Orlando — Introduction

There are many reasons to visit Florida however the thing that attracts most visitors to the state is Orlando’s exciting theme parks.

All over the world there are good theme parks and even great theme parks – then there are Florida’s offerings, where everything is bigger, better and a showcase of innovation. Each year new rides are added, offering even greater options to thrill seekers.

Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot Center, and Disney MGM Studios, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure and SeaWorld Orlando are among the largest and most popular, offering the best quality rides and experiences.

Universal Studios rollercoaster the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit allows riders to control the musical soundtrack and best of all it is fitted with a series of cameras that film the whole experience.

Another ride exciting adrenaline junkies is SeaWorld Orlando’s Manta. The 1,000 metre long rollercoaster is shaped like a giant Manta Ray, climbing to heights of 140 feet before swooping and skimming the lagoon below at speeds of 96km per hour.

Then there’s the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – a theme park within a theme park inside Universal’s Islands of Adventure. It covers a 20 acre site and features the Grand Castle of Hogwarts, the Forbidden Forest and the shopping village of Hogsmeade.

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has given it her seal of approval saying: “Fans of the book or films won’t be disappointed.”

Meanwhile new attractions at Walt Disney World’s Fantasyland section of the Magic Kingdom include a ride based on The Little Mermaid, an expansion of the Dumbo ride, as well as all new interactive areas based on some of Disney’s favourite princesses.

Away from the parks, Orlando is a destination with many cultural attractions. The city has many museums, a philharmonic orchestra and an annual film festival. There’s also the chance to hop on an airboat, spotting Florida’s exotic wildlife as you go at the impressive Boggy Creek.