Orlando Florida - Fun for all Ages!

There’s a reason why nearly 50 million travelers visit Orlando, Florida each year. While other domestic vacation destinations specifically cater to skiers, sunbathers, history buffs or high rollers, Orlando offers something that travelers of all ages can enjoy.

Since Walt Disney World opened in 1971, theme parks have been the main attraction in Orlando, Florida. If you haven’t been to Orlando since the early days of Disney, it’s a whole new world now. The Walt Disney World Resort encompasses four different theme parks—Magic Kingdom, with its iconic Cinderella Castle; EPCOT; Disney Hollywood Studios; and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Nearby Downtown Disney offers Cirque du Soleil performances, concerts, movies, indoor gaming, nightclubs and theme restaurants. And if that isn’t enough, there are two water parks and a wide variety of hotels and resorts on Disney property.

Not to be outdone by Disney, entertainment rival Universal Studios Orlando established the Universal Orlando Resort just a few miles up the road from the House of Mouse. Families who visited Disney World when their children were younger usually “graduate” with their older kids to Universal Orlando, with its two theme parks (Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure) three on-site hotels, and a nighttime entertainment complex known as Universal CityWalk, which also offers movies, live music, and theme restaurants.

Rounding out the major theme park attractions in Orlando, Florida are SeaWorld Orlando and its sister attraction Discovery Cove. At SeaWorld visitors of all ages enjoy daily performances of Shamu the killer whale in Believe; Shamu’s Happy Harbor is a haven for little ones; and thrill seekers take a crack at Kraken, Orlando’s only floorless roller coaster. Neighboring Discovery Cove offers visitors a rare chance to swim with the dolphins, and SeaWorld’s Aquatica is one of Orlando’s top-rated water parks.

Even though Orlando, Florida is best known for its world class theme parks, a trip to Orlando is not limited to kid stuff. In recent years, Orlando, Florida has become a popular destination for honeymooners, and weddings at Disney are definitely not a Mickey Mouse operation. Disney guest services can plan your wedding to the last intricate detail, and lavish Disney weddings and honeymoons have been featured on Food Network and Travel Channel. The Orange County Convention Center is the nation's second largest convention center in terms of square footage, and its location on International Drive puts conventioneers in the center of the tourist district.

The city of Orlando, Florida is also undergoing major changes that will ultimately benefit residents as well as visitors. The city recently gave the green light to building a performing arts center, a new arena for the Orlando Magic, and refurbishing the Florida Citrus Bowl.

Best of all, vacationers can stay in and around Orlando, Florida on a shoestring budget or in the lap of luxury. Hotels and resorts frequently offer package deals throughout the year, and vacation homes and timeshares are popular options for visitors who can’t get enough of “The City Beautiful.” From honeymooners to young families to retirees, no matter where you stay or what time of the year it is, there is always something to do in and around Orlando, Florida.

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