Local attractions

Florida has many atractions that will suit all visitors, no matter what recreation you are seeking. Here are some near by atractions.

GATORLAND, Orlando, www.gatorland.com
Gnarly and tyrannisaurish, ‘gators became emblematic of Florida roadside attractions. Nothing drew in the crowds like these chompers. Many attractions devoted themselves primarily to the prehistoric beasts, including Gatorland, an alligator farm that opened in 1948. Through the years it has introduced snakes and other animals, shows, a get-wet playground and a petting zoo.

MONKEY JUNGLE, Miami, www.monkeyjungle.com
Here, monkeys in the wild peer down at you – in YOUR cage. Monkey Jungle began in 1933 as an experiment on the territorial instincts

of monkeys. Uncaged, the crab-eating macaque monkeys hung around. People came to look. When the monkeys objected to the intruders, founder Frank DuMond built cages for the visitors. Amazonian monkeys have joined the jungle, along with others, including tamarins, for which Frank pioneered a breeding program.

Sea World, Orlando, www.seaworld.com
SeaWorld Orlando is the world's premiere marine adventure park with 200 acres of world-class shows, thrilling rides and unforgettable animal encounters. More than 80 million visitors have explored the mysteries of the sea with up-close animal interactions and exhilarating thrills. New state-of-the-art rides such as "Kraken" and "Journey To Atlantis" twist, turn, and drench guests with unprecedented thrills, while amazing animal encounters include killer whales, dolphins, sea lions, stingrays and more.

Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay,www.bushgardens.com
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure park offering an array of fascinating attractions based on exotic encounters with the African continent. A unique blend of thrilling rides, one of the country's premier zoos featuring more than 2,000 animals, live shows, restaurants, shops and games, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay provides unrivalled excitement for guests of every age.

Magic Kingdom, Orlando, www.disneyworld.com
Here’s where it all started in Orlando’s theme park world, and here’s where you should start your little ones. Think of it as Theme Park 101. In the face of the thrill-ride trend at surrounding parks, Magic Kingdom has kept its charm, remaining almost quaint with its carousel rides and cotton candy. The park gives pre-schoolers the most age-appropriate choices for rides and shows, but grade-schoolers will get the max from the experience. For ‘tweens, teens and adults, the magic never dies.

Epcot, Orlando, http://disneyworld.disney.go.com
With its geographical and futuristic focus, Epcot naturally fits ‘tweens, teens and adults best. If you have a multi-park pass, however, don’t be afraid to make a stop at Epcot with your pre- and grade-schoolers. In fact, when crowds swell mid-day at Magic Kingdom, hopping on the monorail to Epcot is a smart option. The park consists of two parts, Future World and World Showcase (the latter of which usually opens and closes later than the former).

Universal Studios, Orlando www.universalorlando.com
Children of grade-school age will get the most out of Universal Studios, which excels at turning their favourite thrill movies into their favorite thrill rides. Children less than 48 inches tall must be accompanied by a parent on all rides. Special lands and attractions throughout the park cater to both the younger and the older sets. ‘Tweens and teenagers love scary, extreme stuff, and Universal seizes the opportunity.

Medievil times, Kissimee
Medieval Times is more than a dinner attraction; it's a window in time where the glory, chivalry, valor and honor of old burst to life in thrilling authentic tournament action. While guests enjoy a medieval banquet six brave knights compete in games of skill astride magnificent Andalusia stallions. Lances splinter against shields of steel, broad swords spark and a champion emerges, to the cheers of the enthusiastic crowd. Voted "Best Dinner Show" by the readers of Florida Living Magazine.

ChampionsGate Golf Club, Orlando, www.championsgategolf.com
ChampionsGate Golf Club features two premier 18-hole championship golf courses designed by accomplished architect and golfer, Greg Norman.

ChampionsGate resort offers an un-matched golf facility and is regarded as one of the top courses nation wide.  This premier golf club features an impressive clubhouse, restaurant and banquet facility, large enough to handle large tournaments, evening functions and corporate events.  ChampionsGate has garnered an enviable reputation for its accomplished, attentive and professional staff.

Orange Lake Country Club, Kissimee, www.orangelake.com
With its close proximity to all of Central Florida’s fabulous attractions, Orange Lake Country Club & Resort combines luxurious accommodations and a host of enjoyable amenities perfect for a Magical Vacation Experience that you’ll never forget!

Golf at Orange Lake features an 18 hole Joe Lee Championship Course, plus the new "Legends" 18 hole championship course. Lighted 9 hole walking course by Arnold Palmer, and the new "Crains Bend excutive course".