attraction at IAAPA this week. The new style attraction will focus more on fun and interactive exhibits, allowing guests the option to see what it’s like to try and break world records through a series of 75 “challenge stations”. The first new prototype attraction is expected to break ground in 2011, though the exact location has not been finalized. Locations like Orlando, Gatlinburg and several international sites are on the short list of options being looked at right now. Existing sites will also be able to be upgraded into the new concept as well when the time is right.