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Orlando has it all, even the grand daddy of tourist sites — Walt Disney World Resort (off I-4 and U.S. 192, Lake Buena Vista; 407-824-4321). It’s 47 square miles of vacation excitement, including the Magic Kingdom (a Disney tradition), Mickey and friends, Epcot, three water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon), resort hotels and five championship golf courses — all linked by monorail, ferryboats and shuttle.
 There’s also Disney-MGM Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom to explore, or you can shop all day and dance all night at the 120-acre Downtown Disney (featuring Marketplace, Pleasure Island and West Side). A helpful hint: Before your visit, plan ahead and parcel your time among these attractions too numerous to see in a week.
There’s Another Whole World Out There!
If you think that central Florida consists only of Walt Disney World, you’re wrong. What’s more, you’re passing up some great fun and amazing sites. Admittedly, It’s taken a while, but Walt Disney World now has plenty of competition that measures up toe to toe. And though it might sound blasphemous to suggest a whole vacation in central Florida without setting foot on Disney property, It’s not only possible, but also in many ways a fresh and appealing idea.
 The big four non – Disney theme parks are Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Sea World and Busch Gardens. Each is unique. Universal Studios, a long time rival of Disney MGM Studios, draws its inspiration from movies and television and is every bit the equal of the Disney park. Islands of Adventure is arguably the most modern, high tech theme park in the United States, featuring an all-star line up of thrill rides that makes it the best park in Florida for older kids and young at heart adults. Sea World provides an incomparable glimpse into the world of marine mammals and fish, served up in way that (for most parts) eliminates those never ending lines. Finally Busch Gardens, with it’s shows, zoological exhibits, and incredible coasters, offers the most eclectic mix of any theme park there is. All four parks approximate, equal, or exceed the Disney standard without imitating Disney, successfully blending their own distinctive presentations and personalities into every attraction.
 In addition to the big four, there are four speciality parks that are also worthy of attention. Cypress Gardens combines stunning formal gardens and quaint village, with its signature water ski shows. The Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral provides an inside look at the past, present, and future of America’s space program, while Gatorland showcases the alligator, one of the most ancient creature on earth. And Sea World’s Discovery Cove offers central Florida’s first ever dolphin swim experience. All four offer an experience that is quite different from a day at one of the big theme parks, including a respite from standing in line, all of the walking, and the frenetic pace.
But these are just for starters, In central Florida you’ll also find a vibrant dinner- theatre scene, two non Disney water parks, two nigh time entertainment complexes, great shopping, and some of the best hiking, biking, fishing, sailing and sporting opportunities anywhere.
www.seaworld.com
www.discoverycove.com
www.disney.com
www.islands-of-adventure.com
www.usfinfo.com
www.orlandotouristinformationbureau.com
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