GENERAL DESCRIPTION

There are places we can barely imagine any way other than the one we know, and Orlando is a prime example. Yet, it's true that not so very long ago, Orlando was nothing but a sleepy little town amid citrus groves ? until a certain mouse settled in. Walt Disney's grand dream of a world of fantasy has come true here. Where once there was only the Magic Kingdom® Park, the Walt Disney World® Resort is now made up of multiple parks and caters to everyone from families to seniors to club-hopping singles. But that's just the beginning! Although Walt Disney World® Resort dominates Central Florida, an explosion of other attractions over the years has resulted in Orlando becoming one of the most popular vacation spots in the US.

There are 7 enormous theme parks, 2 nighttime entertainment districts, countless smaller attractions, restaurants, and cultural activities, including Universal Orlando and SeaWorld. This is a great development for visitors, resulting in cost-effective combo packages and a seemingly never-ending variety of activity and entertainment.

What To Do & See in Orlando, Florida

Walt Disney World® Resort: The greatest recreational center in the world offers so much, the trouble is deciding where to start!

* The original Magic Kingdom® Park is a whimsical journey of fantasy.

* Epcot features Future World, where you can glimpse what your life will be like with the development of new technology. There's also the World Showcase, where you "go around the world in a day" for a cultural whirlwind of folk costumes, traditional food and entertainment, and fascinating customs from various and diverse countries!

* Disney-MGM Studios immerses you in the fascinating world of show business.

* Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park is a natural treasure of wild creatures and an unforgettable expedition into the African savanna.

* Disney's River Country, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, and Disney's Blizzard Beach ? These 3 water parks each have their own personality: Disney's River Country is a relaxing swimming hole right out of "Huckleberry Finn"; Disney's Typhoon Lagoon is a tropical setting with a live shark reef and one of the world's biggest wave pools; and Disney's Blizzard Beach has slalom and bobsled water slides.

* Pleasure Island in Downtown Disney® features 8 happening clubs that fire up the nightlife scene.

* DisneyQuest® Indoor Interactive Theme Park is a one-of-a-kind entertainment venue bursting with games that give "state-of-the-art" new meaning. Discover five floors exploding with cutting-edge technology, virtual reality and 3-D experiences ? all fueled by Disney innovation and imagination.

* The Main Street Electrical Parade at the Magic Kingdom® Park is the classic original that has delighted generations and has recently gotten even better with a sparkling new makeover.

SeaWorld: The ocean theme park offers all-new shows including Journey to Atlantis and 6 sensational dolphin and sea lion shows. The extreme water stunts and acrobatics of the Intensity Water Ski Show are nothing short of eye-popping!

Discovery Cove: This is a thrilling attraction where you swim nose-to-bottlenose with dolphins and other underwater creatures. There is also snorkeling in a coral reef lagoon, a tropical river and, for the more adventurous, swimming among rays and staring down dangerous sharks and barracudas ? safely separated by clear underwater partitions, of course! You can also feed, hold, and play with more than 300 tropical birds, sunbathe at the beach, wander the leafy paths and waterways, or relax in a hammock. You're even treated to a sumptuous meal served in your choice of the restaurant, bar, or beach. Reservations required.

Universal Orlando: It's the largest working film and television production studio outside Hollywood. Movie-based thrill rides like Twister, Jaws, and Terminator let you "Live the Movies." The new Islands of Adventure were created with Steven Spielberg and include Seuss Landing, Jurassic Park, and Toon Lagoon. At CityWalk you can waste away in Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, sing the blues at CityJazz, "kick it up a notch" at Emeril's, wail at a Marley tribute, or live la vida loca in the Latin Quarter!

Sleuth's Mystery Dinner Show: It's murder, every night! This professional comedy mystery show includes dinner, unlimited wine/beer/soda, dessert, and lots of audience participation. It's one of Orlando's best, yet often overlooked, attractions ? don't miss out!

Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show: Families have a great time as Dolly recreates her childhood gatherings with grand entertainment of horses, performers, and a four-course feast. The December Christmas Show will warm your heart and touch your soul with nostalgic songs and holiday costumes.

Cypress Gardens: Stroll through 200 acres of gorgeous botanical gardens punctuated by lakes, lagoons, and waterfalls. Boat rides, a butterfly conservatory, flower festivals, ice shows, and more make for a tranquil day that is popular with seniors and anyone who would like a retreat from the turnstiles and animatronics.

Disney Character Sightings & Autographs: It's a special treat for the kids, and even the grownups smile with a group hug from Aladdin's genie or any other character encounter. Pick up an autograph book in any of the park gift shops and head forchoice sighting locations, including: Camp Minnie-Mickey in Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, where you can always find characters; Mickey's Toontown in the Magic Kingdom® Park, where characters make random appearances throughout the day.

Nickelodeon Character Sightings & Autographs: Lots of fun with the newest and coolest characters playing it up in the Nickelodeon area of Universal Studios around 11am - 6pm.

Ecotourism: Here's the new in-thing for vacationers looking to rejuvenate and reconnect with nature. Tread lightly as you explore over 8 million acres of scenic public land with natural springs, lakes, coastline, native and migratory birds, primal reptiles, otters, and a host of other engaging beasts. If you aren't prepared to rough it, try controlled settings like Gatorland, River Ranch, and Amazing Exotics, a largehabitat where you interact with 300 exotic animals from lions to chimpanzees, while learning about their plight in the wild. Titanic: Ship of Dreams is the world's first permanent Titanic attraction. Rare underwater artifacts and historic treasure from the infamous ocean liner, sunk by an iceberg in 1912, are showcased along with a replica of the liner's grand staircase. International Drive

Medieval Times Living Museum: Costumed "villagers" in twelve cottages depict medieval life with demonstrations, including replicas of torture chambers and dungeons. Kissimmee

Eatonville: In 1887, African-Americans built their first incorporated town in the US. Its most famous resident was Zora Neale Hurston, a writer, anthropologist, and folklorist who wrote nationally-acclaimed stories about growing up there. She is honored for her contributions to the town with the annual JanuaryZora Neale Hurston Festival's theatrical performances, educational programs, and art exhibits. Eatonville

Orlando Science Center: Featured on the CBS Evening News, ten exhibit halls lead you on explorations as diverse as the Florida swamps and the arid plains of Mars. Kids Town creates an entire world to scale for the little ones, including Science City, the Inventor's Workshop and Math Avenue for creative, educational play. The Virtual Reality Theater and the New Media Living Room give you a glimpse into the near future of technology. Loch Haven Park