Orlando
Part of Walt Disney’s genius was that he made magical vacations possible for a wide range of travelers—including luxury travelers. But to limit yourself to your hotel and Walt Disney World (not Disneyland—that’s in California) would be a mistake. For one thing, the mouse is not the only name in Florida theme parks. And Orlando itself has something to offer the traveler, too, including shopping, museums, and other overlooked attractions.
Activities and Attractions:
If you think you remember Walt Disney World from your own childhood, you’re in for a surprise. Mickey Mouse, Minnie, Goofy, and Space Mountain are all there. But the classic Magic Kingdom and Epcot experience are now complimented by several other Disney Parks. Disney’s Animal Kingdom simulates an African safari—but there’s nothing make-believe about the real live giraffes, elephants and zebras you will drive by.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, kids can see amazing movie stunts performed, ride a possessed elevator in the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and survive the heart-pounding Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. In addition, two water parks—Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon--add to the fun. Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex is also worth a visit, especially during the spring, when the Atlanta Braves train there.
Adults will find plenty of fun, too. The Downtown Disney and Disney’s Boardwalk areas mean that you don’t have to leave the Disney empire for dinner or nightlife. Disney shopping options, however, tend toward the ordinary. The shopoholic in your party may be happier trying his or her luck pricing antiques on North Orange Avenue in Orlando, or browsing brand names in house wares (Williams Sonoma, Restoration Hardware) on Park Avenue, in ritzy Winter Park.
Rivaling Disney are the twin parks of the Universal Orlando Resort complex. The Islands of Adventure park has high-energy rides as well as milder experiences for small children. Universal Studios Orlando is a movie-themed park. Hurtle through space with the Simpsons, or save the world with the Men in Black. Like Disney, the Universal complex has its own nightlife, at the CityWalk entertainment boardwalk. Serious foodies, though, will want to save themselves for a gourmet meal in Orlando proper. (South Orange Avenue has some excellent restaurants.)
Not every traveler goes to the trouble of venturing beyond the parks, but you’ll be glad you did. Orlando has several excellent museums, including the Orlando Museum of Art. The museum’s collections concentrate on the art of the Americas, going back to pre-Columbian times. It also hosts some of the country’s top traveling exhibitions. A museum of a different sort, the Orlando Science Center, is a hands-on kind of place where kids don’t even realize they’re learning about math and science. Another hit with kids is the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey. The raptor rehab sanctuary in the city of Maitland is a great place to see magnificent animals up close.
Insider Tip:
The animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are mostly from Africa, so they know the trick to handling the heat: Get tasks done early in the morning when it’s cool, and make yourself scarce in the heat of mid-day. (Good advice for human visitors to Florida, too.) If your hotel offers an early-morning tour of the park, be sure to take advantage of it. This is a great way not just to beat the crowds, but also to see the animals doing more than hiding in the shade.
-Exclusively for Perfect Escapes by Nicole Clausing |
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