There’s no other city in the United States – the world, even – that celebrates childhood quite like Orlando, Florida. The feeling that you get when you catch the light off Epcot Center’s Spaceship Earth (found in Walt Disney World Resort, of course); or from your first sip of Butterbeer in Hogsmeade (located inside Universal Orlando Resort); or when you witness the soaring heights of Shamu’s flips (during the One Ocean water show at SeaWorld Orlando) – all prove that being a kid is about your state of mind, not age. The notion that only young ones will enjoy this city’s charms is just that – a notion. In reality, Orlando has a little of this and a little of that to appeal to all ages, and there’s more to do here than visit theme parks. The subtropical climate is great for golfing and the downtown city landscape is too attractive not to explore.

Orlando’s many theme parks are irresistible for the average traveler, but the city offers much more. There are plenty of activities for you to enjoy. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you can swim or canoe at Wekiwa Springs State Park or one of the alternative local sparkling springs, where the water remains a refreshing 72°F even on the hottest days. You may also be interested in hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, or camping in the Ocala National Forest.

Visit Winter Park in Orlando which is home to several museums. The Orlando Science Center is a place that inspires curiosity and exploration, or the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art with its collection of Tiffany glass. The Cornell Fine Arts Museum on the oak-tree-covered Rollins College campus is another interesting destination. While in Winter Park, you can indulge in some high-end shopping and dining on Park Avenue or take a leisurely boat tour of the lakefront homes.

For those with children, they will be amazed by WonderWorks. For something more adventurous try Gatorland and live gators (some as long as fourteen feet) can be viewed or fed (or even eaten). The Kennedy Space Center is only a day trip away, where you can tour a rocket forest, sit in a space capsule, or see a space shuttle up close.

Orlando is also home to many outlet malls for those looking for the best bargains. Take the time to explore Orlando and you will find that there is more to offer than Disney and theme parks.

Things to Do

Disney boasts four major theme parks, two water parks, and a shopping/dining/entertainment district. But the Mouse’s House is not the only game in town. Take in the action-packed thrills of Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure (the latter home to the wildly popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter), as well as the excitement of Universal’s nightclub/restaurant district, CityWalk. If you prefer a bit less hustle and bustle, the eco-adventure parks at SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, and Aquatica feature a more laid-back experience. Gatorland, a throwback attraction, lets you take in the beauty of the natural surroundings at a leisurely pace. And the new LEGOLAND Florida immerses visitors in everything LEGO. Orlando also offers recreational activities galore, among them golf (with some of the country’s top courses right nearby), indoor surfing, and zipline adventures.

Shopping

High-end malls such as the Mall at Millenia feature a dizzying array of designer boutiques, while architecturally inviting open-air outlet malls (most notably the Premium Outlets at Vineland and at International Dr.) and an eclectic array of theme-park shops will all give your wallet a workout.

Restaurants & Dining

Celebrity chefs and themed restaurants ensure that dining out is an experience in itself. Sit back and sip a signature martini, soak up sounds of Sinatra, and sink your teeth into a melt-in-your-mouth filet at Ocean Prime (located along the famed Restaurant Row on Sand Lake Rd.), or experience the exotic Asian-inspired surroundings of Emeril’s Tchoup Chop, at Universal’s Royal Pacific.

Nightlife & Entertainment

Hang out at the clubs at Universal’s CityWalk (including Latin Quarter, Red Coconut Club, and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville), the lounges at Disney (such as Rix and the Outer Rim), or even as far out as downtown Orlando, where bars and dance clubs can be found along Wall Street and Church Street Station. Comedy clubs (Fat Fish Blue, Sak Comedy Club, and even the theatrical antics at Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show) will keep you laughing well into the night.

Featured Resorts

Calypso Cay

Calypso Cay Resort is a family friendly, Caribbean-themed property situated close to Walt Disney World Resort in the South Lake Buena Vista resort area. The property is also within minutes of all other Central Florida Attractions. This resort has been designed to be your personal tropical island getaway, far from the hustle and bustle of the real world – yet we’re minutes away from some of Florida’s world-class attractions. In addition, the resort gives off the feel that guests are vacationing in the Caribbean, while simultaneously being just minutes away from several worldwide-known theme parks and other amazing attractions that Orlando has to offer. The Inn at Calypso offers nothing but the best for their guests who desire an exciting and eventful yet relaxing vacation to paradise. Check out all they have to offer:

• 3 pools (two are heated with zero depth entry)
• 3 water slides
• Sand Volleyball Court
• Basketball Court
• Children’s Playground
• 2 Pool Bars serving a full menu of light fare
• 18 Hole Mini Golf Putt-Putt Course
• BBQ Grilling Areas
• Complimentary Wi-Fi in All Rooms and Common Areas

Vacation Village at Parkway, Florida

Vacation Village at Parkway offers the best of Florida in one great location. Minutes from Orlando’s theme parks like Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios and Sea World, the resort offers lovely spacious accommodations. Perfect for couples and families alike the 1,968 guest rooms are surrounded by six pools, along with hot tubs, barbecue grills, and a children’s playground. All within short driving distance you can explore historic St. Augustine, Kennedy Space Center, Busch Gardens, and Silver Springs. Or you may find you’ll never want to leave the resort after seeing the fully staffed activities center with weekly planned activities that enhance our guest’s vacation experience.

Festiva Orlando Resort

Located in the midst of 110 pristine acres, Festiva Orlando Resort offers the short or long term vacationer a choice of 1-, 2- or 3-bedroom luxury villas, complete with private balcony. Nothing is better after a long day at the theme parks than relaxing on your balcony, overlooking the peaceful lagoon and enjoying a refreshing beverage. Or perhaps you’d like to watch a great movie with the entire family on your large screen television in your living room!