Discovery Cove Orlando
Discovery Cove Orlando covers 30 acres, is open daily and offers full-day adventures that include exhilarating animal encounters. The admission price to Discovery Cove includes parking, wetsuits, lockers, mask, towels, shower facility, snorkel, photo, Continental breakfast, snacks, lunch and beverages. Highlights of the park include Explorers Aviary, with several hundred multi-colored birds; Wind-away River, Serenity Bay, a swimming area with beach and waterfalls; Tropical Reef, which has captivating grottos, tropical fish and stingrays you can swim with; and Dolphin Lagoon, where you swim with the dolphins. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance and are recommended. Packages contain unlimited entrance to other SeaWorld properties for up to two weeks. Lower-priced packages without the dolphin encounter are offered, and another package option includes becoming a "trainer for the day" at the park.
Discovery Cove Orlando
6000 Discovery Cove Way
Orlando, FL 32821
(877) 434-7268
(877) 557-7404
discoverycove.com
Gatorland
A trip to Florida would not be complete without observing one of the state's treasures, the alligator. Gatorland calls itself the "alligator capital of the world," and includes 100 acres encompassing both a natural preserve and a theme park, open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The park's shows include Gator Wrestling, Gator Jumparoo (jumping gators) and Upclose Encounters. Highlights of the park include an educational center, splash park, petting zoo, train ride, aviary, breeding marsh with observation tower and boardwalk, a swamp trail and more. Special Adventure Tours can be purchased and include options such as Trainer for a Day, Gator Night Shine nighttime tour, Adventure Hour and Rookie Wrestling.
Gatorland
14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, FL 32837
(407) 855-5496
(800) 393-5297
gatorland.com
Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort consists of four separate theme parks--Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Animal Kingdom Park and Disney's Hollywood Studios; two water parks--Disney's Blizzard Beach and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon; and the entertainment areas known as Downtown Disney, Disney's BoardWalk and Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. There are also five golf courses on the property. Each area of Walt Disney World Resort offers remarkable features and once-in-a-lifetime memories for everyone. Combination packages offer multi-day and multi-park admittances and dining options. Numerous special events take place throughout the properties all year long, and several days (at least one day per park) are required to see and do all that is offered throughout Walt Disney World Resort.
Walt Disney World Resort
Magic Kingdom
3111 World Dr.
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 939-6244
disneyworld.disney.go.com
Mailing Address:
1675 N. Buena Vista Dr.
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
About The Author
Diane Dilov-Schultheis has been writing professionally since 2000. She is a food and travel writer who also specializes in gaming, satellites, RV repair, gardening, finances and electronics. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and has been published on Yahoo!, the Travel Channel and Intel.
