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Orlando : Overview & Top 10

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Orlando

One word describes Orlando’s transformation in the last three decades: stunning. The city and its suburbs have gone through a Cinderella-like metamorphosis, where plain Jane has become a worldly beauty. Millions of tourists are seduced every year by sophisticated resorts, a wide range of theme parks, must-see attractions, happening nightclubs, and winning restaurants. Here are Orlando’s best of the best.

More on the Top 10 sights in Orlando (see Thrill Rides)
  • Aquatica

    Introducing Aquatica™ - a whimsical, one-of-a-kind waterpark that’s only in Orlando and could only come from SeaWorld, where one river floats you through an undersea world of colourful fish and another races you into rolling rapids. Slides that spin and soak you, and the incredible signature ride – Dolphin Plunge, with two awesome, enclosed tube slides that send you speeding through a lively lagoon filled with playful, black and white Commerson’s dolphins. Especially for the little ones, there’s the huge water play area, Kata’s Kookaburra Cove! Play, in on or over the serene-to-extreme waters in the gigantic double wave pools, then soak in the sun (or the cooling shade) on the white sand beach.

    Aquatica is where the fun is as endless as the sea itself.

  • I am a comparison shopper by nature and while at Disney World this past summer I found Disney has many ways of you parting with your money, but I found some of the best shopping at the Animal Kingdom Park and Animal Kingdom Lodge. Better than at the other parks and resorts.

  • Carribean Beach Resort

    We truly enjoyed our stay at the CBR. Check-in was quick, and the staff was very helpful and courteous and our room was ready for us.

    Outstanding Points Bus system was outstanding. At the start of our holiday we decided to take the first park bus that came along and you would be unlucky to wait more than 5 minutes. Even wanting a specific park then 15 minutes wait was our maximum. Re-fillable mugs must be your first buy. It will pay for itself within 48 hours. Cast members (staff) were all fantastic. Like anyone, they can have a bad day as much as anyone so we may have been lucky. Jamaica village is sooo convenient. 5 minute walk over two bridges to Old Port Royale (food court and shop) which was very refreshing in the morning. Aruba would be good as well. If you like to jog and have a good workout, then go round the resort. Big and colourful, you won’t be alone. Jamaica pool was perfect, right size and never overcrowded. Same with the village’s beach area. Hammocks throughout the resort.

    Good Points Room size is good for 2 + 2 small kids, anything else then get two rooms (connecting door available) Main pool was very busy but scenic. I never saw less than 3 lifeguards on duty but I was only there twice.

    Not So Good Points Cleaning was generally good but occasionally (2 out of 13 nights) not as thorough as it could be. I found the menu at Shutters quite limited but who goes to Disney to eat? Pillows left a little to be desired. If you can bring your own then do so! Prices are high throughout Disney but heck, you’re on holiday, you really cannot expect Mall prices.

  • For a cheap meal go to cici's in international drive where an enjoy an all you can eat buffet for a measley $4.79. Includes Pizza, Pasta, Salad & Desert. Only extra extra is your drink which was a few dollars more with unlimited refills.

  • Cold Stone Creamery

    About Cold Stone Creamery

    Experts in Innovation If it has anything to do with ice cream, it has everything to do with Cold Stone Creamery. From unique ice cream creations to smoothies, cakes and shakes – nobody serves up the ultimate indulgence like Cold Stone. It starts with using the highest quality ingredients and ends with our signature process for preparing your custom creation on a frozen granite stone.

    Because the World Deserves Better Ice Cream Rest assured, our expertise in innovating indulgence didn’t just happen by accident. Our founders, Donald and Susan Sutherland, discovered their true calling in 1988 when, driven by their passion to serve the world's best ice cream, they opened the first Cold Stone Creamery in Tempe, Arizona. And now, more than 1,400 stores later, people have really warmed up to their cool idea.

    Has It Really Been That Long? Through almost 20 years of serving up the finest ice cream, cakes, smoothies and shakes, some things have certainly changed. And frankly, some things haven’t. Ever since we opened our first store back in 1988, we’ve been serving up what we refer to as Creations™. In other words, if you want it in your ice cream – you get it. By mixing nuts, fruits and candy into our smooth and creamy ice cream on a frozen granite stone (around here, we call it “the stone”) we're actually more like ice cream artists. Over the years, we’ve stumbled on a few concoctions of our own that we call our Cold Stone Signature Creations. Ice cream for breakfast, a smoothie for lunch, and a sensible cake for dinner? – Who says you can’t eat this amazing ice cream for all three meals?

  • Denny's Diner

    Denny's (aka Denny's Diner as appeared on some of the locations' signage) is the largest full-service diner/family restaurant chain in the United States. It operates over 2,500 restaurants in the United States (including Puerto Rico), Canada, Curaçao, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Japan, Mexico, and New Zealand. Denny's is known for its 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year operations, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert around the clock. Many of their restaurants are located in proximity to freeway exits and in service areas of small towns and remote areas.

  • Discovery Cove

    Discovery Cove is like an inland Caribbean island, a haven of peace and luxury only 15 minutes’ drive from Disneyworld. Here you can relax by the lagoons on beautiful landscaped beaches, swim with dolphins, rays, snorkel around the coral reef, or take a leisurely swim in the warm tropical river through to the aviary where the exotic birds are so tame they will sit on your shoulder. The full day package includes a continental breakfast and a delicious buffet lunch to cater for all tastes. Everything you need is included; wetsuit, snorkeling gear and unlimited supply of towels. A fantastic family day out you will all remember forever.

  • This is great for the last day of your trip as it is only a short drive from the airport. Touch an alligator, snake and watch live shows with the animals. also a petting zoo and some wet rides to keep all amused.

    Total time for park - 3-4hrs

  • A great farm with over 300 farm animals. An apx 2 hour guided tour with the chance to pet and feed some of the animals in their enclosures. Aswell as being able to milk a cow, there is a train ride around the farm, pony rides and a tractor ride. As its guided (only small groups) you dont queue for the rides. Take your own food as their is no cafe or food outlets very near. Avoid the hot days as the farm can be smelly. Great for all ages even the toddlers. Ok to take strollers to.

  • IHOP

    The International House of Pancakes (IHOP) is a United States-based restaurant chain that specializes in breakfast foods. While its focus is on breakfast foods such as pancakes, waffles, French toast, omelettes, and blintzes, it has evolved into also offering a menu of full course meals and a variety of desserts.

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