Attractions | Orlandovacances

	The Magic Kingdom Park The Magic Kingdom park is what usually springs to mind for most people when you mention Disney World (or Walt Disney World Resort, to give it its full name), probably because it was the first of the four parks to be opened (in 1971). 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 favorite 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!
	Disney’s Animal Kingdom Disney’s Animal Kingdom, opened in 1998, is the most recent addition to Walt Disney World Resort and is the largest Disney theme park in the world. Animal conservation was a subject close to Walt Disney’s heart and the creators of the park have designed it around this theme, which makes the Animal Kingdom a great combination of the magic and fun of Disney and the beauty and splendor of Mother Nature. 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’. 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’.
	Disney Hollywood Studios Take a journey through ‘tinsel town’, courtesy of the Disney MGM Studios, where the theme is Hollywood classic movies and popular television entertainment. Battle imperial star-fighters in the ‘Star Tours’ motion simulator, then take your seats for the exciting live show ‘Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular’, Jim Henson’s ‘Muppet 3D Movie’, and other superb live shows like ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’. The afternoon parade features characters from the latest animated Disney blockbuster. For lovers of roller coasters, don’t miss the ‘Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith’. The highlight for many guests is the nighttime show ‘Fantasmic!’, as Mickey Mouse battles evil fantasy villains with a barrage of fireworks, water and lasers.
	Epcot The Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow – known by its acronym EPCOT – was the second park to be built and opened in 1982. With its dual themes of international culture and technological innovation, EPCOT is a showcase for cutting edge technology and an eclectic mix of international entertainment and cuisine. In ‘Future World’, you get an enthralling look at the very latest developments in science and technology and their impact on our modern world, all presented 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 be sure to stay for ‘Illuminations: Reflections of Earth’, performed every night around the ‘World Showcase Lagoon’ – it’s truly a breathtaking event.
	Universal Studios This Park number one is where Hollywood, movies and television come alive in numerous rides, shows and attractions. ‘Jaws’ is always good value, as is the revamped ‘ET’. The ‘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 put the wind up you and if you’re a sucker for ‘Lassie’, head over to ‘Animal Planet Live’. ‘Men in Black Alien Attack’ is the newest addition – how it ends depends on the amount of aliens you happen to ZAP! It’s a very full day and lots of fun.
	Sea World This Orlando favorite 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 the Killer Whale and family. If it’s 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.
	Daytona Beach For something completely different, the world famous Daytona Beach is definitely worth the drive – literally! While the 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 which you can drive onto and park. Take I-4 east for about 60 miles. Daytona is approximately 1 ½ hour’s drive from Orlando.
	Kennedy Space Center The home of America’s space program, the Kennedy Space Center features a variety of exhibits, shows and tours which are both interesting and informative. An hour’s drive from Orlando, it’s 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!
	Golf Courses (Terrain de golf) The following golf courses are all within 7 miles of the villa: ChampionsGate Golf Resort: regarded as one of the top golf courses nationwide. This 36 hole resort was designed by Greg Norman. One course, the International, is a links style course reminiscent of the top UK courses: the other, the National, is an American style course. www.championsgategolf.com Reunion Resort: listed on Golfweek’s list of “America’s Top 40 New Courses for 2005”, the three full courses at the spectacular multi million dollar resort were designed by three of golf’s great masters, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus. www.reunionresort.com Ridgewood Lakes Golf Club: listed amongst the top 30 golf courses in Florida. Web site: www.ridgewoodlakesgolf.com Mystic Dunes Golf Club: ranked Orlando’s number two after ChampionsGate. See www.mysticdunesgolf.com for details. Highlands Reserve Golf Club: rated 3.5 stars by Golf Digest’s ‘Places to Play’ guide. Visit www.highlandsreserve-golf.com to find out more. Celebration Golf Club: renowned club which has hosted several prestigious tournaments in recent years. Go to www.celebrationgolf.com