Walt Disney World
The Walt Disney World Resort Complex has four of the top eight visited theme parks, including No. 1, as Magic Kingdom had approximately 17 million guests pass through its turnstiles in 2008. The Disney resort complex also includes Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom.
The complex is also home to some of the finest championship golf courses in the world, hosting a PGA tournament each fall. There are also numerous hotels, a shopping and nightclub district and many other sport and water activities from which to choose.
Walt Disney World Resort
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disneyworld.disney.go.com
Universal Studios Orlando
This theme park resort is based on some of the most classic movies of all time. You can be transported to the set of "Jaws," complete with runaway sharks. It can even take you to "Jurassic Park," complete with runaway Tyrannosaurus Rex. Islands of Adventure, the sister park to Universal Studios, features some of the best roller coasters in Central Florida, with Dueling Dragons and The Hulk. This theme park is rated seventh in the world by Coaster Grotto, a website dedicated to roller coasters.
This resort offers a collection of hotels, a nightclub and a shopping district. Though there is no golf course, partially because the area is so landlocked compared with the amount of real estate Disney owns, there are many good ones in the area to choose from, including those at Disney, the Grand Cypress Golf Club and Grande Pines Golf Club.
Universal Studios Florida
1000 Universal Studios Plaza
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 363-8000
Universalorlando.com
International Drive
The major attraction on International Drive is located on its southern portion, SeaWorld. This park has made a name for itself with its marine mammal shows, but it also features thrill rides, including the Kraken roller coaster and the "flying coaster" Manta, which opened in 2009.
Other International Drive attractions include WonderWorks, Ripley's, Wet 'n Wild, along with numerous other attractions such as several go-kart tracks and miniature golf courses. The area also has some of the finest hotels, including The Peabody Resort. The closest golf is near the southern end of International Drive at Grande Pines.
SeaWorld
7007 SeaWorld Drive
Orlando, FL 32821
(888) 800-5447
Seaworld.com
Other Attractions
Gatorland, located on Orange Blossom Trail, gives visitors a chance to see these animals up close. Those who want a more natural view should take advantage of local airboat rides. Old Town, just south of Orlando in Kissimmee, offers shopping and a country fair Ferris wheel in a turn-of-the-century setting.
Public golf courses can be found nearly anywhere in the Orlando area, though the resort courses often get the most play by visitors. Still, for those who want a less crowded or less expensive course, there are many to choose from.
About The Author
Kenneth Black has been a freelance writer since 2008. He currently works as a staff writer for "The Times Republican" in Central Iowa. He has written extensively on a variety of topics, including business, politics, family life and travel. Black holds a bachelor's degree in business marketing from the University of Phoenix.
