Orlando - the Ultimate Family Destination

Orlando may well be called the super tourism capital of the world, offering a great climate, fantastic possibilities for a night out and wonderful activities during the daytime. Indeed, with cheap flights readily available, the place has never been more appealing.

Theme parks are the most common reason for visitors to come to Orlando, with Disney World the highest on people’s lists. Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, its newest adventure park, is filled with the drama of life in the wild. Epcot is a two-part educational and cultural attraction designed to challenge the mind and satisfy the senses. Disney-MGM Studios allows visitors to see Disney animators creating wonderful characters and explains movie-making on an entertaining tour.

Universal Studios Florida shares the movie-making theme of Disney-MGM Studios, but attractions are presented quite differently here. At Universal, promoters say you can "ride the movies." Universal's newest park is Universal Studios Islands of Adventure, where there are "real" rollercoasters, which means they are enormous.

Visitors to Orlando will want to explore the natural attractions as well as fantastical ones, and SeaWorld is a wonderful place to start. For those with not enough stamina to brave a theme park, Orlando offers more relaxing attractions. Orlando has a very nice science museum and the city's art museum is also impressive. Since NASA is not far away, some families may want to take a break away from the bustle of the theme parks and see the rocket garden in the morning and then spend the afternoon relaxing on a nearby beach, like Cocoa.

Interesting eating options are also in abundance in Orlando. Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament in Kissimmee allows you to cheer a knight to victory and Arabian Nights offers a more Middle Eastern flavour. Disney's Pleasure Island celebrates New Year's Eve every night with laser lights and dancing in the streets. Church Street Station in downtown Orlando is a night-time smorgasbord of activities and eateries, hosting a variety of different clubs and restaurants.

Shopping areas in Orlando have as much variety as the local attractions. Souvenirs of your adventures for both yourself and your friends back home are easy to find. Outlet centres and factory stores are plentiful and offer some great bargains. Shopping areas in Orlando and Kissimmee are also popular for their lively environments, such as at Pointe Orlando, Disney Village Market Place or Old Town in Kissimmee.