Though the first image that pops into most people's heads when thinking of Orlando, Florida, is Mickey Mouse, a second thought could bring one of many attractions and theme parks to mind. Orlando is the fourth-ranking US destination for overseas visitors and it's easy to see why with its walk of fame of star attractions and many worthwhile supporting acts. The weather is usually as beautiful as the sands with temperatures scorching in the summer months while the winters are generally mild, but beware of the occasional big freezes. The best time to travel is in the spring or autumn with regular direct flights from the UK to Orlando International or Sanford Airport taking approximately nine hours.
Theme parks make Orlando the ultimate family destination but there's plenty to keep adults entertained too…
Orlando is perhaps the ultimate family destination, the stuff of dreams for youngsters who fantasise about going to Walt Disney World, where there are literally thousands of hotel rooms within the Disney resort. The most enjoyable element of the attractions in Orlando is that they offer entertainment for adults too meaning there's lots to enjoy as a family. Those seeking restful days on the beach will have plenty to choose from as there are lots of excellent seaside resorts within a 90-minute drive, while partygoers can enjoy a wide selection of pubs and clubs.
As the most concentrated tourist area in the world, Orlando is packed full of hotels and holiday apartments. Many UK travellers choose to stay at the Disney resort or at an official Disney hotel, which is the best way to experience the magic kingdom as you have an unlimited free transfer network including monorails, ferries, buses and taxis. The Disney attraction includes four theme parks, two cruise ships and hundreds of snack bars and restaurants. This incredible holiday experience has never stood still and now includes MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom and Epcot, which is a futuristic showcase. No trip to Orlando would be complete without Disney and in truth you could spend your entire holiday break within its boundaries.
Nevertheless, there is much more to discover elsewhere. Universal Studios is both a working movie studio and a theme park with infamous rides such as Back to the Future and ET. By contrast, SeaWorld is an amusement park, an aquarium and a beer garden rolled into one. It's the number one venue in the world to watch whales, dolphins and sealions perform, and has a leading animal rescue team that are funded by the park's admissions. Wet 'n' Wild is another popular venue for children with a number of thrilling rides, flumes and slides and the Islands of Adventure is widely considered the best theme park in Orlando with rides including the Duelling Dragons and the Amazing Adventures of Spiderman. It's also worth remembering that there is even bus services available to Busch Gardens in Tampa if you want the complete Florida experience.
Be wary that all of the parks include gift shops, but the prices are often expensive compared to those out of the parks. International Drive is one of the best places to shop with a number of malls, and the Belz Factory Outlet that offers designer goods at discount prices. Pointe Orlando is also situated here, a huge open-air mall with lots of restaurants and entertainment options. Indeed if you have hamburger fatigue there are a lot of good places to eat in town, away from the main tourist hotspots, including Little Saigon with budget Vietnamese food in the downtown area and Tijuana Flats, which serves huge burritos. Even the restaurants offer entertainment and the Pirate's Dinner Adventure is worth experiencing in Tangelo Park - a full-scale galleon with actors swinging on ropes and having sword fights while you eat… great for the kids but it can be expensive.
For something a little less energetic but still thoroughly entertaining, head to the Orlando Odditorium, a building that is tipped to one side and said to be sinking into the ground. It houses many bizarre exhibitions including shrunken heads and a matchstick version of the Silver Ghost Rolls Royce. The Orlando Museum of Art too has many themed exhibitions and group tours are available.
Fans of aviation will not be disappointed as Orlando offers both the Fantasy of Flight and the Kennedy Space Centre. The latter houses historic artefacts from the first moon landing, a replica of 'Explorer' and has many interactive exhibits. If you are lucky there may be a rocket launch while you are on holiday - a truly memorable experience. Meanwhile, the Fantasy of Flight meanwhile is a tribute to the pioneers of flight, with many vintage aircraft to explore.
If you have any energy left at the end of the day, downtown Orlando is the place to go for good pubs and clubs. Back Booth, Independent Bar, Tabu and Will's Bar offer everything from hip-hop to dance and techno, while Ybor's Martini Bar is one of the more upmarket offerings with 45 types of Martini available!
