"Orlando" is practically synonymous with "vacation," attracting around 50 million tourists annually. People visit the area for its year-round recreation, its resort hotels and of course, its famous theme parks (think Disney, Busch and Universal). If you're a golfer, it makes sense to stay at a golf resort and then venture out for other Orlando activities.
Golf and More
The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort offers fun for all ages. Golfers enjoy playing on its three nine-hole courses and its 18-hole course, and they can brush up their skills at the Grand Cypress Academy of Golf. While their parents play, kids can stay happily occupied at Camp Hyatt. This supervised program has activities such as crafts, photo safaris, hiking and cookie decorating.
Water is another popular resort attraction. The large pool resembles a lagoon and features water slides, multiple waterfalls and a cave for swimming. Families also enjoy the Hyatt's "dive-in" movies and its casual dining and take-out options.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort
1 Grand Cypress Blvd.
Orlando, Florida 32836
(407) 239-1234
grandcypress.hyatt.com
Day With Disney
An Orlando vacation isn't complete without a trip to Walt Disney World. You almost need a multiday pass to take in everything you want. Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon are popular water parks; the Magic Kingdom includes parades, fireworks and the famous Disney characters; the Animal Kingdom has animals and other attractions; Epcot features technology and international displays; and the Hollywood Studios highlights movie-theater action.
Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom
3111 World Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
(407) 939-7675
www.DisneyWorld.com
Make a Discovery
At Discovery Cove, you can relax on a beach, or get up close and personal with birds and sea animals. The cove offers a variety of water activities, such as swimming with dolphins, floating on a tropical river, snorkeling with fish and rays, and exploring reefs and grottoes. Children enjoy spending time with the cove's trainers and learning their tricks of the trade.
Bird lovers flock to the Explorer's Aviary where they can watch the feathered set in their natural habitat---or even hand-feed them.
Discovery Cove
6000 Discovery Cove Way
Orlando, Florida 32821
(877) 557-7404
www.discoverycove.com
Great Gators
You'll find another popular form of life at Orlando's Gatorland. This attraction includes three engaging shows, thousands of alligators and crocodiles, a breeding marsh and a water park for people (no alligators or crocs here).
You can also visit flamingos, ride a train, see snakes, enjoy an aviary and play with barnyard animals. If you're so inclined, go a little wild at Gatorland's restaurant and try gator ribs and nuggets.
Gatorland
14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, Florida 32837
(407) 855-5496
www.gatorland.com
About The Author
Barbara Dunlap is a freelance writer from Bend, Oregon. She specializes in active lifestyle topics, including golf and tennis, fitness and travel. She was assistant home and garden editor at The San Francisco Chronicle and is currently content manager for Retire Northwest, an online resource guide.
