Where To Play
theme parks
Busch Gardens
SheiKra - Florida's tallest roller coaster. This thrill machine is also the tallest dive coaster in the world and the first of its kind to incorporate an Immelmann loop (a rolling maneuver), a second, 138-foot dive into an underground tunnel and a water-feature finale. SheiKra offers three minutes of over-the-edge excitement on more than half a mile of steel track.
Gwazi - largest double wooden rollercoaster races riders through almost 7000 feet of track and 6 flyby manuevers in which trains pass within feet of each other at crossing speeds of 100 mph.
Kumba - one of the world's best roller-coasters! After the terror of an initial 135 foot drop, you will plunge from 110 feet into a diving loop, feel a full 3 seconds of absolute weightlessness while spiraling 360 degrees, and tear through one of the world's largest vertical loops.
Python - This thrilling roller coaster will make you scream through a double spiraling corkscrew and an intense 70 foot plunge -- just for starters!
Scorpion - terrifying 60 foot drop and 360 degree loop at incredible speeds. You can find the Scorpion in Timbuktu... If you dare!
Encounter the swift-moving white-water of the Congo River Rapids. Spin through a geyser, face an ominous waterfall and other thrilling obstacles in a 12-person raft.
Feel the ultimate rush on Montu - one of the tallest and longest inverted roller coasters in the world! Experience the thrill of an inverse diving loop and a 60-foot vertical loop while you endure speeds of over 60 miles per hour and a G-force of 3.85!
Cool off on Stanley Falls. Our Log Flume whisks your whole family through a splashing trip ending in a 40-foot drop that's sure to get you soaked!
Disney World
Walt Disney World is a phenomenon, a landmark development that has made an indelible mark on travel and tourism and changed the very notion of what it means to take a vacation and be entertained. It can be a wonderful source of pleasure and a great way to gather with friends and family for treasured, shared moments. But it is so enormous that, without proper planning, it can also be a powerful source of frustration and disappointment.
Before you proudly proclaim to anyone within shouting distance, "I'm going to Disney World!" take the time to learn all you can about the resort's incredible palette of options so that you can take full advantage of them. Gather your vacation mates for planning meetings well before you leave. Develop a rough itinerary, make restaurant reservations where practical and do consider some of the other parks and attractions outside the Disney complex.
Whatever you do, don't try to do everything. Walt Disney World is much too big now for vacationers to do it all. Save your energy and patience for the parks and attractions you can reasonably accommodate and save the parks and attractions you miss for your next vacation. After all, half the fun is in the planning and getting to tell people, "I'm going to Disney World!"
Disney - Epcot
Epcot, the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, opened in 1982. It was conceived by Walt Disney to "take its cue from the new ideas and new technologies that are now emerging from the creative centers of American industry." This concept is best exemplified by Spaceship Earth, the glistening geosphere that has become Epcot's icon.
Epcot consists of two themed areas, Future World and World Showcase. Future World features attractions that focus on energy, communication, health, the land and our environment, the ocean, imagination, transportation and space exploration. "Spaceship Earth" traces the history of communication as it evolved over the centuries. The "Universe of Energy" humorously transports you back to prehistoric times to find the origin of energy as we know it today.
Over at "The Land" Timon, Pumba and Simba are your hosts at the "Circle of Life" film that deals with the environment. The "Living With The Land" boat ride takes you on a fascinating tour of greenhouses and fish-production.
The "Seas with Nemo and Friends " is a fun filled romp into the underwater world of Nemo. The action centers around the 5.7 million gallon aquarium that is home to thousands of fish including sharks, sea turtles and dolphins. This pavilion features all of the characters from "Finding Nemo" with a ride on "Clam-Mobiles", hands-on activities, a wonderful interactive chat with "Crush" and displays of the fish that inspired this amazing move.
At "Imagination!" you can take a fun filled look at the senses on your "Journey Into Imagination With Figment". The terrific 3-D film "Honey I Shrunk The Audience" transports you into the zany world of that loveable professor Wayne Szalinski, famous for "Honey I Shrunk The Kids". Test Track" takes you on an unforgettable ride as you learn about the rigors of auto testing. "Mission Space" simulates a realistic launch into space as you and your crew pilot your capsule to Mars. The "Wonders of Life" is currently only open seasonably.
Centered around a beautiful reflective lagoon is Epcot's "World Showcase". Eleven countries are represented, each providing fascinating glimpses into their unique culture. You can sample the cuisine, shop for native wares and enjoy performances, exhibits, movies or rides that reflect the heritage of each nation. Strolling from one land to another, you'll find yourself immersed in the distinct atmosphere that each country offers.
Every evening Epcot presents "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth". This spectacular presentation is centered around the World Showcase Lagoon where fireworks, lasers and dancing fountains combine in a choreographed display performed to an inspirational musical score.
Disney - Animal Kingdom
On April 22, 1998 Disney unleashed its newest theme park on the world in the form of Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Whatever you do, don't call it a zoo (they get touchy about that word around Animal Kingdom).
This newest venture marked a departure from what Disney had been turning out in the way of theme parks for many years.& Any park banking its success on "edutainment" was bound to have issues, and Disney knew it. Epcot proved it was effectively kryptonite for children, and Disney was challenged to make sure that Animal Kingdom didn't suffer the same fate.& In spite of some of it's early preachiness (and some unfair press about animal care at the park) - Disney's Animal Kingdom opened to generally good reviews.
At a cost of nearly $1 Billion to complete, Animal Kingdom was an expensive theme park. In fact, one of the planned 'lands' for Animal Kingdom was eventually cut from development due to cost overruns in the budget. The never realized land was to be called the "Beastly Kingdom" and feature a myriad of rides themed around mythical creatures. The Imagineers who were laid off when the plans were scrapped, were eventually hired by Universal Orlando to build the Dueling Dragons coaster for Islands of Adventure - arguably one of the best roller coasters in North America. Oops.
Animal Kingdom's 500 acres are home to some1700 animals representing 250 different species throughout the park. A ride on the Kilimanjaro Safari will give you a chance to see many of them as they take you through the African Savannah (though the jeeps you ride in will rarely slow down long enough to allow you a good picture.& This has led us to refer to this attraction as the "Kilimanjaro 500").
As the Parks perennial Icon, the Tree of Life is truly a work of art in the best Disney tradition. At 145ft, this 14 story artificial tree has the images of more than 300 animals hand carved into it's trunk. The base of the Tree of Life is home to the 3D film "It's Tough to be a Bug". On your way to see the show, you will invariably encounter those holding up the line to stare at each and every one of the animals on the tree.& Feel free to push those people to the ground and keep going :)
A good portion of Animal Kingdom's growth came with the opening of Asia in 1999.& The Maharaja Jungle Trek - which is a walking tour that features bats, komodo dragons, bats, deer, birds, did I mention bats and the 'bat cage' is just plain creepy, and if you have an aversion to bats the way I do, you'll find this part of the walking tour uncomfortable. The second notable attraction in Asia is Kali River Rapids. If you have trouble finding it, just look for the people going on the water ride wearing big yellow ponchos (to this day I can't figure out why you'd go on a water ride wearing a poncho - isn't just easier not to ride if you don't want to get wet?). As water rides go, Kali River Rapids is okay - like most attractions these days it's a bit too short, and keeping with Animal Kingdom's general preachiness, you learn about the evils of deforestation while riding on machinery and materials that will still be trying to biodegrade in 500 years. Gotta love irony.
The newest Animal Kingdom attraction to grace the landscape in Asia is the incredible Expedition Everest. Opened on April 7, 2006 - the attraction features a two way track system that takes guests forward, then backward when attacked by the mythical yeti that guards the "forbidden mountain". While technically a roller coaster, it's a roller coaster of the Big Thunder Mountain variety - which means it's family friendly. I don't do well on coasters at all, and I enjoyed this one thoroughly.
Dinoland USA is home to another popular attraction that garners long lines and excited guests - of course I'm talking about the McDonalds concession at Restarauntosaurus We travel from all over the country to come to Disney World and eat McDonalds.& At least get authentic crappy Disney fast food - you know, the whole "when in Rome" thing. This section of Animal Kingdom park is also host to Dinosaur (formerly known as Countdown to Extinction). This is a fast paced, and somewhat jerky ride that's not recommended for those with back/heart conditions. (For those who have experienced the Indiana Jones attraction at Disneyland, this utilizes the same ride system). While it can get a bit rough, this is one of the better rides you'll find at Disney World.
There are also some unique dining experiences at Animal Kingdom (beyond the McNuggets of course). The Flame Tree Barbecue remains one of my steady favorites. The St. Louis Ribs or smoked 1/2 chicken are both excellent.& While the Rainforest Café at Animal Kingdom falls under the category of "unique", it unfortunately seems to avoid consistency like the plague. This restaurant is a very 'hit or miss' experience, but it offers the only full table service venue at Animal Kingdom. So, if you want to get waited on for lunch, you have to take your chances.
Some advice... In an effort to keep the animals on a strict schedule, Animal Kingdom normally closes earlier then the other Disney theme parks. Therefore arriving first thing in the morning is usually recommended during peak season. Kilimanjaro Safari and Expedition Everest get long lines very quickly, so be sure to hit those first, or at least get fast passes early in the day.
It should also be warned that Animal Kingdom is, for some unknown reason, the hottest place on the face of the earth. The park is suspiciously devoid of shade, and while I'm all for authenticity in theming - it really doesn't need to be "Africa hot". If you can, avoid this park during the summer season - it's just an unpleasant experience. If you have to go when it's hot - HAVE A PLAN (and lots of water). The layout of Animal Kingdom is such that you're often forced to back track in order to navigate the park. This adds a lot of walking to the list of things to be aware of before going. A good pair of comfortable shoes will be your best friend at Animal Kingdom. You should also be sure to adjust your expectations to get the most out of this park. Most of what you will experience here will have a general message of conservation.
While that's a good thing, and worthy of support - some arrive expecting a more traditional theme park experience and are invariably disappointed. It's important to appreciate Animal Kingdom for what it is - do that, and you'll have a very enjoyable time in this very unique park.
Disney - Hollywood Studios
When Disney's Hollywood Studios opened on May 1, 1989, chairman Michael Eisner declared "Welcome to the Hollywood that never was and always will be." Sounds great, doesn't it? Here's what he should have said: "Welcome to the theme park that Disney slapped together the minute Universal Studios announced plans for a park in Florida."& They did beat out Universal which opened in 1990, but the then "Disney MGM Studios" was sorely lacking in attractions and was far from a full day park.
At the time, the only attractions were the Great Movie Ride, The Backlot Tour (which was the Backstage Studio Tour), Magic of Disney Animation and the Monster Sound Show which has morphed into Sounds Dangerous. (Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular was still a work in progress and didn't open until August.) Yessiree, it was a thrill a minute with all of 4 attractions. They did have an evening fireworks show "Sorcery in the Sky" which debuted a year later. By then Star Tours had opened.
Over the years, attractions and shows have come and gone. It wasn't until Sunset Boulevard opened in 1994 featuring Twilight Zone Tower of Terror that Disney's Hollywood Studios finally started to come into its own. This section is also home to Rock 'n' Roller Coaster which opened in 1999. 
One great show that has survived since 1991 is the Beauty and the Beast stage show. Unfortunately, the equally wonderful Hunchback of Notre Dame stage show did not last.
Originally, the Earffel Tower was the park's icon, only to be outdone by yet another oversized hat, the 122 ft tall Sorcerer's Mickey's Wizard Hat. You can't miss it, they plunked it right in front of the replica Grauman's Chinese Theater.
Disney's Hollywood Studios is a mixed bag when it comes to attractions for little kids. There's the "Voyage of the Little Mermaid", "Playhouse Disney-Live On Stage", "Jim Henson's Muppet Vision 3-D" and the aforementioned "Beauty and the Beast" as well as the 'Honey I Shrunk the Kids" Playground. There are also a ton of character meet and greets. On the flip side, the length of most of the shows and attractions will make some kids (inlcuding those over 21) start to squirm in their seats.
It's impossible to track how many parades this park has hosted, so we're not going to even attempt it. The latest is Block Party Bash.& This one was imported from Disney's California Adventure theme park. Disney is touting 'going green' so maybe they're recycling parades along with paper and plastic.
Speaking of which, Disney's Hollywood Studio's "Fantasmic!" is based on the super popular Disneyland show. Unfortunately, it's not identical and the best scene from the California version is missing from this one. If you've never seen the one in CA, you'll probably think it's fantastic. For those of us who have seen both, I won't spoil it but, in comparison, you wish they left it alone. They also added the "Lights, Camera, Action! Extreme Stunt Show" from Disneyland Paris.
Disney's Hollywood Studios is home to perennial special events starting with "ESPN - The Weekend, Stars Wars Weekends,,& Night of Joy and Super Soap Weekend. The best is the Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights for the holidays. Fortunately, the latter isn't just a weekend event but covers the full Christmas season. If you're in town when its there, you definitely don't want to miss it.
One thing that's consistently noteworthy at Disney's Hollywood Studios are the great restaurants. The Hollywood Brown Derby is a detailed replica of its legendary namesake and is fantastic. At the 50's Prime Time Café you're back at "Mom's" (if you grew up in the 50's), with black and white TV's showing highlights of sitcoms from that era. Be prepared as they do give you a hard time if you don't eat all of your veggies or put your elbows on the table. It's all part of the shtick. If you don't like that sort of thing, you may want to go elsewhere.
At the Sci-Fi Drive In, you're seated in convertibles watching clips of some pretty cheesy horror flicks. Then there's Mama Melrose's Ristorante. Just walking in and getting a whiff of the wood fired pizza oven makes you hungry. Hollywood and Vine is a buffet with a character breakfast and lunch. As always, the usual assortment of counter serve restaurants are everywhere.
In 2008, Toy Story Mania! is set to open in May with the American Idol attraction being added later this year.
There you have it. A little history of "Disney's Hollywood Studios" from its less than stellar opening to the theme park of today. In this case, it didn't start with a Mouse but with a rival studio opening a theme park just a few miles from Mickey's door.
Islands of Adventure
Islands of Adventure truly has something for everyone. Split into five 'islands' it has some of the best rides in Orlando for both the biggest and smallest visitors. Wander into the Marvel Super Hero Island to see some of you're favourite Superhero's battle it out with the most dastardly of villains! If you dare take a ride on Dr Doom's Fearfall and the Incredible Hulk Coaster, you may be put off though, you can hear the riders screams from outside the park! Dr Doom's Fearfall does exactly what it says, you rocket 150 feet into the air and for a brief moment you get the most fantastic view of the park and surrounding area.
This doesn't last long as you are soon plummeting back down to earth at a speed that might leave your lunch behind. The Incredible Hulk Coaster is of course bright green and we must have done something to make Dr Bruce Banner very, very angry! As it twists, turns and loops the coaster only gives you one option, SCREAM!
Don't forget to put on those 3-D glasses and check out the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man. It is a truly nerve wracking experience as you drive around the city and get caught up in one of Spiderman's adventures. The baddies really do get you with fire, ice and most dramatically falling from a sky scrapper! There is someone there to save the day though!
After all the excitement you might want to pop over to Toon Lagoon for some lighter relief. Don't be fooled, the rides might be suitable for younger riders but they seem to have only one purpose, to soak you to the skin! Snidey Whiplash has captured Nell Fenwick, can Dudley Do-Right get her back? Can you stay dry on his Ripsaw Falls? Maybe! Strangely something similar has happened to Popeye, can he get Olive back from Bluto? This time is takes a white water ride on Popeye and Bluto's Bildge-Rat Barges to find out. If you have escaped getting wet on the last ride, you certainly won't this time!
As the round rafts rotate everyone gets their, not altogether fair, share of water. Oh and if you're looking dry the visitors passing may notice and make full use of the squirters located in devilish places around the ride.
You get a chance to dry off in leafy Jurassic Park. The water there is a lot calmer! The River Adventure certainly won't get you wet, although it may leave you a little frazzled! Find out all you need to know about the beasts in the Jurassic Park Discovery Centre and for those with children fly high above Camp Jurassic on the Pteranodon Flyers. There are some great photo opportunities around here too.
As you wind you're way to the Lost Continent be prepared to witness some amazing sights! The Eight Voyage of Sinbad is a show for everyone with stunts, special effects, jokes and a certain Sinbad doing dare devil feats to save the princess. Walk around Poseidon's Fury at your own peril. More an adventure than a ride but worth it for the tunnel of water you get to amble through if nothing else. However the most exciting of all the rides in the Lost Continent and even the whole park are the Deuling Dragons.
Two separate roller coasters, one called fire, one called ice, who race each other through turns, dips and loops. You really do get within inches of the riders on the other dragon, not one for the babies, in fact not one for the big babies
Seuss Landing is the final island and is the crazy world of the Cat in the Hat, the Grinch and One Thing Two Thing. We stopped here for lunch and noticed a small train passing by within the Café. This is The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride and what a pleasant journey through the crazy world of Dr Seuss it is, join in with the rhymes or just take in the view. There's not one straight line in this little land and as you might imagine many very strange creatures. I had to get on the Caro-Seuss-el although which barmy creature to ride is not an easy choice.
There was no time for us to ride One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish Blue Fish, but just enough time to see you got squirted if you didn't follow the musical rhyme while flying high or low around the ride! There are loads of other activities to keep the smaller ones entertained and you might even spot the Cat in Hat himself.
Islands of Adventure is a fantastic theme park, especially for older children, teenagers and adults not weighed down under five hundred nappies.
Disney - Magic Kingdom
It has often been said that the true essence of Disney magic can be experienced simply by stepping foot inside the Magic Kingdom. Opened in 1971, the venerable theme park has withstood more than three decades of changing cultures, a constantly shifting social climate, and an explosion of technology that has left lesser places outdated and obsolete.
Yet, somehow, the Magic Kingdom continues to remain the undisputed king of Theme Parks, drawing more yearly visitors than any other.
How the Magic Kingdom has managed to maintain its charm and appeal over the years is a lesson in simplicity. It has stayed true to its original vision, a place where families could gather in a clean and safe environment to enjoy the time they spend together. No trip to Disney World is complete without visiting the Magic Kingdom. For veteran visitors to Walt Disney World, visiting the Magic Kingdom is like visiting an old friend. To first time visitors, they find themselves quickly, and almost helplessly, transported back to their childhood.
The Magic Kingdom is divided into five distinct areas (lands), arranged in a spoke-like formation, all meeting at the top of Main Street USA right in front of Cinderella Castle. The five lands consist of Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty Square and Adventureland. Each land is themed to its appropriate title and maintaining that theme is paramount to the parks operation. A vast network of underground tunnels connect all sections of the Magic Kingdom, thus preventing guests from seeing any of the necessary "behind the scenes" operations, and preventing cast members from one land from having to walk through another. Well, that was the original idea anyway - recent changes to park policy now allow cast members to walk freely through the park in whatever outfit they happen to be wearing.
The Magic Kingdom contains some real "don't miss" attractions, depending on what age bracket you fall in.& One of this parks strengths is the cross-generational appeal of many of it's better attractions.
Splash Mountain is a good example. It's not unusual to see three generations of family members riding together. Other favorites like Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, and Haunted Mansion offer similar appeal to a wide range of visitors.
Space Mountain, while dated, is still one of the best attractions at the Magic Kingdom. It is rumored that Space Mountain will soon go down for an extensive "update", and will likely be down for quite some time (the Disneyland counterpart was down for more than two years). I suggest you experience this attraction while you can - this is one of the last classics at WDW to remain undisturbed for many years. I trust the new version will be great, but I'll miss the old version just the same.
Most spectacular of all Disney's parks are the parades and fireworks displayed at the Magic Kingdom in Orlando. Most notably, the current combo of the "Wishes" fireworks show, and the perennial nighttime favorite, Spectromagic. If these two performances don't impress you, then you're already dead and no one's bothered to tell you.
Sea World
Sea World of Florida, the world's most popular marine-life park, brings education, research and conservation together in an entertaining and fun-filled way. Your entire family can feed a dolphin, pet a stingray and learn about the animals inhabiting our oceans.
Sea World of Florida has an impressive line-up of five new shows. Cirque de la Mer kicks off the line-up blending athleticism, acrobatics, comedy and dramatic music and effects in a nontraditional circus setting.
Sea World continues its rescue efforts in the new show, "Pets on Stage", which features a cast of performing pets adopted from animal shelters.
To complete the exciting lineup, Sea World will soon be introducing three more new shows: "The Shamu Adventure", with Jack Hanna as host; a water-ski show featuring daring new thrills and stunts, and "Clyde and Seamore Take Treasure Island", which will star Sea World's favorite sea lion team.
In addition to the new lineup of shows, Sea World has recently opened the edge-of-your seat water-coaster, "Journey to Atlantis", which is based on the lost city of Atlantis. The coaster plunges brave riders into an adventure where they are thrilled by unseen forces, experience serpentine twists and speed down two of the steepest, fastest, wettest drops found anywhere. Be prepared to get wet on this one-of-a-kind, water-coaster encounter.
Sea World of Florida also presents "Key West at Sea World". Celebrate in the warming sun of the subtropics as Sea World takes visitors to the southernmost tip of Florida. Guests will enjoy river rock paths, sandy beaches, Caribbean cuisine, street vendors, entertainers and, of course, the marine animals for which Sea World is most famous.
Other new additions include naturalistic animal habitats -- Dolphin Cove, Stingray Lagoon and Sea Turtle Point. Dolphin Cove is the centerpiece attraction that is home to more than two dozen bottlenose dolphins. The chilled saltwater of Dolphin Cove is approximately 12 feet deep and continually passes through a wavemaker that creates crashing waves up to 2 feet high.
Guided tours allow guests to wade into the surf and interact with the dolphins one-on-one with specially designed areas where guests may feed and touch the animals.
Just across the "island" at Sea Turtle Point guests will come face-to-face with endangered species of sea turtles, such as green, loggerhead and hawksbill. Seldom on land, these fascinating creatures offer guests an intriguing glimpse into their lives.
A long-time favorite of Sea World guests, Stingray Lagoon, expands to nearly twice its former size and features a variety of rays, including cownose, southern and roughtailed. In this interactive habitat, guests are encouraged to touch and feed the docile rays that burrow in the sand of shallow coastal waters.
Kraken, the monster of all roller coasters, is the tallest, fastest, longest and only floorless roller coaster in Orlando. Yes, floorless. Imagine a roller coaster that takes you to heights of a 15-story building ... upside down seven times ... at 65 mph. That's Kraken. Only at SeaWorld. (You must be 54 inches tall to ride).
Other attractions include: "Wild Arctic", "Shamu: Close Up", "Shamu: World Focus", "Manatees: The Last Generation?" and "Hotel Clyde and Seamore". Open 9:00 AM
The Waterfront at SeaWorld is a celebration incited by the sights, sounds, flavor and festivity of the most vibrant cities by the sea. Dine on a gourmet pizza alfresco as the citizens of The Waterfront entertain you. Enjoy a drink under the stars at the SandBar or capture the fragrance of over 50 flowers of the South Pacific to design a special gift.
Surround yourself with unique shows, including "Kat 'n' Kaboodle," featuring cats from around the world, and "Rico Roza's Musical Feast," a family show about food and fun.
All of this and more await you at The Waterfront, where you'll find the soul of the sea at the heart of SeaWorld Orlando.
Universal Studios
Universal Studios Florida® located in Orlando is an action-packed park with movie-themed attractions, rides and shows. Universal Studios is an outstanding vacation destination and will provide a full day of unforgettable adventure with a good balance of activities that will appeal to children, teens and adults.
The park is located in an entertainment complex with Islands of Adventure just next door and Universal City Walk® just outside the entrance. Each of these offer outstanding entertainment.Universal Studios is among the most popular attractions in Florida with "more excitement per square foot than anywhere else" according to Universal. Plan to spend an entire day to realize all that the park has to offer.
Check the many ticket specials and vacation packages offered by Universal Studios. Visitors planning to visit more than one of Universal's parks or stay for more than just the day, can get greater value in the bundled ticket and vacation packages.
Universal Express® - For an extra fee, buy a ticket to bypass the regular lines. The additional pass gives access to special Express entrances. Seasonal availability varies and the pass is limited to one use at many of the Universal attractions. Together with the regular park admission this gets a bit pricey, but it can mean the difference between in waiting in line for 10-15 minutes versus an hour or more without the pass for some attractions.
