- Florida Theme Parks
Disney Epcot Center 
Epcot Center is divided into two areas – Future World and World Showcase. Future World features attractions about energy, communication, the environment and space exploration.
And situated on a beautiful lagoon is Epcot's World Showcase. The park is truly a world of its own, and the cultures and customs of dozens of countries featured there. You can sample the local cuisine, entertainment, and shopping unique to each country.
Take advantage of the ‘kid cot’ stops and the movies at several of the country attractions. In Mexico and Norway there are boat rides that children will enjoy. Another highlight is the 'street' performers that entertain visitors throughout the day. There is a nighttime show, where fireworks fill the skies above World Showcase Lagoon. Video images are displayed across a giant sphere in the middle of the lagoon and then it blossoms like a flower, exposing a ball of fire and leads to the show’s finale.
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Disney World’s Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is divided into five distinct areas, all meeting in the center, of Main Street USA, in front of Cinderella Castle. The five areas are: Tomorrow Land, Fantasy Land, Frontier Land, Liberty Square and Adventure Land.
Some ‘don't miss’ include Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, the Haunted Mansion, and Space Mountain.
Most spectacular of all Disney's parks are the parades and fireworks displayed in front of Cinderella Castle. Guests Magic Kingdom are told a thrilling "story in the sky" featuring hundreds of brilliant pyrotechnic effects exploding above Cinderella Castle.
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Disney Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom's 500 acres are home to 1,700 animals representing 250 different species. A ride on the Kilimanjaro Safari will give you a chance to see them as guides take you through the African Savannah.
The park’s central icon – the ‘Tree of Life’ – is a 145-foot-tall artificial tree that has the images of more than 300 animals carved into its trunk.
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Hollywood Studios
Disney World's Hollywood Studios also has many attractions for the young and the young at heart. The main attractions are: The Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Playhouse Disney-Live On Stage, Jim Henson's Muppet Vision 3D, Beauty and the Beast, Toy Story Mania, and the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground.
There are also a dozens of Disney cartoon characters to meet and greet.
At the end of Sunset Boulevard The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. It's as tall as a 13-storey building.
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Disney Blizzard Beach
Blizzard Beach is one of two water parks in the Walt Disney World Resort, and features one of the world's tallest and fastest free-falling waterslides. There are also slides and rides for the whole family – like the kid-sized Snow Castle Fountain, and a play area with scaled-down versions of the more thrilling grown-up attractions. The idea for Disney's Blizzard Beach came about when a freak snow storm that blanketed Florida. Within the blink of an eye, a ‘ski resort’ sprang up, complete with slalom courses, toboggan slides and iceberg walkways. Then, just as quickly, the weather shifted back their normal balmy temperatures, and the resort started to melt. What to do? An enterprising alligator saw an opportunity. Clad in a scarf and hat, this ‘Ice Gator’ slid down the snow-less ski jump, shouting 'Yahoooo!' all the way. With a big splash he landed in a pool of melted snow. And with that the water park found its ski theme.
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Disney's Typhoon Lagoon
This is one of 2 Water Parks in Walt Disney World Resort, features attractions for the whole family-from fast waterslides to a children's area with pint-sized raft rides. Catch 6-foot waves in the Surf Pool and snorkel Shark Reef - with real sharks! According to Disney legend, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park was created in the wake of the storm-of-storms. During the meteorological disturbance, surfboards were hurled into palm trees and boats were tossed through thatched roofs of beach houses? and onto mountains. A hapless shrimp boat, Miss Tilly, journeying from Safen Sound, Florida, found it swept up by the twisting tides of the fierce typhoon. The storm's force propelled the boat onto To this day Miss Tilly, the shrimp boat, still sits - impaled and precariously perched. Every half hour, the boat's whistle blows and the volcano attempts to dislodge its burden by bursting, causing an enormous geyser of water to shoot skyward. After the storm swept out to sea, the Disney legend concludes, Mount Mayday became the source for many waterslides. Surrounding the mountain, a 56-acre topsy-turvy tropical paradise was formed - full of waterways, rivers, rapids and slides: a sun-drenched Water Park.
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Universal Studios
Universal Studios Florida was the first of Universal's theme parks to open in Orlando in 1990. The studios' most recent additions is the seasonal show ‘Universal 360’, an all-new laser and pyrotechnics show featuring four 30-foot-tall globes using internal projection to showcase clips from over 150 famous Hollywood films.
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Island of Adventure
Islands of Adventure is divided into 5 distinct areas, each offering some of the best attractions in Orlando. There are the amazing adventures of spider-man; the Incredible Hulk Coaster, the Dr. Doom's Fearfall and the Storm Force Accelatron are in "Marvel Super Hero Island" area. The "Toon Lagoon" area has a 44 inch tall Ripsaw Fall, the Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges and the interactive child's playground "Me Ship, the Olive". You will find the Jurassic Park Rover Adventure, Dueling Dragons and Poseidon's Fury in "Jurassic Park" area. "The Lost Continent" refers to three specific "legends". The first was the legend of Atlantis, the second the legend of Sinbad, and the third, the legend of Merlin. In essence, the lost continent is three themed lands rolled into one. Creativity blended with temperance and slight dramatic flares give this land a unique and special quality. "Seuss Landing" is based on the popular children's books. The bright colors and playful music is bound to bring anyone on a trip back to childhood. There are plenty of activities for kids here, especially the One Fish Two Fish attraction, and the Carou-Seuss-el.
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SeaWorld Orlando
At SeaWorld Orlando, the resident animals are more than just photo - they're the main attraction. Submerge yourself in the murky, underwater world of the endangered Florida manatee. Walk through frozen tundra as penguins and puffins cavort above, below and beside you. And get up close and personal with denizens of the deep, including eels, barracuda, venomous fish and sharks, in an underwater tunnel that traverses a deep-sea aquarium. SeaWorld is also home to a number of rides, including a collection of killer roller coasters. Kraken, named for Poseidon's mythological underwater beast, is Orlando's highest, fastest, longest and only floorless roller coaster, dangling riders above the track on pedestal seats at speeds of 65 mph. They also have the world-famous Shamu Adventure, featuring performances by the park's seven killer whales, and Cirque de la Mer, a Peruvian circus filled with special effects and unbelievable acrobatics.
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J.F.K. Space Center 
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is home to a number of museums, two IMAX theatres, and a range of bus tours allowing visitors a closer look at various restricted areas that would otherwise not be possible. The transportation will bring you into the restricted area to an observation gantry on the grounds of Launch Complex 39, and to the Apollo-Saturn V Center. The observation gantry provides unobstructed views of both launch pads and all of Kennedy Space Center property. The Apollo-Saturn V Center is a large museum built around its centerpiece exhibit, a restored Saturn V launch vehicle, and features other space related exhibits, including an Apollo capsule. Two theaters allow the visitor to relive parts of the Apollo program. One simulates the environment inside an Apollo-era firing room during an Apollo launch, and another simulates the Apollo 11 landing.
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Bush Gardens
Busch Gardens is located just North of Interstate 4 on Interstate 75, right outside of Tampa. Busch Gardens is located about 1_ hours from Orlando, FL. Busch Gardens contains wildlife and wild rides. With every admission ticket into the park, it helps protect and help out the wildlife foundation.
This park is ideal for any family. There are exciting rides for the thrill seekers and shows and wildlife for those who are not. The thing I loved the most about this park was the lack of waiting in line. Of all the amusement parks that I had the opportunity to attend, Busch Garden's lines were the shortest. I had the opportunity to ride roller coasters twice in a row without having to wait more than a half an hour. There were 2 large steel roller coasters and 2 large wooden roller coasters. Other coasters in the park were made in the late 80's and are fun, but not as impressive. If you are a roller coaster fanatic, be sure to ride the Montu. The Montu is a hanging coaster. This ranks in the top ten for longest roller coasters. It is full of loops and tunnels, flips, and goes 65mph, a must do.
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Cypress Gardens
Enjoy a variety of daily shows at Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, including comedy, song and dance, magic and more. The water ski capital of the world lives on, as skiers take to the water and sky in an explosive show that will leave guests laughing as well as gasping in wonder at gravity defying feats. Water of the frozen sort is the stage of choice at the Royal Palm Theater as Cypress Gardens on Ice skates to life. The Southern Belles are back to grace the gardens, Jubilee Junction comes alive with music and visitors can discover the enchantment of the Living Garden.
With more than three dozen rides, screams of joy are now as common as the flower blossoms at Cypress Gardens Adventure Park. The park offers a great selection of children's favorites, fun for the whole family attractions and heart-pounding thrill rides, including 4 coasters and the world's tallest spinning rapids ride. Discover two adventure zones filled with exhilarating attractions. Rides in Paradise Pier are set along a boardwalk in the style reminiscent of old-style amusement parks and Adventure Grove offers excitement set amongst a backdrop of the park's natural beauty.
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Silver Springs
Silver Springs is located on highway 40 off of Interstate 75. This park is home to animals, natural springs, and Wild Water Park. 2 parks in one are the appeal of the park. Enjoy natural Florida wildlife and the thrill of choosing to get wet!
Welcome to Silver Springs. There are plenty of different ways to tour the park: two boat rides, a Jeep safari, and walking around the park. These different tours offer additional adventure to the park. These rides allow you to view additional wildlife. There is a variety of wildlife in this park. There are plenty of alligators to view and watch. Some of them were pretty active, especially if you went during the feeding time. Local Florida wildlife, such as: black bears panthers, birds, and deer. They also had a large assortment of African wildlife, including giraffes, monkeys, llamas, zebras, speckled deer, long horned sheep, and sloths. There was a petting zoo for the kids, shows held throughout the day, and plenty of opportunities to view certain wildlife up close.
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- Information
Passport and visa
Passports:
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA.
Passport note:
(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see Visas), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.
(b) All travelers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travelers’ not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.
(c) As of 12 January 2009, all travelers visiting the US under the Visa Waiver Program are to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel. For more information, please see below.
(d) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 requires a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI):
All persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea were introduced on 1 June 2009.
Types and costs:
Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.
Validity:
Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry.
Visas:
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Poland and Romania, who do require a visa as they are not included in the Visa Waiver Program.
2. holders of some Maltese passports are included in the Visa Waiver Program.
Visa note:
(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa.
(b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travelers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program.
(c) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (ESTA). See below for more information.
(d) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel.
(e) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality.
(f) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
ESTA:
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Airlines must now deny check-in to passengers without valid ESTA.
When applying for ESTA-authorization and entering the passport number, the number 0 must not be replaced by letter O as this can lead to problems upon entering the US. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.
Working days required:
Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 90 days - check with embassy/consulate.
Health
Health care:
Medical insurance is strongly advised. Only emergency cases are treated without prior payment and treatment may be refused without evidence of insurance or a deposit. All receipts must be kept in order to make a claim. Medical facilities are generally of a high standard. Many medications available over the counter in other countries require a prescription in the US. Those visiting the USA for long periods with school-age children should be aware that school entry requirements include proof of immunization against diphtheria, measles, poliomyelitis and rubella throughout the USA; schools in many states also require immunization against tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough) and mumps. HIV-positive visitors must apply at the US Embassy for a Waiver of Inadmissibility before entry.
 Money
ATM:ATMs are widely available across the state.
Banking hours:
Variable, but generally Mon-Fri 0830-1700.
 Credit cards:
Most major credit cards are accepted throughout the USA, including American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. Visitors are advised to carry at least one major credit card, as it is common to request prepayment or a credit card imprint for hotel rooms and car hire, even when final payment is not by credit card.
Currency information:
US Dollar (USD; symbol $) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of $100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of $1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.
Currency restrictions:
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts in excess of US$10,000 or equivalent should be declared at customs.
Traveler’s cheques:
Widely accepted in US Dollar checks; Pound Sterling traveler’s checks are rarely accepted and few banks will honor them. Change is issued in US Dollars. One or two items of identification (passport, credit card, driving license) will be required.
 Duty Free
The following goods may be imported by visitors over 21 years of age into the USA without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 2kg of smoking tobacco or proportionate amounts of each.
• 1L of alcoholic beverage if 21 or over.
• Gifts or articles up to a value of US$100.
(a) Items should not be gift-wrapped, and should be available for customs inspection. (b) For information about the importation of pets, refer to the brochure Pets, Wildlife - US Customs, available at US Embassies and Consulates.
Note: Gold coins, medals and bullion, formerly prohibited, may be brought into the USA, except from embargoed countries.
 Prohibitive exports:
The following are either banned or may only be imported under license:
(a) Narcotics and dangerous drugs, unless for medical purposes (doctor's certificate required). (b) Absinthe, biological materials, some seeds, fruits and plants (including endangered species of plants and vegetables and their products). (c) Firearms and ammunition (with some exceptions - consult the Customs website). (d) Hazardous articles (fireworks, toxic materials), including matches and match books (unless packed tightly in a closed container). (e) Meat and poultry products - fresh, dried or canned. (f) Any fish (unless certified as disease free) or their eggs, unless canned, pickled or smoked. (g) Dairy products and eggs. (h) Cuban cigars, brought from any country. (i) Wildlife and endangered species, including crustaceans, mollusks, eggs, game and hunting trophies and crafted articles of any part thereof. (j) Dog and cat fur. (k) Some art and artifacts. (l) Imports from Iran and leather souvenirs from Haiti (e.g. drums). (m) Some automobiles. (n) More than one article (limited to once every 30 days) displaying a counterfeit or confusingly similar logo to trademarked and copyrighted articles. (o) Merchandise from embargoed countries: Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, and Sudan; information materials (pamphlets, books, tapes, films and recordings) are permitted. Items of archaeological, historical religious or scientific importance that are illegally removed from specific locations in Iraq.
  
Important addresses
Visit Florida
661 East Jefferson Street, Suite 300, Tallahassee, FL 32301, USA
Tel: (850) 488 5607.
www.visitflorida.com
Visit Florida in the UK
Colechurch House, 1 London Bridge Walk, London SE1 9EU, UK
Tel: (020) 7367 0900.
www.flausa.com/uk
Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau
600 North Broadway, Suite 300, Bartow, FL 33830, USA
Tel: (863) 420 2586 or 1 800 828 7655, in the USA only.
www.sunsational.org
Greater Miami CVB
701 Brickell Avenue, Suite 2700, Miami, FL 33131, USA
Tel: (305) 539 3000 or 1 800 933 8448, in the USA only.
www.gmcvb.com
Orlando/Orange County CVB
8723 International Drive, Suite 101 Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Tel: (407) 363 5872 or 1 800 972 3304, in the USA only.
www.orlandoinfo.com |
- Hotels
Champions World Resort
This air-conditioned family-friendly hotel comprises a 2-storey main building as well as five 2-floor annexed blocks with a total of 435 rooms. Facilities include a foyer with a 24-hour reception desk, a games room, a bar, a cocktail lounge, a restaurant and a souvenir shop. The room and laundry services may be taken advantage of (fees apply) and there is parking for those arriving by car. There is a complimentary scheduled shuttle bus service to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World. The resort fee is 3 USD per room/day.
Hawaiian Maingate Inn
Accessible to many local attractions. Affordable accommodations. Close proximity to shopping district. Close proximity to major attractions. Designed to meet family needs. Ideal accommodations for a vacation getaway. Located near major attractions. Major attractions are nearby. Shopping area is just minutes away. City entertainment in close proximity. Heated swimming pool relaxing spa/hot tub. Onsite restaurant. Full service bar/lounge. Nearby restaurant. Public transportation available from property. Affordable accommodations.
Howard Johnson of Kissimmee
Affordable accommodations. Close proximity to major attractions. Contemporary style and décor. Located in central Kissimmee. Shopping area is just minutes away. Epcot - 10 miles Universal Studios - 14 miles Walt Disney World - 8 miles. Outdoor swimming pool. Heated swimming pool. Kids’ swimming pool. Nearby restaurant. Breakfast. 24 hr front desk service. Business services available at front desk. Public transportation available from property. Shuttle service is available.
Imperial Swan Hotel & Suites
Accessible to many local attractions. Affordable accommodations. Perfect for weekend getaway. Conveniently located in I Drive area. Located minutes away from convention center Wet n Wild - 3 blocks. Festival Bay Mall - .75 miles. Universal Studios - 1 mile. Outdoor swimming pool. Fully equipped fitness center. Kids activities. Casual restaurant. Full service bar/lounge. 24 hr front desk service. Shuttle service is available. Elevators Concierge services. 8000 sq ft of event space for business meetings, conferences, and special occasions.
Quality Inn & Suites
Ideal accommodations for a vacation getaway. Perfect location appropriate for both families and couples. Hotel within walking distance of the Florida Mall Shopping area is just minutes away. Major attractions are nearby. Orange County Convention Center - 5 miles. City entertainment in close proximity. Close to local attractions such as TD Watherhouse Centre in downtown Orlando. Beautiful golf course nearby. Outdoor swimming pool. Fully equipped fitness center. Heated swimming pool. Nearby restaurant.
Days Inn Kissimmee
Affordable accommodations. Close proximity to shopping district. Close proximity to major attractions. Ideal accommodations for families. Major attractions located nearby. Major attractions are nearby. Shopping area is just minutes away. City entertainment in close proximity. Outdoor swimming pool. Nearby restaurant.
Fun Spot at Fountain Park
The hotel comprises a total of 202 rooms spread over 4 floors. Guests are invited into the elegant foyer with 24-hour reception desk, safes, a cloakroom and lifts. Further facilities include a restaurant, a newspaper stand, and a games room. Younger guests may let off steam in the playground. Laundry service round up the offerings at this hotel and there are parking spaces available for those arriving by car.
Suites at Old Town
Accessible to many local attractions. Close proximity to shopping district. Close proximity to major attractions. Great combination for business and pleasure Ideal accommodations for families. Shopping area is just minutes away. Centrally located minutes from Walt Disney World. Close to local attractions such as Florida Mall and Gatorland City entertainment in close proximity. Outdoor swimming pool.
Knights Inn Orlando Maingate
Affordable accommodations. Ideal accommodations for families. Major attractions located nearby. Centrally located minutes from Walt Disney Resort. Located in the heart of Kissimmee. Walt Disney Resort - 1 mile. Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center - 2 miles. SeaWorld - 5 miles. Wet n Wild - 7 miles. Universal Studios - 7 miles. Downtown Orlando - 23 miles. Outdoor swimming pool. Breakfast Room. Nearby restaurant. 24 hr front desk service. Shuttle service is available. Public transportation available from property. Business services available at front desk.
Orlando Continental Plaza Hotel
The Orlando Continental Plaza Hotel is located on Orlando. As world- famous International Drive across from the Wet n Wild Water Theme Park. Every room boasts a mini-refrigerator, in-room safe and a remote controlled color cable TV. When you are ready to frolic in the warm Florida Sunshine State, be sure to visit the hotel. As sparkling blue outdoor pool and spacious sundeck and relax on one of the many lounge chairs. For fun inside, the hotel offers an electronic Game Room, Gift Shop, Discount Lobby Ticket Booth, Transportation Booth and Lobby and Pool Area Wireless Internet.
Knights Inn Orlando
This hotel is located in Orlando. Florida Mall is an area attraction. Another nearby attraction is Mall at Millenia. A complimentary breakfast is served daily. Knights Inn Orlando features laundry facilities. Guest parking is complimentary. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. Televisions have premium cable channels. |
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