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#1 Theme Parks in the World
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2008 Celebrated The Year of a Million Dreams at Disney World
Disney vacations are great fun for the entire family. Walt Disney World Resort lies on a 30,000 acre tract of land
in Orlando. Disney's first Florida theme park, the Magic Kingdom, was opened in 1971. Vacationers can enjoy
rides, attractions, shops, and restaurants in seven themed areas, including Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Town
Square, Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Mickey's Toontown Fair.
The Epcot theme park is made up of two sections which manage to be both educational and highly entertaining.
Future World, designed to showcase technology and science, features areas such as Spaceship Earth, Universe of
Energy, the Living Seas, and Wonders of Life. At Epcot's World Showcase, you will take a fantasy tour of the
world, sampling culture, food, crafts, entertainment and attractions representing France, the United Kingdom,
Italy, Germany, Norway, America, Canada, Mexico, Morocco, Japan, and China. The employees working in each
"country" are actually natives of those lands.
Part zoo and part theme park, Disney's Animal Kingdom showcases real, imaginary, and extinct animals with
typical Disney style. The live animals are housed in carefully re-created natural landscapes. Attractions for visitors
include DinoLand U.S.A., the Boneyard, the Kail River Rapids, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and more.
Take on the treacherous terrain of the towering Forbidden Mountain in the high -speed train adventure of
Expedition Everest. A mountain full of surprises. Beware of the Yeti !
No Orlando Disney World vacation would be complete without a visit to Disney's Hollywood Studio's (old
MGM), which pays tribute to the movie-making business and includes working movie and television-production
studios. Vacationers can take a fascinating tour of the animation studio to see how animated films are made, learn
about special effects, and enjoy about two dozen movie-themed attractions and rides.
Summertime travelers can cool off at Typhoon Lagoon, featuring water slides, snorkeling, surfing, inner tubing,
and other water fun. Another Disney water park, Blizzard Beach (probably the world's only ski resort-themed
water park) is also known for its thrilling water slides.
Round out your Walt Disney World vacation with a visit to Disney Quest, a five-story indoor theme park located
in Downtown Disney's West Side. Other attractions in Downtown Disney include the Pleasure Island
entertainment complex (geared toward adults -18 and over) and the Downtown Disney Marketplace, the ultimate
Disney shopping experience.
Orlando's second largest theme park complex, Universal Orlando, is home to Universal Studios Orlando, a
working movie studio and theme park where visitors can watch the movies come to life. Universal's Islands of
Adventure features innovative rides, shows, and attractions based on movie and cartoon themes, such as Marvel
Super Hero Island, Jurassic Park, and Seuss Landing.
Cool off at Universal's Wet 'n Wild, which offers thrilling water slides and rides as well as entertaining kids' areas.
The Universal City Walk entertainment district features attractions like Hard Rock Café Live, Jimmy Buffett's
Margaritaville, and Emeril's restaurant.
Sea World Orlando, the world's largest marine adventure park, combines education, conservation, and
entertainment in one appealing park. Tour aquariums that are filled with fascinating marine life; swim with
dolphins and beluga whales; and see exhibits of sea lions, penguins, and more. They have a new water ride called
Aquatica that opened in March 2008.
The world famous water skiing show at Cypress Gardens Adventure Park in nearby Winter Haven has been
drawing visitors for 70 years. Today, fun lovers will find numerous shows, rides, concerts, and attractions on the
lovely landscaped grounds of the park.
At Gatorland theme park and wildlife preserve, a popular Orlando attraction since 1949. For a low price visitors
can see alligators, crocodiles, and birds, watch exciting shows, and take a nature walk or train ride through the park.
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