To a lot of people, Orlando Florida means Disney World. It certainly made a splash when the Disney corporation decided to open its second theme park in this significant Florida community, but these days, Disney World is just one of various theme parks, entertainment and recreation venues you and your family will discover on your Orlando vacation.
While you are there, you will come across no shortage of places to stay. There are an abundance of fantastic Florida beach rental accommodations to be had. Rentals on these units start out at as cheap as $29 per night, less than a lot of the commercial accommodations and all are within a few minutes of Universal Studios, Sea World and the cities action filled water parks.
Orlando was initially home to the Creek Indian Nation as well as a few more tribes. The first European colony was founded in 1836, but apart from the relics of Fort Gatlin, there is not a great deal of that early history left. The largest inland city in the state, Orlando began to grow in popularity as a resort town during the early part of the 20th Century, leading to a boom that significantly slowed with the Great Depression of the 1930s. The community bounced back as a product of World War II when the U.S. Army Air Corps established bases in the vicinity. Afterwards, many former servicemen and their families settled in the area.
Today, Orlando has more theme parks and recreation facilities of any city in the world. Each of the three main resorts, Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld, are really several parks in one. Nevertheless, these parks are not all that is obtainable. Recreation attractions in Orlando are diverse, and there is a bit for practically everyone. One different venue presents a taste of what it may have been like in a Prohibition-Era speakeasy. Al Capone’s presents a nightly musical review featuring gin, jazz and flappers as well as an appearance by the arch-criminal himself combined 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 devoted vacationer may enjoy the Holy Land Experience, where re-enactors recreate ancient Palenstine including a rock climbing wilderness section for the young ones. It is highly reccommended that you visit during the week since weekends are very busy and the facility gives weekday discounts but advance reservations are required.
Some educational attractions worth visiting include the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens in close by Sanford which started out as a casual collection by local fire fighters. Gatorland is another fascinating 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 environment.
Orlando contains a host of family entertainment options that contains something for everyone. You can be as vigorous or as casual as you would like to be, but no matter what your choice, a great time will be had by all.