Visit Orlando
Although the madness of an Orlando vacation might seem scary at times with the number of theme parks to visit, this city has more for the visitor if they want something a little different. There are enough shops, markets, museums, art galleries and much more in Orlando to keep even the most ‘difficult to please’ person occupied. Whilst many people that visit are first timers, more are returning for their second, third or more time as there is always something new to see.
It is a great place to visit even if you only have shopping on your mind as Orlando area is full of beautiful shopping malls, restaurants and shops of every type. With so many things to see, the information provided here cannot even brush the surface of what you can see on an Orlando Vacation, but it will give an insight into some of the ‘not so well publicized’ attractions.
The Central Florida Zoo for instance only opened back in 1975 and was owned by the Sanford Fire Department prior to that but is now the home to over four hundred animals. Privately owned, this zoo is also a botanical garden run by a charitable group whose purpose is to protect native and endangered species around the world.
You may have heard of the name Tiffany’s but did you know that it was way back in 1942 that the Morse Museum in Winter Park that started displaying the collections of Louis Tiffany. The famous chapel interior commissioned for the World’s Columbian Exhibition back in 1893 is also here along with many items of Tiffany jewelry, leaded glass, ornaments and clayware.
Orlando is certainly a city for all age groups and not solely designed for the amusement of children as family and adult attractions are in equal numbers. For tourists that like to burn the candle at both ends there is a range of nightly entertainment on an Orlando vacation from themed family evenings like Pirates Adventure to clubs, bars and restaurants.
Take the Orlando Science Center which can offer over 200,000 square feet of exhibitions and displays in ten huge halls; its focus is to provide a basis for experimenting, and learning science and technology. If your preference is in railways then the International Trolley and Train Museum on International drive will be a pleasant surprise with 14 trains running continuously and three waterfalls in a space of about 4,000 square feet.
For something a little different there’s the Titanic Exhibition which tells the story of the ill fated Ocean Liner performed by a character from the ship; the displays contain some original salvaged items and at times the tour is very moving. Of course if you prefer something more relaxing then you should visit Lake Eola Park, situated in the heart of downtown; this is the city’s main attraction with 43 acres of beautiful sidewalks and a boating lake.
Not all theme parks in Orlando are based purely on rides as the fantastic Seaworld will attest but if you want rides then you have the Disney resort theme parks and Universal studios too. If you are on you first Orlando vacation, try to visit all the major attractions first because it is almost certain you will return again another year.