To a lot of people, Orlando Florida means Disney World. It unquestionably made a splash when the Disney corporation chose to release its second theme park in this central Florida community, but today, Disney World is only one of plentiful theme parks, entertainment and recreation venues you and your family will encounter on your Orlando vacation.
While you are there, you will find no deficiency of vacation destinations to stay. There are an abundance of great Florida beach vacations available. Rentals on these units start out at as low as $29 per night, less than several 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 originally home to the Creek Indian Nation as well as a few more tribes. The first European colony was formed in 1836, but aside from the relics 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 significantly slowed 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 former servicemen and their families remained in the area.
Today, Orlando has more theme parks and recreation facilities of any city in the world. Each of the three chief resorts, Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld, are actually several parks in one. Nevertheless, these parks are not all that is accessible. Recreation venues in Orlando are diverse, and there is a little for almost everyone. One different venue offers a taste of what it might have been like in a Prohibition-Era speakeasy. Al Capone’s offers a nightly musical review featuring gin, jazz and flappers as well as an appearance by the arch-criminal himself together with your choice 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 devout traveler may look forward to the Holy Land Experience, where re-enactors recreate ancient Palenstine including a rock climbing wilderness section for the little ones. It is highly reccommended that you go during the week since weekends are extremely busy and the facility gives weekday discounts but advance reservations are required.
Some educational venues worth visiting include the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens in close by Sanford which started out as a casual gathering by local fire fighters. Gatorland is another colorful attraction where you can get up-close and personal with the reptiles, the closest living relatives of the great dinosuars 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 true habitat.
Orlando contains a host of family entertainment options that offers something for everyone. You can be as active or as casual as you would like to be, but no matter what your choice, a wonderful time will be had by all.