Top 10 Orlando Attractions You Must Visit - Part 1

• By: Editor
• On: 21/Jan/2009
• In: USA Travel Tips

Also take a look at: Top 10 Orlando Attractions You Must Visit - Part 2.
 

The first 5 attractions are:

Walt Disney World Resort 

Disney World is located in Lake Buena Vista in Florida, just 35 miles south of Orlando. A bit of forward planning is needed for sure as there are 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, and for adults there’s Downtown Disney and Disney’s Boardwalk to get through.

As if all this isn’t enough, the resort also offers golf, mini golf, tennis, boating, health clubs, spas and backstage tours (that is of course time permitting and if you have the energy for the extras after trudging around one of the theme parks for the day).

Tip:  Do not miss a Disney parade – they’re nothing short of spectacular. Check with the Disney staff for exact time and parade route.

Sea World 

Sea World is located about 10 minutes to the south of downtown Orlando at the intersection of Interstate 4 and FL 528.

Shark encounter – as you progress through a 60 ft long tunnel you can almost hear that scary "thump thump" music from "Jaws"! This is probably the closest you’ll get to these pretty fearsome creatures.

Take a look at the wild arctic exhibit with its walruses, beluga whales and polar bears. Keep an eye out for Sea World’s most famous resident, Shamu, the killer whale.

Something else which may seem a little out of place here is those magnificent Clydesdales horses. Remember, the ones from the Budweiser beer add!.

Make things so much easier on yourself and opt for a tour of the attraction. This will take you behind the scenes – you can take part in a dolphin training session and you might even get an opportunity to feed the animals.

Add to all of this some cracking rides and shows and you’ve got one hell of an adventure for all the family.

Universal Orlando Resort 

Here you have 2 theme parks to choose from, namely Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure.

Calling all adrenalin junkies, here’s your chance for that ultimate buzz, on Duelling Dragons (a twin roller coaster. Another popular choice is the Hulk rollercoaster.

Adrenalin not pumping yet? Then how about trying "Revenge of the Mummy" or "Doctor Doom’s Fearfall". With names like that I don’t think these rides would be for the faint hearted!

There’s something for everyone at these parks. Kids will have a ball at Woody Woodpeckers kidzone or Camp Jurassic. There’s interactive fun for all the family with "Men in Black – Alien Attack" where you can have a little competition between you to see who has the best aim in zapping those aliens.

Orlando Museum of Modern Art

Orlando Museum of Modern Art was founded in 1924. Permanent collections on view at the moment include the African collection which contains a fine selection of beadwork, wooden figures and masks.

The American Art Collection which features paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures from the 18th century and onwards is well worth checking out. Keep an eye out for works by Thomas Moran, George Inness and John Singer Sargent.

Art of the Ancient Americas has pieces dating back to 2000 B.C. Enjoy artefacts from more than 30 different cultural groups made from silver, jade, stone, cloth and gold.

The museum hosts a number of temporary exhibitions during the year, so please check the website for further information.

Orlando Science Centre

Orlando Science Centre had its humble beginnings in 1960 as an anthropology museum. In the ‘70’s its remit was changed and it became a science and technology centre until 1984 when it finally became known as the Orlando Science Centre.

The museum has a number of permanent features, for example a scanning electron microscope.  Dr. Dare’s lab lets you experience what its like to be a scientist (don’t worry; there’s a trained instructor on hand so you can’t go too wrong mixing those chemicals).

Orlando Science Centre is definitely searching for those scientists of the future. They have a specially designated area for kids, "Kid’s Town". The aim here is to get the kids interested in science through play.

You can wish upon a star and observe far flung galaxies and planets through the 10 inch lens of the refractor telescope at the Crosby Observatory.

A number of temporary exhibits are held during the year.

The best way to get around Orlando is by car. As always, we advice that you organise your car rental well in advance. If you haven’t done so yet take a look at our car hire Orlando page.

Feel free to drop us a line if you have any comments or questions.