INTERNATIONAL DRIVE AREA

 ORLANDO, Fla. – With seven of the world's top theme parks in one destination and more than 100 other fun-filled attractions and outdoor recreation offerings, it's no wonder more than 57 million visitors will choose to spend their free time in Orlando this year. With so many exciting diversions, no matter where visitors stay in Orlando, they'll find plenty of entertaining options right around the corner.

 

All New–

Congo River Golf & Exploration Co. – Invites guests to explore the “Congo” at one of four Central Florida locations. Its 36-hole original International Drive location features 25 live alligators.                                                    congoriver.com; Congo River International Drive, 407-352-0042

Congo River Kissimmee, 407-396-6900

Congo River Universal, 407-248-9181

 

CSI: The Experience – A traveling exhibition combining the entertainment of the hit show with real-life scientific and investigative techniques. Guests play the role of crime scene investigators and solve multiple mysteries at the hands-on exhibit featuring handmade props, special effects, meticulous crime-scene re-creations and two state-of-the-art crime labs.

csiexhibit.com; 407-226-7220

 

Dave and Buster's – A40,000-square-foot (3,716-square-meter) upscale arcade, featuring 170 different games, including Skee-Ball, video racecar driving and simulated golf, along with a sports bar and restaurant. The Orlando location also offers 3,100-square-feet (288-square-meters) of meeting space and catering services for groups or companies hosting corporate events.

daveandbusters.com; 407-541-3300

 

Hawaiian Rumble Adventure Golf – Featuring two locations in the Orlando area - one on International Drive and one in Lake Buena Vista. Choose from two challenging Hawaiian-themed courses featuring a waterfall and a $100,000 musical fountain.

hawaiianrumbleorlando.com; International Drive, 407-351-7733;

Lake Buena Vista, 407-239-8300

 

IFLY Orlando – A high-energy vertical wind tunnel,offering indoor skydiving in which visitors float on a column of air. No parachute, no jumping and no experience are necessary. Reservations suggested.                                                                                                             

iflyorlando.com; 407-903-1150

 

 International Heli-Tours – Ahelicopter touring company offering aerial tours of Orlando, Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort, celebrity homes and more, showcasing the city's attractions, lakes and abundant wildlife.

internationalhelitours.com; 407-239-8687

 

 Magical Midway –Home toInternational Drive's most elevated go-kart tracks, intense thrill rides, midway rides and a huge video arcade. StarFlyer, the only ride of its kind in the United States, seats guests in swing chairs suspended 256 feet (78 meters) above ground.

magicalmidway.com; 407-370-5353

 

Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf – Offers two challenging, 18-hole courses at both its locations. Visitors test their putting skills in a fun-filled setting of natural wonders, lavish landscaping and delightful pirate themes.                          piratescove.net;  Apopka-Vineland, 407-827-1242;

International Drive, 407-352-7378

 

Pirate's Dinner Adventure – Entertains guests of all ages with a display of special effects, aerial artistry, swashbuckling swordplay and dynamic duels. The dining experience features the classic story of good vs. evil with the perfect blend of action, adventure, comedy and romance.

piratesdinneradventure.com; 407-248-0590

 

Putting Edge – An indoor putt-putt arena located at Festival Bay Mall on International Drive, taking miniature golf to a whole new level with psychedelic neon landscapes and pumping tunes to set the mood for fun.                                                                                  

putting-edge.com; 407-248-0700

 

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Orlando Odditorium – Housed in a building that appears to be sinking, as though it fell victim to one of Florida's infamous sinkholes. Guests can explore artifacts, collections, strange art/hobbies and interactive exhibits in 16 galleries of the odd and unusual from around the world.                                                                                             

ripleysorlando.com; 407-351-5803

 

The Holy Land Experience – Re-creates the city of Jerusalem and its religious importance between the years 1450 B.C. and A.D. 66 through costumed characters, dramatic enactments and high-tech presentations. The living Biblical museum is home to the Scriptorium, a collection of biblical antiquities dating back to 2200 B.C.

theholylandexperience.com; 407-367-2065

 

Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows – Presents nightly performances of original comedy mysteries with dinner and dessert. Visitors enjoy mystery, improvisation and audience participation, as they help solve a crime or play a cameo role in the show.

sleuths.com; 407-363-1985

 

Titanic the Experience – Located on International Drive,  this 17-gallery gour includes full-scale room re-creations where authentic artifacts and interactive storytellers in period costume allow you to visit the unforgettable sights, sounds, and emotions of most famous ship ever to set sail. titanictheexperience.com; 407-248-1166

 

Treasure Tavern –The two-hour dinner show features a three-course meal and a cast of comedians, acrobats and dancers themed to a Caribbean outpost.

treasuretavern.com; 407-206-5102

 

Wet 'n Wild - Orlando – Offers a variety of multi-passenger thrill rides with loads of special effects. The Storm washes riders down a towering chute, swirls them around at high speeds and tumbles them into a splash landing, while Disco H2O promises a groovy musical raft ride through the '70s. The park is open year-round with heated pools in the cooler months.

wetnwildorlando.com; 407-351-1800

 

WonderWorks – Orlando's only upside-down attraction features more than 100 hands-on interactive exhibits. Guests experience virtual reality and rock climbing, as well as designing and riding their own roller coaster. The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show provides a high-energy comedy improvisation dinner show (separate ticket required).                                                                         

wonderworksonline.com; 407-351-8800

 

Universal Orlando Resort

 Blue Man Group – The wildly successful live entertainment experience has a permanent home at Universal CityWalk. The group entertains audiences of all ages with their live stage show combining music, comedy and multimedia theatrics.

universalorlando.com; 407-363-8000

 

Universal's Islands of Adventure – Technologically advanced thrill rides and attractions, including The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!, the Jurassic Park River Adventure and The Incredible Hulk entertain guests of all ages. The highly anticipated Wizarding World of Harry Potter features rides such as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Dragon Challenge.

universalorlando.com; 407-363-8000

 

Universal Studios Florida – Visitors ride along with Shrek and Donkey at Shrek 4-D, battle

the supernatural at Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride and hang out at “Krustyland” with America's favorite animated family at The Simpsons Ride, and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, a thrill coaster allowing riders to choose their own musical soundtrack to listen to during their journey. Universal's newest attraction, “Despicable Me” is a 3-D experience that places guests right in the middle of an unforgettable adventure featuring their favorite characters from the family favorite film. The new Universal's Superstar Parade, and new lagoon show, Universal's Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories, premiered Spring 2012.

universalorlando.com; 407-363-8000

 

Hollywood Drive-In Golf –Located at Universal CityWalk, the recently opened 36-hole miniature golf experience does for miniature golf what a blockbuster theme park attraction does for a movie:  bring it alive in an entirely new way.

universalorlando.com; 407-363-8000

 

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment

 SeaWorld is the world's most popular marine life adventure park and features 200 acres of sea-themed rides, including Orlando's longest, tallest and fastest floorless roller coaster, Kraken. The newest attraction at the park is Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, where guests will be transported into the icy world of the penguin like never before, on a first-of-its-kind family adventure ride, and walk among penguins to explore their colony. TurtleTrek, is a unique 3D/360-degree film that immerses guests in the journey of a sea turtle. The new Grand Reef at Discovery Cove features variable depth swimming adventures, white sandy beaches, relaxing hammocks and snorkeling experiences. The Freshwater Oasis, which opened Summer 2012, features wading adventures and face-to-face encounters with otters and marmosets.

 

Aquatica – SeaWorld's Waterpark – Features dual wave pools; two children's play areas; two lazy rivers; beaches and swimming areas; and plenty of water slides, including the high-speed tube slide, Omaka Rocka, and the Dolphin Plunge, which whisks guests through acrylic flumes amid a lagoon of jumping Commerson's dolphins.

seaworldaquatica.com; 407-363-2280

 

Discovery Cove – An exclusive island oasis where guests can swim with dolphins, snorkel with tropical fish and rays and hand-feed exotic birds. It is an all-inclusive, reservations-only adventure that includes a full day of activities, swim/snorkel gear, breakfast and lunch, plus a seven-consecutive-day pass to SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or Aquatica – SeaWorld's Waterpark. discoverycove.com; 407-370-1280

 

SeaWorld Orlando – Features 200 acres (80 hectares) of up-close animal encounters, lavish performances and thrilling attractions, including Manta, a “flying coaster;” Kraken, Orlando's longest, tallest and fastest floorless roller coaster; and Shamu's Happy Harbor, a children's play area with pint-sized rides. The Shamu show, “One Ocean,” features spectacular whale behaviors, including thrilling high-energy leaps and multiple whales performing simultaneously. Shows and animal exhibits include polar bears, beluga whales, manatees, sea lions, penguins, dolphins and more. seaworld.com; 407-351-3600

 

 

DOWNTOWN ORLANDO/LOCH HAVEN PARK

CityArts Factory – Home to four separate and unique art galleries, bringing together visual and performing arts in the heart of downtown Orlando. The venue also houses a classroom, an artist's studio and an 8,000-square-foot (2,438-square-meter) event and performance space. cityartsfactory.com; 407-648-7060

 

Harry P. Leu Gardens – A 50 acre (20 hectare) botanical park boasting the largest camellia collection in eastern North America and the Leu House Museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.                                                                                                               

leugardens.org; 407-246-2620

 

Orlando Brewing – The only organic brewery and taproom in the Southeast and one of only 10 in the United States. Free tours are available daily and live music is featured weekly.

orlandobrewing.com; 407-872-1117

 

Orange County Regional History Center – An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the History Center explores 12,000 years of the area's rich history with interactive exhibits, artifacts, archives and special shows.                                                                            

thehistorycenter.org; 407-836-8500

 

Orlando Museum of Art – Features traveling exhibitions and permanent collections of American and African art as well as lectures, art appreciation classes and children's activities. omart.org; 407-896-4231

 

Orlando Science Center – Offers an observatory, giant screen theater and hundreds of hands-on exhibits on four floors which offer opportunities to explore, experiment and discover.                                                                          

osc.org; 407-514-2000

 

Sak Comedy Lab – Locatedin the City Arts Factory in downtown Orlando, offering improv comedy shows.                   

sak.com; 407-648-0001

 

The Mennello Museum of American Art – Best known for its extensive collection of colorful folk art by painter Earl Cunningham.               

mennellomuseum.com; 407-246-4278

SOUTHWEST ORLANDO

 All New – LEGOLAND Florida's water park is now open, featuring a wave pool, build-a-raft lazy river, tube slides, body slides and an interactive water-play structure – DUPLO Safari. Star Wars Miniland, which just opened Fall 2012, includes Lego scenes from six-movie series of films as well as the animated "Clone Wars" television series. The section follows a chronological path through the "Star Wars" timeline. Some of the 2,000 Lego models are more than 6 feet (180 centimeters) high. Visitors can activate animations throughout the scenes using interactive buttons.

 

LEGOLANDFlorida – Located in Winter Haven, 45 minutes southwest of Orlando, this 150 acre (61 hectare) interactive theme park is designed specifically for families with children ages 2-12.  With more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, LEGOLAND Florida is the largest LEGOLAND in the world and is geared toward family fun.

florida.legoland.com; 877-350- 5346

 

Revolution The Off-Road Experience – Based in Clermont, visitors take the wheel of an all-terrain vehicle, Hummer, Jeep Dune Buggy or high-speed rally car for a few hours of off-road fun. Or, guests can take to the water for fishing.          

revolutionoffroad.com; 352-400-1322

 

Wallaby Ranch Hang Gliding Flight Park – Located just south of Orlando in Davenport, guests hang glide 2,000 feet (610 meters) from the ground using tandem aerotowing techniques. No previous experience necessary.                                                                         

wallaby.com; 863-424-0070

 

 

LAKE BUENA VISTA

 All New–

 

Walt Disney World Resort

 The Exotic Driving Experience – Based at the Walt Disney World Speedway, it gives visitors the opportunity to test drive some of the world's finest supercars, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi and Porsche vehicles.                                                                        

exoticdriving.com; 407-939-0130

 

Richard Petty Driving Experience – Takes motorsports fans out of the grandstands and puts them behind the wheel of a stock car. Ride-and-drive programs on the 1-mile (1.6-kilometer), tri-oval Walt Disney World Speedway and 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) Daytona International Speedway are available. Drivers must be 18 years of age and riders must be at least 14 years of age. 1800bepetty.com; 407-939-0130

 

Sammy Duvall's Watersports Centre at Disney's Contemporary Resort – Visitors learn to wakeboard, kneeboard, water ski and parasail. Licensed drivers age 16 and older can rent a personal watercraft (minors under age 18 must have an adult present to sign rental waiver). sammyduvall.com; 407-939-0754

 

Cirque du Soleil's “La Nouba” – Located in Downtown Disney's west side, this show features a renowned blend of acrobatics and state-of-the-art special effects with more than 70 artists from around the world performing in a custom-made theater seating 1,671 guests. 

lanoubaorlando.com; 407-939-7600 

 

Disney's Animal Kingdom Park – Offers exciting adventures and unique encounters with real, exotic animals, plus one-of-a-kind guest experiences with fictional animals and giant dinosaurs from the prehistoric world. Not-to-miss attractions include Expedition Everest, a high-speed train adventure; “Finding Nemo – The Musical,” a live 30-minute musical show; TriceraTop Spin; Primeval Whirl!; DINOSAUR and Kilimanjaro Safaris.

disneyworld.com; 407-824-4321

 

Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park – Features one of the world's tallest, fastest free-fall speed slides in a whimsical “winter” setting.  It is the largest of Disney's water parks, with 22 water slides and “icy” bobsled runs that stay comfortably warm and thrillingly fast. 

disneyworld.com; 407-939-7812

 

Disney's Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf – A 36-hole golf adventure featuring Fantasia Gardens withan 18-hole miniature golf course with a theme taken from Disney's classic animated film "Fantasia," and Fantasia Fairways, an 18-hole challenge course designed with strategically placed bunkers and hazards.                                                                                           

disneyworld.com; 407-560-4870

 

Disney's Hollywood Studios – A theme park with a complete motion picture and television studio.  Feature attractions include the American Idol Experience, Toy Story Mania!; Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show; Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage!;

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

disneyworld.com; 407-824-4321

 

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – Offers guests twisting tides, roaring rapids and relaxing rivers.  Whether navigating the nine water slides – including a water coaster thrill ride - swimming with sharks and tropical fish or conquering waves in the United States' largest wave pool, this exotic paradise promises to be the wettest water adventure ever.

disneyworld.com; 407-939-7812

 

Disney's Winter Summerland Miniature Golf –An interactive miniature golf experience with two 18-hole wacky, elf-sized golf courses.  One course carries the zany, snow-covered Florida theme found at Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park, while the other takes a more tropical, holiday theme, with ornaments hanging from palm trees.

disneyworld.com; 407-560-3000

 

DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park – A five-story, indoor, interactive theme park that combines Disney's magic with cutting-edge technology.  Guests climb aboard a real river raft on Virtual Jungle Cruise, ride a roller coaster of their own design on Cyber Space Mountain or become part of a human pinball game in Mighty Ducks Pinball Slam.  Some attractions require a separate charge.                                                                                                            disneyworld.com; 407-828-4600

 

Epcot – Takes guests to 11 nations at World Showcase and fast-forwards them to tomorrow in Future World.  World Showcase offers a kaleidoscope of nations – The American Adventure, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Norway and the United Kingdom – brought together to celebrate cultural heritage. Don't-miss rides include Mission:SPACE, simulating a real space shuttle blastoff; Soarin', which lifts guests 40 feet (12 meters) aloft inside a giant projection screen dome; and The Seas with Nemo & Friends, a whimsical and visually stunning attraction that has the stars of "Finding Nemo" swimming amid the live marine life of the huge aquarium in The Living Seas pavilion. 

disneyworld.com; 407-824-4321

 

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex – Host to nearly 200 Amateur Athletic Union events, Atlanta Braves spring training and the Pop Warner Super Bowl each year, the Complex is a sports lover's dream with 200 acres (80 hectacres) of facilities that can host more than 30 sports.

disneyworld.com; 407-939-7529

 

Magic Kingdom Park – Features seven magical lands with attractions, restaurants and shops based on favorite Disney themes of fantasy, yesterday and tomorrow.  Popular attractions include Mickey's PhilharMagic, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Space Mountain and The Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, an interactive adventure inspired by Disney-Pixar's “Monsters, Inc.”

disneyworld.com; 407-824-4321

 

SOUTH ORLANDO & KISSIMMEE

 Arabian Nights – The largest climate-controlled, indoor equestrian arena for a permanent show in the world. The show features more than 60 horses from a variety of breeds and 40 performers.      

arabian-nights.com; 407-239-9223

 

Biplane Rides Over Kissimmee – Offers guests the chance to ride in - and even fly - an open cockpit 1943 Boeing Stearman, an authentic World War II trainer, over Disney and other attractions. 

biplaneridesoverkissimmee.com; 407-473-9142

 

Fantasy Surf – The first interactive water sport activity where participants of all ages can catch the “ultimate” indoor wave. Featuring the patented FlowRider system, Fantasy Surf at FantasyWorld Resort provides the look of surfing and wakeboarding; ride of snowboarding; and tricks of skateboarding in a safe and controlled environment.

ultimateindoorwave.com; 407-396-7433

 

Full Speed Arcade – Visitors have the opportunity to race against other riders in full-motion NASCAR simulators or play a round of golf in an 18-hole, indoor black light miniature golf course.

fullspeed.cc; 407-397-7455

                                                                                      

Gatorland –One of Central Florida's first attractions, Gatorland is home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles, as well as a petting zoo, bird sanctuary, mini water park, eco-tour and action-packed outdoor entertainment, including daily alligator wrestlin' shows. Gatorland also features The Screamin' Gator Zip Line, which carries riders over gators and along 1,200 feet (366 meters) of high-flying adventure. At heights of up to 56 feet (17 meters), guests will fly at speeds near 25 mph (40 km/h) over many of the attraction's exhibits.

gatorland.com; 407-855-5496

 

Green Meadows Petting Farm – Features a two-hour guided tour to see more than 300 farm animals. Visitors are encouraged to have a first-hand experience by petting the animals, taking train and hay rides, milking a cow and riding a pony. Picnic areas are available.

greenmeadowsfarm.com; 407-846-0770

 

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament – Set within an 11th century European-style castle where heroic knights display astounding athletic feats and thrilling swordplay on spirited horses. Guests enjoy sturdy fare among the interior displays of medieval artifacts, coats of arms from prestigious Spanish families and spectacular shining suits of armor.

medievaltimes.com; 407-396-2900

 

Old Town Shopping, Dining & Entertainment Attraction – Features 75 unique specialty shops, eight restaurants and 18 thrilling amusement rides. This free-admission, free-parking attraction offers the look and feel of a Florida town at the beginning of the 20th century.  Car shows every Friday and Saturday feature hundreds of classic cars.

old-town.com; 407-396-4888

 

Orlando Grand Prix – Guests experience kart racing in a fully air conditioned indoor environment.  The 70,000-square-foot (6,503-square-meter) space offers two tracks for two completely different racing experiences.  With electric Italian pro-karts that reach speeds of up to 50 mph (80km/h), the latest progress tracking technology, comfortable lounge area equipped with flat-screens TV and free Wi-Fi, the Orlando Grand Prix Track is popular with kids and adults alike.

orlandogp.com; 407-434-7500

 

Warbird Adventures, Inc. – Offers guests the chance to fly like the aces of yesterday in the Premier Fighter-Trainer of WWII — the North American T-6 TEXAN. Whether they want a thrilling aerobatic adventure or a smooth, straight and level flight, the experience is tailored just for them.         

warbirdadventures.com; 407-870-7366

 

NORTHEAST CENTRAL FLORIDA

 FlyBoard – Strap on a Jet Ski motor for an extreme-sport adventure, where guests can fly Iron Man-style – up to 30-feet (9.14-meters) in the air – or leap through waves like a human dolphin along the lakes in Winter Park.                                                                

flyboardrentalsoforlando.com; 407-484-5125

 

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens –Showcases hundreds of rare or endangered animals, including cheetahs, elephants, kangaroos, baboons, leopards and some of the most powerful snakes in the world. There's also the ZOOm Air Adventures zipline experience.

centralfloridazoo.org; 407-323-4450

 

Hard Knocks –An indoor combat simulation arena open for entertainment, law enforcement training and corporate team building.  Visitors to Hard Knocks have the opportunity to execute missions that challenge them to defuse bombs, rescue hostages, protect VIPs and eradicate the enemy in an urban themed combat area.  Hard Knocks also features a LAN Gaming Lounge with multiple LCD televisions and a high definition movie theatre for some of the best video gaming around.

hardknocksorlando.com; 407-359-9091

 

NORTHWEST CENTRAL FLORIDA

Scott's Maze Adventures  Located in Zellwood,featuring a 6-acre (2.4-hectare) corn maze, three-acre (1.2-hectare) tree maze, picnic area, nature walk and various entertainment attractions for public, group and corporate events. Open seasonally in the fall.

longandscottfarms.com; 352-383-6900

 

EASTERN CENTRAL FLORIDA

 All New – Visitors can view the Atlantis Space Shuttle at its new $100 million permanent home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

 

Brevard Zoo – Located in Melbourne, featuring more than 550 animals representing 165 species, from North and South America, Asia, Australia and Africa. Unique experiences include hand-feeding gentle giraffes and kayaking through wetlands.

brevardzoo.org; 321-254-9453

 

Daytona International Speedway – Home of the Daytona 500 and Coke Zero 400 NASCAR races, offering exciting racing, guided Speedway tours, and the Richard Petty Driving Experience.        

daytonainternationalspeedway.com; 386-253-7223

 

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex – Offers tours of behind-the-scenes areas with views of Space Shuttle facilities and launch pads. Visitors feel what it's like to blast into space in the Shuttle Launch Experience, meet a real astronaut every day and see “Space Station 3D” in the world's largest twin IMAX theater.  The Astronaut Hall of Fame features the world's largest collection of astronaut memorabilia, displays, exhibits, hands-on activities and simulators. kennedyspacecenter.com; 321-449-4444

 

Zero-G Corporation – Provides a full-day experience featuring a weightless flight that only astronauts have had access to prior to now. Flights depart from the Kennedy Space Center.

gozerog.com; 954-756-1000

 

WEST/SOUTHWEST CENTRAL FLORIDA

 Adventure Island– A 30-acre (12-hectare) water park featuring thrilling slides and tube rides, the Splash Attack play area, a 20-foot (6.1-meter) platform for cliff jumping, lagoons, waterfalls and more. 

adventureisland.com; 813-987-5660

 

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay – An exciting family adventure park offering an array of fascinating attractions based on exotic encounters within the African continent. Busch Gardens offers a unique blend of thrilling rides, one of the country's premier zoos featuring more than 2,700 animals, live shows, restaurants, shops and games. One of its many coasters, SheiKra, is the tallest dive coaster in the world. Cheetah Hunt is a high-speed coaster, featuring up-close animal encounters and takes guests from zero to cheetah not once but three times.                               

buschgardens.com; 813-987-5777

 

Citrus Tower – Located in Clermont providing a panoramic view of rolling hills, spring-fed lakes and citrus trees from three Tower Observation Decks. The Tower offers in-season fresh citrus fruit for sale, either to take along or for gift shipments. A restaurant and gift shop are also on the grounds.                                                                                            

citrustower.com; 352-394-4061

 

Dinosaur World – Located in Plant City with more than 150 life-size dinosaurs located on its grounds. Visitors can examine fossils and learn why dinosaur remains are not found in Florida. They can also shop for hard-to-find dinosaur toys and educational materials in the gift shop. A 22,000-square-foot (2,044-square-meter) building will house a new indoor Prehistoric Museum, gift shop and office space. A new dinosaur playground will be unveiled, as well as more picnic areas.

dinoworld.net; 813-717-9865

 

Fantasy of Flight – Based in Polk City, inviting guests to explore the romance and nostalgia of flight in self-guided “immersion” experiences that chronicle the history of aviation. Guests can enjoy the world's largest private collection of vintage aircraft, flight simulators, ropes course and zip line, back-lot tours, hot air balloon flights and open cockpit biplane rides.

fantasyofflight.com; 863-984-3500

 

Florida EcoSafaris at Forever Florida – Offers eco-safaris via horseback, zipline or in a swamp buggy through a nature preserve with nine ecosystems. The Zipline Safari takes guests on a treetop nature tour reaching heights of 55 feet (16.8 meters) and speeds up to 25 mph (40.2 kph). The Rattlesnake is the first U.S. zip line rollercoaster set against Central Florida's natural landscape. Also at Florida Eco-Safaris at Forever Florida is the Cypress Canopy Cycle, which consists of reclining bicycles suspended from a network of high-tension cables, 25 feet (7.6 meters) above the ground and over the most beautiful ecosystems of the 4,700 acre (1,902 hectare) property.

floridaecosafaris.com; 407-957-9794

 

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards – Located in Clermont, its Florida's largest premium winery.  Visitors can take a free tour of the winery, sample wines in the tasting room or purchase a bottle of the award-winning Lakeridge wine at the gift shop.

lakeridgewinery.com; 352-394-8627

 

Showcase of Citrus – Also located in Clermont, this is an "old time" farm store with a U-pick citrus grove with 50 varieties visitors may pick right off the tree.  Other activities include an eco-tour of 2,500 acres (1,012 hectares) in the world's largest 4x4 vehicle and freshwater fishing.

showcaseofcitrus.com; 352-394-4377

 

For more information about vacation experiences in Orlando, to order a complimentary vacation planning kit that includes a comprehensive Official Visitors Guide and Orlando Magicard® or to purchase discount attraction tickets, visitors can log onto Orlando's official website at VisitOrlando.com or call an Official Travel Counselor at 1-800-551-0181 (United States and Canada) or 407-363-5872. For real time updates, follow us on Twitter at

Twitter.com/VisitOrlando or Facebook at Facebook.com/VisitOrlando. Visitors may stop by the Official Visitor Center located at 8723 International Drive.

 

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