Florida on the south eastern most tip of the USA is a world-wide tourist destination attracting tens of millions of visitors a year. It is a place of perpetual amusement and family entertainment.
Yet while firmly established as ‘the home of the theme park’ with some 95 in the area, this sunny state offers so much more.
There are 1100 miles (1760 km) of beautiful white sandy beaches fringing this unique peninsula; 1100 golf courses and incredible natural attractions including the Florida Keys, the Everglades and the Gulf Islands. It is a veritable haven of all things fun with so much to do for people of all ages that it’s difficult to know where to start and often impossible to fit everything in.
Whatever you choose to do, whether it’s a theme park in Orlando, a romantic retreat in Sarasota or shopping in Miami South Beach, you’re sure to be bathed in warmth and sunshine all year round. It’s hot in the summer, and humid, but warm in the winter.
One of the many benefits of taking a break in Florida is that this established holiday state is totally geared up to the needs of the modern day tourist. There’s a good selection of airports including Miami and Orlando and its driver-friendly roads are quick and easy to get around. And with the more than favourable dollar to sterling exchange rate, it’s superb value for British holiday makers too.
Home From Home offers quality self-catering accommodation in Orlando, an area bursting with theme parks and entertainment including Walt Disney World. We currently have a spacious, 6 bedroom villa with its own pool and on a gated resort with facilities that are simply perfect for families and which is only a 15 minute drive from the Disney resort.
Orlando
Located in Florida’s mid point, Orlando is a 90 minute drive both east and west to the fabulous natural shoreline near Cape Canaveral and the sweeping warm water beaches of Tampa Bay.
Within Orlando there are five key resort areas/attractions:
- Walt Disney World Resort
- Kissimmee
- International Drive
- Universal Orlando Resort
- Sea World
Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World opened in 1971. It’s success as a centre of family entertainment is unsurmountable and today it comprises four theme parks - Magic Kingdom, Disney’s MGM Studios, Epcot and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. There are two water parks – Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon and all are located in and around the area of Lake Buena Vista which is one of two Florida municipalities controlled by the Walt Disney Company.
Kissimmee
Kissimmee is a pleasant place to walk around with pretty parks that are ideal for picnicing. It is a gateway to the outdoor activities of Florida’s freshwater lakes including Lake Tohopekaliga. This pretty area is the perfect natural habitat for fishing, hiking and bird watching and from here you can enjoy nature tours and alligator safari.
International Drive
International Drive is at the hub of Orlando’s action with the water park Wet ‘n Wild on the door step and scores of hotels, restaurants and bars.
Universal Orlando Resort
Here you will find Universal Studios where you can re-live the movies in this exciting theme park. There’s also Islands of Adventure made up of five themed islands with technologically advanced rides and attractions that bring myths, cartoons, comic book heroes and childrens’ tales to life.
Seaworld Orlando
Seaworld Orlando is the place to see marine and other animals at play. Marvel at whales, penguins, manatee and dolphins and take a trip on Kraken and Journey to Atlantis, two novel adventure rides. Shows include the Cirque de Mer - acrobats and comedians and the Intensity Ski Show featuring surfers and water skiers
Other fantastic theme parks all well worth a visit incude Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum, Gatorland and Discovery Cove. At Gatorland alligators are showcased, and at Discovery Cove visitors are able to swim with dolphins.
Beyond the Theme Parks
Besides major attractions, Orlando also boasts several golf courses and sports activity centres. There are balloon tours and sightseeing trips around the city with the downtown area of particular interest having been restored in recent years. Orlandeans are proud of their efforts towards historic preservation, and this pedestrian-friendly area also offers urban sophistication with shops and restaurants for fine dining, clubs and cultural amenities.
For an escape from the bustling activity of Orlando, take a 45 minute road trip to Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay where this African themed adventure park allows you to get up close to all kinds of animals plus there are rides suitable for the whole family. Alternatively choose from stunning beaches at Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Marco and Sanibel Islands, Clearwater and St Petersburg.
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