Walt Disney World Resort
From its inception, the Walt Disney World Resort was designed to be a place where “dreams come true”. The magic of Disney is realized in the central Florida region where the Walt Disney World Resort’s four amusement parks, two water parks, and a myriad of other unique Disney destinations attract millions of visitors annually.
The heart of Walt Disney World is the Magic Kingdom, home of “Space Mountain”, “It’s a Small World”, “Pirates of the Caribbean” and other fantasy amusement rides set in a historical, timeless theme park. This storybook adventure begins with a walk through Cinderella’s Castle and takes visitors through the seven “lands” - Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, Mickey’s Toontown Fair, and Tomorrowland. Since its opening in 1971, the Magic Kingdom continues to delight visitors of all ages.
Epcot is the place to experience the potential of the future in Future World or to go “around the world” to experience the culture and food of 11 different countries. Disney-MGM Studios at Walt Disney World Resort is a smaller park with Hollywood movie-themed rides. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park is an amusement park and a zoo, where explorers can experience petting zoos, and thrilling rapids, and exciting safaris.
In addition to the amusement parks, Walt Disney World Resort boasts two popular water parks - Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Downtown Disney, Disney’s Boardwalk, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, golf courses and spas round out the exciting vacation opportunities that make up the Walt Disney World Resort.
The Walt Disney World Resort complex is located off Interstate 4, just south of Orlando.
Everglades National Park
Here are no lofty peaks seeking the sky, no mighty glaciers or rushing streams wearing away the uplifted land. Here is land, tranquil in its quiet beauty, serving not as the source of water, but as the receiver of it. To its natural abundance we owe the spectacular plant and animal life that distinguishes this place from all others in our country. - President Harry S. Truman at the Everglades National Park dedication ceremony, December 1947.
Originally the home of the Seminole and Creek Indian tribes, the Everglades are the largest preserved subtropical wilderness contained in a park in North America. Everglades National Park boasts a wide variety of plant and animal life including many endangered species such as the Florida panther, American crocodile and the West India manatee, along with several species of turtles, birds, and butterflies. Rare and colorful birds and plants thrive in this tropical region.
With a maximum elevation of 8 ft above sea level, with no source of fresh water other than rainfall, the Everglades diverse landscape is brought about by mere inches of elevation change and by seasonal changes. Visit in the summer to see a wide, grassy river wetland in the summer or discover a drier grassland in winter. Within Everglades National Park, the largest body of water, Florida Bay, is a marine and estuarine environment. Mangrove forests, coastal prairies, freshwater prairies and sloughs, pinelands, and cypress swamps provide the remainder of habitats unique to this area.
With over 1 million acres, Everglades National Park draws well over a million visitors per year. Boat, canoe, tram and walking tours for wildlife viewing and bird watching are offered through the park.
The Florida Keys
From Key Largo to Key West, between the Intercoastal Waterway and the Straits of Florida lie the Florida Keys – a series of low coral islands spanning 130 miles connected with bridges and causeways along the Overseas Highway. With a host of wildlife preserves and sanctuaries, historic parks and beaches, the Florida Keys have long been a popular destination for tourists seeking a Caribbean adventure without leaving the United States.
The most famous of the Florida Keys begins with the first island, Key Largo; renowned for its snorkeling and diving offshore near sunken wrecks. The next key, Isamorada is a haven for fishing enthusiasts. Midway through the Florida Keys vacationers relax at Marathon Key’s many resorts. Boaters and bird watchers are attracted to Big Pine Key and the Lower Florida Keys.
At the southern tip of the continental United States, the last of the Florida Keys, Key West is a well-populated island paradise where tourists can explore this uniquely historic town. The Ernest Hemingway Museum, the Key West Aquarium, walking ghost tours of haunted homes, recreation and nightlife are just a few of the ways visitors can experience the delights of Key West.
The Florida Keys are accessible by car, bus, plane or ferry from the mainland. Drivers take the Florida Turnpike south to Exit 4:Homestead/Key West to connect to Route US 1 (Overseas Highway) in Florida City.
SeaWorld Orlando
For thrilling rides or up-close encounters with Shamu, the famous killer whale, SeaWorld Orlando’s marine park is the place to visit. With over 200 acres of rides and animal attractions SeaWorld Orlando is a popular destination for families. Whether your speed is feeding the dolphins, seals, or sea lions, watching the underwater circus, or twisting and turning on the state-of-the-art “Kraken” rollercoaster, or enjoying the amphibious rollercoaster ride “Journey to Atlantis”, SeaWorld Orlando has something for everyone.
Dolphin shows are one of the highlights of a visit to SeaWorld Orlando. These personable mammals delight audiences with their soaring acrobatics, and amusing antics. For adventures in the Artic, the Penguin Encounter is an icy habitat where guests can feed and interact with the penguins. With these attractions and many more, visitors can spend the day in the fun and enjoy world-class cuisine that’s known for being a cut above the standard amusement park fare.
SeaWorld Orlando is open year-round and offers extended hours during holidays and the summer. SeaWorld Orlando also offers educational programs and Adventure Camps (Day and Sleepover) for groups, children-only, and for families.
SeaWorld Orlando is located just south of downtown Orlando at the intersection of Interstate 4 and FL 528 (Bee Line Expressway). It is open year-round with extended hours during summer and holidays.
Universal Studios Florida
If you’ve always wanted to be in pictures, Universal Studios Florida in Orlando is the place to start. Featuring full-scale production sets, Universal Studios Florida is a real film and television studio. Thrilling rides, shows, and attractions based on popular movies and television shows are what draw the millions of visitors each year.
Featured attractions at Universal Studios Florida include Shrek 4-D, Revenge of the Mummy, Men in Black Alien Attack, and Fear Factor Live. Live shows such as The Universal Horror Make-Up Show, The Blues Brothers, Lucy – A Tribute, and Beetlejuice’s Graveyard Revue are shown indoors or in outdoor stages or amphitheaters. Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone is designed for the youngest family members.
Dining and shopping round out the offerings at Universal Studios Florida, in Orlando. The theme park is open year round, every day.