Although Disney built the very first theme park in
Anaheim California, it is Walt Disney World Resort at
Orlando in Florida - the second to be built - that has
become the biggest. Its overwhelming success has paved the
way for the Disney organisation to improve their
development, and not only have they added more parks,
on-site hotels and golf courses over the last 40 years, but
also encouraged many other companies to build their own
parks nearby. As a result, the Orlando and Kissimmee area is
now home to nine major theme parks, a similar number of
water parks, thousands of hotels and restaurants, and a slew
of other attractions.
Disney has three water parks and four major theme parks
in Orlando, including the original Magic Kingdom, and the
fabulously dated EPCOT (Experimental Prototype Community of
Tomorrow) Centre, which although it was cutting edge when
constructed, now resembles a marvellous 1960s sci-fi film
set. Recent park additions are the MGM Studios, which opened
in the late 1980s, and Animal Kingdom, which features many
exotic animals in a mock safari park, as well some
state-of-the art attractions.
Next to Disney, Universal Orlando is the big draw for
most visitors offering a choice of two exciting parks:
Universal Studios features attractions closely associated
with film and TV blockbusters, and the newer Island of
Adventures offers a number of bare-knuckle rides based on
cartoon characters and animated super-heroes, including the
infamous Incredible Hulk Coaster. There are also many adult
attractions at Universal City Walk such as themed
nightclubs, live entertainment, and a 3,000 capacity Hard
Rock concert arena, at which well-known bands and solo acts
frequently perform throughout the year.
For lovers of both marine life and rollercoasters,
Orlando SeaWorld fits the bill. Originally more of an
aquarium offering live shows featuring killer whales and
dolphins, it has undergone significant expansion over the
last 20 years, adding aquatically themed bare-knuckle rides.
SeaWorld is due to open its own water park, Aquatica in
March 2008.
The Holy Land Experience is the area's newest theme park.
No roller coaster rides are on offer there, but there are a
number of religiously themed exhibits, theatrical
productions and other attractions. It certainly offers an
alternative theme park experience to the rest of Orlando's
attractions.
Although
Florida holidays in Orlando usually involve a visit to
one or more of the parks at some point, there are other
major attractions close by that are also very popular, most
notably the Kennedy Space Centre. The region is also a
nirvana for golfers featuring a number of championship
standard courses, and from late February to the end of March
it is home to several Major League Baseball teams
participating in spring training.
Disclaimer:
The information contained within this article is the
opinion of the author and is intended purely for information
and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make
any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included
for information purposes only.
