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Area
Guide....
Disney
MGM Studios
Take
a journey through 'tinsel town', courtesy of the Disney MGM Studios.
Battle imperial star-fighters on Star Tours, then it's on to the
exciting Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Jim Henson's Muppet
3D movie, and superb live shows like the Hunchback Of Notre Dame.
Try and make time for the afternoon parade featuring characters
from the latest animated Disney blockbuster - 'Mulan' is the current
offering and highly recommended. The highlight for many guests
is 'Fantasmic!' as Mickey Mouse battles the evil fantasy villains
with a barrage of fireworks, water and lasers and don't miss the
Rock N Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. (back
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The
Magic Kingdom Park
The
Magic Kingdom Park is what springs to mind for most people when
you mention Disney. The park does get busy so get there early
and you'll see so much more. Stop by the home of the world's most
famous mouse in 'Mickey Toontown Fair' and have a look at where
the big cheese actually lives. Take a thrill ride across the galaxy
on' Space Mountain', explore the ghostly happenings at the Haunted
Mansion, or prepare to get wet with Brer Rabbit and friends on
'Splash Mountain'. Do try and catch one of the wonderful parades
featuring some of your favourite Disney characters, and don't
come home before you've seen the fireworks high above Cinderella
Castle. It's a long day but an absolute must! (back
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Disney's
Animal Kingdom
Disney's
Animal Kingdom Theme Park is an adventure involving the very real,
the imaginary and the extinct! Ride 'Kilimanjaro Safaris' where
the animals are almost close enough to touch. Come face to face
with a magnificent troop of gorillas, or travel back in time on
'Dinosaur'. Asia is the newest area of the park where you can
cool off on 'Kali River Rapids'. Animal Kingdom is a great combination
of the magic and fun of Disney and all that mother nature has
to offer. Make sure you get there early when the animals are at
their most active and don't miss the 'Lion King Stage Show' and
the highly amusing 'It's Tough To Be A Bug'. (back
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Epcot
The
Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow is a showcase for
cutting edge technology along with an eclectic mix of international
entertainment and cuisine. In Future World you get an enthralling
look at how our modern world has developed along the very latest
developments in science and technology, and it's all dine in a
fun and often interactive setting. Make sure you see 'Honey I
Shrunk The Audience'- Disney's 3D magic is not to be missed! World
Showcase, on the other hand, features the traditions and cultures
of people from around the world. Eat and drink your way around
the globe in a day and don't miss 'Illuminations: Reflections
of Earth' every night around the World Showcase lagoon - it's
truly a breathtaking event. (back
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Pleasure
Island
If
it's clubbing you're into then head over to Downtown Disney Pleasure
Island - 'Mannequins' is a dance palace of epic proportions for
over 21's, or there's jazz, comedy, hip hop, and country and western
on offer as well The 'Adventurers Club' is a little on the wacky
side with its off the wall look at life in the 'Raj', then head
outside with your family for a non-stop street party with live
shows and fireworks. Look out for some very well known bands playing
on the West End Stage and don't forget to stay late! (back
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Downtown
Disney West Side
The
West Side features a huge Virgin Mega store for cheap CD's, a
20 cinema complex to catch the latest films, live music at the
House of Blues, and numerous excellent eateries like Wolfgang
Puck Café and Bongos Cuban Care. Disney Quest Indoor Interactive
Theme Park is a video game fanatics dream come true with 5 floors
of high tech entertainment! The amazing Cirque Du Soleil, a mix
of street theatre and circus artistry, is hard to describe and
it's not the cheapest ticket in town - even though it's worth
every penny. (back
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Disney
Water Parks
Disney
water parks are great fun and suitable for all ages, Makes sure
you have some good sun block and keep re-applying it throughout
the day. In the blazing heat of the summer 3-4 house without any
shade is plenty so don't overdo it. (back
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Disney's
Blizzard Beach Water Park is a highly unusual ski resort where
the snow has melted and turned the place into a mecca for water
rides and slides - look out for the one and only 'Summit Plummet'
and hang onto that swimsuit. (back
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Disney's
Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is home to the biggest surf wave ever
to hit Florida and is a tropical paradise full of slick flumes
and giant slides like the 'Humunga Kowabunga'. Makes sure you
take time to snorkle 'Sharks Reef'. (back
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Universal
Studios
Park
number one is where Hollywood, movies and television come alive
in numerous excellent rides, shows and attractions. Jaws is always
good value as is the revamped ET. 'Back To The Future Ride' is
still one of the best simulator rides ever and Terminator 2: 3-D
is definitely worth the wait. 'Twister' will definitely put the
wind up you and if you're a sucker for 'Lassie' head over to Animal
Planet Live. Men in Black Alien Attack and The Mummy Ride are
the newest addition. It's a very full day and lots of fun. (back
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Islands
Of Adventure
Park
number two is an all new them park definitely designed for the
21st Century. You'll experience some of the world's most advanced
ride and show technology on five exciting islands. Seuss Landing
is where you'll find Cat In The Hat, hurtle around the Last Continent
on 'Dueling Dragons' and a monster of a water ride in Jurassic
Park. Toon Lagoon is full of high spirited cartoon fun and Marvel
Super Hero Island is where you'll find Spider-Man (the best ride
of it's kind in the world) and the Incredible Hulk Coaster with
it's cheek chattering inverted turns and loops. (back
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City
Walk
This
is Universals nighttime entertainment complex where you might
grab a top notch dinner at Emerils, a cocktail at Jimmy Buffet's
Margeritaville or dance the night away at The Groove. There's
also a 20 cinema complex with stadium seating that serves wine
and beer - who cares if the film's not great! Look out for top
name acts at Hard Rock Live and check out the infectious beat
of the Motown Café. You have to walk through CityWalk to
exit the two main theme parks so maybe take a break from the crowds
and stop for dinner or a drink at the end of a very enjoyable
day. (back
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Sea
World
This
Orlando favourite draws visitors back time and time again year
after year. Grab a show schedule upon arrival and plan your assault
on the park. Touch and feed dolphin, pet some perfectly harmless
sting rays or get face to face with Shamu and family. If it a
hot day a front row seat at the whale show is a guaranteed way
to cool off, then dry your clothes in 60 seconds flat on the all
new Kraken, a roller coaster without a floor! Journey to Atlantis
is part water ride part roller coaster and Wild Artic also features
a somewhat bumpy ride en route to some very cool encounters. (back
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Wet'n Wild
Orlando's
original Beach Within Reach is very conveniently located on International
Drive right in the heart of 'Tourist-ville'. It's well known for
some great multi-person rides where the whole family or group
can splash around together. All ages are well catered for and
tiny tots have a very safe water playground where they can paddle
and slide in complete safety. 'Der Stuka' is quite a ride as is
'The Bomb Bay' - the names say it all! If you aren't into a daredevil
descent then head over to the aptly named Lazy River the best
place in town to get a tan. The Surge is a great place for a family
get together as is the Bubba Tub and it's a lot more fun than
riding on your own. (back
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Bush
Gardens
Located
in Tampa and hours drive from Orlando, Busch Gardens is a 335
acre African themed park featuring cleverly designed animal attractions,
thrilling rides and live entertainment. Edge Of Africa is a lot
of fun or take an off-road adventure on Rhino Rally. The park
is best known for an incredible collection of roller coasters
like Montu, Kumba and the new dueling wooden roller coaster Gwazi.
The Tanganika Tidal Wave, is as the name suggests, a good way
to cool off but if that sounds a bit strenuous the park is owned
by Budweiser, so a free sample may be in order.
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Kennedy
Space Center
The
home of America's space program, Kennedy Space Center features
a variety of exhibits, shows and tours which are both interesting
and informative. An hour away from Orlando its very family friendly
and whether you're of the Apollo generation or a Shuttle space
cadet there's plenty to enjoy. Don't miss the stunning Imax movie
or the Spaceport USA bus tour which gets you out to the observation
gantry overlooking the biggest rockets you're ever likely to see
- if you're not careful this could be the most fun you ever had
in a science lesson! (back
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Disney
Quest
Disney
Quest is an Indoor Interactive Theme Park, combining cutting-edge
entertainment technologies such as virtual reality and 3-D with
Disney stories and characters to create a one of a kind experience.
Climb into a real river raft, ride the rapids and ovoid hungry
dinosaurs in a Virtual Jungle Cruise. Design your own roller coaster
and then ride it on Cyberspace Mountain. Explore five floor of
virtual fun with over 250 attractions, rides and games. (back
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Gatorland
The
Gator Capital Of The World is home to over 5000 of Florida's original
residents. The park is very concerned with the conservation of
the Florida Alligator so fun shows like Jumparoo and Gator Wrestling
have an educational side to them as well. A lot of the activity
centers around a beautiful breeding marsh, which is also a haven
for hundreds of birds-any amateur ornithologists will have a great
time. Jungle Crocs Of The World features some more fearsome imports
and feeding time is not to be missed! Gatorland is a reasonably
priced and entertaining half day attraction that kids particularly
will enjoy. (back
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Daytona
Beach
For
something completely different, the world famous Daytona Beach
is definitely worth the drive - literally! While surf may be a
little rough, you can actually enjoy this beach from the comfort
of your car, since it's one of the few beaches in the world on
which you can drive and park. Take I-4 east and drive for about
60 miles. Daytona is approximately 1 ½ hours drive from
Orlando. (back
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Cocoa
Beach
Located
on Florida's Space Coast, (named after the Kennedy Space Center).
You'll find lots of amenities and a seemingly endless stretch
of sand. Cocoa Beach is approximately 1 hour drive from Orlando.
Head east on Bee Line Expressway (Hwy 528). (back
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New
Smyrna Beach
One
of Orlando's closet beaches, New Smyrna features a historic district,
plus shops, marinas and restaurant. New Smyrna Beach is about
one hour from Orlando. (back
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St.
Petersburg & Clearwater
Florida's
west coast beaches are where you want to be! Close to everything,
yet miles away. A beautiful peninsula located on Florida's West
coast, the area is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the west
and by Tampa Bay to the east. There is 35 miles of white-sand
beaches on some 20 barrier islands. Located just 30 minutes to
Busch Gardens in Tampa and 90 minutes to Walt Disney World Resort
in Orlando. (back
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