Orlando: The World’s Largest Theme Park
Orlando has grown up around Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom and now visitors can spend every day at a different major attraction. Disney now operates four theme parks, including the Disney-MGM Studios and two water parks. Universal have two attractions and Sea World have three, making Orlando a premier location for family holidays. It is possible to escape the fantasy world and Orlando also has vibrant night-life and downtown is home to a growing number of high-tech industries giving rise to an ever increasing population of dynamic, young professionals. Orlando is also home to a very impressive science museum and a world class art gallery – and for those who wish to see something extra special, the Kennedy Space Center is nearby. Orlando boasts two international airports. The highly rated Orlando International Airport is only nine miles from the city center and features more facilities than many small cities. Orlando Sanford International Airport, 17 miles from downtown Orlando, is more intimate than its larger sister, although functions as the main hub for UK and budget airline arrivals. Both airports offer a range of car hire options as well as shuttle bus services to all the city's hotels. To cater for the huge numbers of visitors each year, Orlando has a substantial number of hotels, second only to Las Vegas in the US. All major hotel chains are represented but most visitors aspire to stay in the Walt Disney World Resort, which offers a range of accommodation for differing budgets. There are also a large number of vacation homes, apartments and campgrounds available for those who prefer to pamper themselves. Florida is alligator country and visitors can easily take a side-trip to explore the water system and go looking for Florida's number one inhabitant as well as taking in the other local wildlife. A short drive away you'll find several resort towns on the Gulf Coast which offer family-friendly beaches, fishing excursions, dolphin-watching cruises and speedboat rides. Further afield are the Florida Keys and the amazing water system of the Everglades, as well as the Art Deco gem of South Beach, Miami.