Orlando - Blooming Marvellous!! (Sights & Attractions in Orlando in general)

Member Name: DreamerHelen

Product:	Sights & Attractions in Orlando in general
Date:	08/08/09 (11 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: EVERYTHING

Disadvantages: Hot and can be expensive

I have been to Orlando so many times that it feels like home - In fact it was home for 4 months at one point.

If you're looking for a rest then don't bother going to Orlando - It's mainly about going out and about and having loads of fun!!

PLACES TO STAY

I usually stay in Youth Hostels so I'm afraid I can only recommend the one just off West Irlo Bronson Highway - But Kissimmee is a great place to stay as it's just outside the main Orlando Traffic but still close enough to all of the Parks. International Drive is a wonderful place to stay, especially if you are more interested in SeaWorld and Universal than Disney. If you're particularly into going to Disney then I recommend you stay there at one of their Hotels, I haven't experienced them personally but I have heard very good reports about them.

PLACES TO EAT

I can recommend Steak and Shake - Brilliant place to eat and relatively inexpensive. They are happy for children to come along and eat there and they usually do free drink re-fills which helps on a hot day!! I can particularly recommend the Steak Patties which is basically like a toasted sandwich with a great burger inside.

I can also recommend the Ponderosa - Now, I will admit that it has been some time since I've eaten there. But the last time I ate there they were offering a Buffet Breakfast for something like $4.99 and you could literally eat as much as you liked, you could go up time and time again - They had the usual bacon/eggs/toasts/etc along with fruit, cereal and Muffins.

THEME PARKS

SeaWorld - I've done a more detailed Review of this elsewhere on this Site. However, I cannot recommend SeaWorld more, it's wonderful for both children and adults alike. I can particularly recommend the "Behind the Scenes" Tours, they aren't expensive and they are fantastic as you get to do things like stroke a penguin and see the Wild Arctic Exhibition up close and personal. Of course I also recommend the Shamu Shows and its definitely worth asking the Trainers some questions, they usually hang around after a show, so go and have a chat with them!!

Universal Studio's - I haven't been for a few years. But the last time I went it was great. There are a real mixture of rides so that younger children and older can enjoy them. The Back to the Future Ride is incredible!!! However I would not recommend this place if you get Motion Sickness!!

Animal Kingdom - Again, I have written about this elsewhere. But I can definitely recommend. I found this to be a slower-paced Park than the other ones but still thoroughly enjoyed it.

Magic Kingdom - Very much a children's place to be. But you might be surprised at how childlike you get when you're queuing up with your kids to see Mickey Mouse!! Would definitely recommend the Midnight Parade and also the Haunted House

OTHER THINGS TO SEE

Kennedy Space Centre - It should take you about an hour out of Orlando to see this but well worth a visit. There are about 4 different centres within the Space Centre and one of them includes a real life Space Rocket (or part of it anyway). You may also be lucky enough to see a real live Launch - Might be best to check out when this is going to take place as I believe it gets incredibly busy around launch time and you might end up getting stuck in traffic!!

Boggy Creek - This is basically where you get the Airboat across the Swamp to see Alligators. Great fun but VERY VERY noisy (although they give you earmuffs), but if you're taking children it might be a good idea to warn them about the noise beforehand.

OTHER BITS AND PIECES

- Remember that you have to be over 21 to drink alcohol
- I recommend you get at least one of the Saver Passes for the Parks
- Quite often Restaurants will have Coupon Books which will give you discounts for Places in Orlando, so check them out!!
- Try to eat before you go into a Park as the Food is outrageously expensive in most of the Parks, if you eat beforehand then you should just need drinks inside the Park and then eat when you're done.
- Public Transport around Orlando is appalling (Except the I-Trolley which is very good). So ask your Hotel if they do a Shuttle Service to the various Parks, this is where you pay a set fee per person and they drop you off at the Park and about an hour before you want to come back you call them and arrange for them to pick you up again - Obviously more expensive than buses, but much nicer!!

Summary: A Detailed Look At Orlando