Let The Good Times Roll In Orlando
To a lot of people, Orlando Florida means Disney World. It certainly made a splash when the Disney corporation decided to release its second theme park in this vital Florida community, but now, Disney World is merely one of numerous theme parks, entertainment and recreation opportunities you and your family will encounter on your Orlando vacation.
While you are there, you will find no shortage of places to stay. There are an abundance of fantastic Florida beach vacations spots obtainable. Rentals on these facilities start out at as cheap as $29 per night, less than many of the commercial accommodations and all are within a few minutes of Universal Studios, Sea World and the cities fun filled water parks.
Orlando was formerly home to the Creek Indian Nation as well as a few other tribes. The first European community was founded in 1836, but apart from the remnants of Fort Gatlin, there is not a great deal of that initial history left.
The largest inland city in the state, Orlando began to grow in reputation as a resort town throughout the initial part of the 20th Century, leading to a growth that ceased with the Great Depression of the 1930s. The area bounced back as a product of World War II when the U.S. Army Air Corps established bases in the region. Afterwards, many retired servicemen and their families remained in the area.
Today, Orlando has more theme parks and recreation facilities of any city in the world. All of the three chief resorts, Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld, are in fact several parks in one. Nevertheless, these parks are not all that is obtainable. Recreation venues in Orlando are diverse, and there is something for virtually everyone. One different venue gives a taste of what it may have been like in a Prohibition-Era speakeasy. Al Capone’s presents a nightly musical review featuring gin, jazz and flappers as well as an appearance by the arch-criminal himself together with your preference of Italian or American cuisine.
If you are interested in earlier history, go medieval at the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament in neighboring Kissimmee. The spiritual traveler may enjoy the Holy Land Experience, where re-enactors recreate ancient Palestine including a rock climbing wilderness area for the young ones. It is highly recommended that you visit during the week since weekends are exceptionally busy and the facility provides weekday discounts but advance reservations are required.
Some educational experiences worth visiting include the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens in nearby Sanford which started out as a casual gathering by local fire fighters. Gatorland is one more fascinating attraction where you can get up-close and personal with the reptiles, the closest living relatives of the great dinosaurs of 65-250 million years ago. Afterwards, swim with dolphins at Discover Cove, part of the SeaWorld Resort and witness these gentle creatures in a recreation of their actual habitat.
Orlando offers a host of family entertainment choices that provides a little for everyone. You can be as lively or as casual as you would like to be, but no matter what your choice, a wonderful time will be had by all.