Orlando has a subtropical climate and during the height of summer, May-October, temperatures rarely fall below 21’C (70’F). November-March sees more moderate temperatures.
There is much to see and do in Orlando: Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld Orlando are three of the most famous. It is recommended you go straight to the back of the park and work your way forward! When Disney and Universal close their doors for the evening another Orlando speciality comes alive; dinner shows are firm favourites with the theme park crowd and there are dazzling displays and performances on offer from Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, Arabian Nights equestrian skills or spend a night on the South Seas at Disney’s Hawaiian themed Spirit of Aloha.
Examples of some other theme parks and attractions in the area include:
- The Shuttle Launch Experience, which is now open at the Kennedy Space Center, where visitors can experience the NASA- designed simulation of a launch sequence and a view of the Earth as seen only by astronauts.
- Gatorland, known as the “Alligator Capital of the World”, is a 110 acre theme park where there is the new Gator Gully Splash Park, which offers water fun, and exciting reptilian shows.
- Discovery Cove is Seaworld Orlando’s sister attraction and it allows guests to befriend dolphins and other animals for a unique boutique theme park experience.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Lake Buena Vista is a unique and engaging mixture of theme park and zoo.
- Disney MGM Studios is the smallest of the four Walt Disney World parks and portrays the Hollywood of your dreams, with the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and the Rock n’Roller Coaster, it is home to the most thrill-packed ride.
- Epcot at Lake Buena Vista includes Future World, which focuses on emerging technologies.
- Silver Springs has been running glass bottom boats showing guests the underwater wonders of Silver River since 1878. Other attractions at the nature park include a Jeep Safari and an Alligator show.
- Adventure Island- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. This is a water park and the home of Splash Attack, taking guests on a twisty-twirly journey of the unexpected!
- Buccaneer Bay allows visitors to take a refreshing dip into the cool crystal-clear waters of the spring or challenge the flumes and waterslides.
- The Everglades National Park; no visit to Florida is complete without a trip to track down the alligators!
Other attractions in Orlando include Arboretum of the University of Central Florida, Blue Spring Skate Park (the winter home of very many Florida manatees), Central Florida Zoological Park, Cornell Fine Arts Museum and The Florida Mall (one of the largest single-storey malls in the USA with around 250 stores).
There are adventures to be found around every corner, whether swimming with dolphins, teeing off on a pristine golf course or skimming over swamps in an airboat! Florida is also becoming increasingly sophisticated with luxury spas and designer shopping malls. Visitors are guaranteed a warm welcome to Florida wherever they are in the State. The Floridians are friendly and the old-style southern hospitality is still at the forefront of the tourist industry.
Miami is a combination of a busy city coupled with laid back and delightful coastal area and beaches. Attractions in this Spanish influenced city include Miami's South Beach where you can snorkel in cool blue waters, walk along the sandy beach or dine in the many restaurants. There are some museums and attractions to keep the children happy too including Miami Zoo and the Sea Aquarium.
The Florida Keys provide a completely different experience from Miami with a much slower pace. The Keys provide an ideal holiday destination for families and couples alike. Key West is located at the southernmost and westernmost tip of the Florida Keys. It is the most lively of all the islands and is the seaport destination for most passenger cruise ships. There is also an international airport on the island that provides an excellent way to travel to reach other areas within Florida.
Naples is the crown jewel of Southwest Florida, nestled in the sun drenched beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. It is known for world class shopping, dining and abundant, challenging golf courses. Boasting one of the nation's best resorts for sandy beaches, Naples is perfect for water lovers and sun bathers. Friendly parks beckon sports enthusiasts and picknickers with lovely green spaces and recreational facilities.
Whether exploring, busy with a variety of sports or just lazing around, Florida surely has something for everybody!
