Orlando

One word describes Orlando’s transformation in the last three decades: stunning. The city and its suburbs have gone through a Cinderella-like metamorphosis, where plain Jane has become a worldly beauty.

Millions of tourists are seduced every year by sophisticated resorts, a wide range of theme parks, must-see attractions, happening nightclubs, and winning restaurants. Here are Orlando’s best of the best.

Top 10 Must-See Sights

1. The Magic Kingdom® Park
The park that started Disney’s Florida empire combines fantasy, adventure, and the future in a package of rides and shows that focuses on Disney movies and TV programs.

2. Epcot®
Inquiring minds love this Disney park, which features technology in Future World and the culture, architecture and enticing food of 11 nations in World Showcase.

3. Disney-MGM Studios
Lights, camera, action! Movies, TV shows and stomach-churning thrill rides come together in a theme park that sometimes also serves as a working studio.

4. Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park
Visitors are brought face to face with the wild world of animals, but this kingdom’s spacious environmental design doesn’t always offer a front-row seat.

5. Islands of Adventure
Universal’s top-of-the-pile theme park is a magnet for thrill jockeys, with some of the fastest, highest, and best rides in town. Be warned that 9 of its 13 rides have height or health restrictions, so it’s not for the young, weak of stomach, or squeamish.

6. Universal Studios Florida
What Disney can do, Universal can equal. The movie and TV themes here can make people’s wildest dreams come true or worst nightmares a (special effects) reality. From Jaws to Terminator, the silver screen comes to life.

7. SeaWorld Orlando
Its laid-back pace, educational angle, and animal actors make this a popular stop for those wanting a break from the lines and stifling crowds at other parks.

8. Wet ’n Wild
Some say it’s hard to beat Disney’s water parks, but this rival has the most thrills money can buy on the city’s water scene.

9. Merritt Island
Located at the Kennedy Space Center, this wildlife refuge is great for learning about local and migrating animals, while also enjoying a bit of fishing or hiking.

10. Kennedy Space Center
The appeal of man in space has turned America’s No. 1 space center into a stellar attraction complete with live shuttle and rocket launches.

Discover more to see and do in Orlando at www.traveldk.com/orlando.

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