Florida - so much more than you ever expected!


Walt Disney World
  Florida has undergone a radical transformation, since its discovery by Spanish Explorer Ponce de Leon in 1513. The 'Sunshine State' has become synonymous with many top attractions of global renown. Its reputation as the world's most exciting holiday playground continues to grow, especially in Orlando. Florida is a state of huge contrasts; from high-tech thrills, glittering attractions and golf courses to some of the best beaches to be found anywhere along the US coastline. Huge tracts of Florida, including the Everglades, are protected national parks, making it the sunshine holiday state with a difference.
Universal Studios  
Sea World  
Hard Rock Cafe  
Planet Hollywood  
Golf Courses  
Daytona Beach  
Wet 'n' Wild  
Kennedy Space Centre  
Plus much more ....  
     
       
Walt Disney World   15 minutes from villa
  www.disneyworld.co.uk  

Walt Disney World is the biggest holiday attraction on earth. It contains four immense theme parks and several other major attractions.

The Magic Kingdom (pictured) is just one of the theme parks at Disney World. Others include, Disney MGM Studios, the EPCOT Centre and Disney's Animal Kingdom.

We would advise a 'plan of action' especially if this is your first visit to Disney World or you have limited time.

       
Universal Studios   30 minutes from villa
  www.universalstudios.com  

Claiming four of the most thrilling rides anywhere, Terminator 2 3D, Kongfrontation, Earthquake and Back to the Future, Universal Studios seems to be less crowded than Disney as it is the biggest facility of its kind east of California.

Arrive early to collect a map and plan a route.

       
       
Sea World   25 minutes from villa
  www.seaworld.com  

Seaworld is the leader in Florida's marine parks. On arrival you get a daily schedule and a map so you can plan your visit. Feed the dolphins or stingrays and visit Shamu the friendly Killer Whale.

A great day out with all the sea life.

       
Hard Rock Cafe   30 minutes from villa
  www.hardrock.com  

You can't miss dining at the Hard Rock Cafe with its collection of rock 'n roll memorabilia, including signed photos, guitars and gold discs.

A very popular place to dine so get in early for lunch.

       
Planet Hollywood   20 minutes from villa
  www.planethollywood.com  

Planet Hollywood is the busiest restaurant in the Walt Disney Resort, drawing in big crowds and queues! Once inside, you can see great movie props hanging from walls and occasionally, the famous owners and their friends while you eat. Well worth the wait.

       
       
Golfing In Florida   various courses across the State
  www.orlando-golf-courses.com  

There are 20 golf courses within 20 minutes drive from Orange Tree Villa. There are five championship courses alone in the Disney Resort and the newest complex 'Champions Gate' contains two distinctive courses designed by Greg Norman is likely to become one of America's top locations for golfing. Most of the courses are open to the public, requiring no membership, only the payment for green fees.

       
Daytona Beach   2 hours from villa
  Daytona Beach  

This is the prime site of the Atlantic Coast, with an array of good beaches (some of which you can drive on for a small charge of $5).

Also available at Daytona are fishing and boating trips, sight seeing and shopping.

Very lively around Spring Break (US Easter College Holiday) but otherwise very reasonable.

       
Wet 'n' Wild   25 minutes from villa
  www.wetnwild.com  

The world's first water park, opened in 1977, is excellent fun for all the family, although some rides are not for the feint hearted. With 75ft high body slides, rapids, lagoons and much more, it is repeatedly one of the best attended water parks in the country.

       
Kennedy Space Centre 1 hour from villa
  www.kennedyspacecentre.com  

The Kennedy Space Center is home to five continuous shows/exhibitions, four showcases, children's play area, art gallery, Astronaut Encounter, 2 IMAX films and a full bus tour of the Canted.

A full day is recommended for touring the Kennedy Space Canted.

Its rapid and ongoing developments make it an unmissable attraction.

       
       
Arabian Nights   15 minutes from villa
Busch Gardens   60 minutes from villa
Cypress Gardens   30 minutes from villa
Fantasy of Flight   30 minutes from villa
Islands of Adventure   30 minutes from villa
Gatorland   30 minutes from villa
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament  
25 minutes from villa
Pirates Dinner Adventure  
25 minutes from villa