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Orlando
Thomson Destinations
© Disney
If you're looking for a lively action-packed holiday the kind where there's never a dull moment, then Orlando is most definitely the place to be. There are so many attractions that no matter how much time you spend here it's going to be impossible to see them all. However, half the fun is deciding where you're going to spend your time. The star attraction has to be Walt Disney World, which is in fact a series of theme parks including the Magic Kingdom Park, Disney's Animal Kingdom and Epcot. Alternatively, choose one of the many hotels along International Drive, or I-Drive as it's known locally. This is also where you'll discover plenty of shops and restaurants. Universal Studios with its famous Jaws set is another firm favourite with visitors, as is Seaworthiness with is performing dolphins and sea lions. If white-knuckle rides are more your thing a visit to Islands of Adventure definitely won't disappoint you. It's home to Orlando's fastest and most daring rides not for the feint hearted.
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Things to see and do Theme Parks Galore! Tread in the footsteps of Mickey et al in the magical Walt Disney World parks. Hold onto your hat at Universal Studios with its scream-if-you-want-to-go-faster attractions. Book your space at the innovative Discovery Cove where you can swim with dolphins. And Go star-gazing at the Orlando Science Centre with interactive effects and a planetarium! Shopping When you're preparing to come away, pack half the clothes and twice the money because Central Florida is every shopaholic's dream. Gigantic indoor shopping malls compete with jumbo discount stores, while traditional department stores and chain outlets jostle for space alongside an endless array of sleek boutiques, charming antique shops and sophisticated speciality shops. The biggest mall of all is Orlando's Florida Mall, occupying an area of 200,000sq ft (18,580sq m). If you're really serious about splashing the cash, head for The Mall at Millenia where you'll find big city favourites, Bloomingdales and Macy's, sitting alongside flagship stores from Luis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel and Cartier. Those on a stricter budget will enjoy foraging in Flea World, between Orlando and Sanford, where more than 1,700 stalls offer antiques, clothing and jewellery. For all your Walt Disney souvenirs, head to Downtown Disney where you'll find a buzzing metropolis of distinctive shops, restaurants and entertainment! Explore the Downtown Disney Marketplace, home to the largest Disney character store in the world! In Downtown Disney West Side, you'll find first-class restaurants, a theatre and amusements. Pleasure Island is also located here, so why not take in a live performance or have a ball in one of the night clubs! Nightlife Besides the glittering theme parks of Orlando, which offer a crammed timetable of thrilling evening entertainment, Florida's flamboyant nightlife comprises a varied assortment of theatre, dance and music venues, as well as plenty of lively pubs and clubs to keep you partying til daybreak. Eating Out Like everything else in Orlando, there is a overwhelmingly large choice of restaurants to choose from over 4,000! Every type of cuisine imaginable is available, catering for every type of budget. Breakfast buffets, all-day diners and steakhouses are in abundance. Every theme park also offers at least one top-notch restaurant, such as Downtown Disney and Universal's CityWalk. Well known chains have also set up shop here, such as Planet Hollywood and Hard Rock Café. For something a little more unique, head to Le Coq au vin serving up French cuisine with a contemporary twist.
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© TUI 2006
Beaches Just a short drive from Orlando arsinking your toes into the soft snow-white sands after the frenetic pace of the theme parks. Once you've recharged your batteries you might want to try surfing, windsurfing or boogie boarding on Florida's dramatic east Atlantic coast or simply lie back and soak up the sun on the western side shores and swim in the balmy Gulf of Mexico waters.
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