Orlando
Whilst the theme parks are undoubtedly the magnet that draws holidaymakers to Orlando there’s much more than Mickey Mouse in one of the world’s most visited holiday destinations, says Jeannine Williamson
REVINVENTING THE THRILL
all international visitors, with 839,000 in 2010 and an increase expected when the 2011 figures are released. Walt Disney World Resort,
O
Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld and the most recent addition, Legoland Florida, are big names but beyond the thrill of the theme parks a completely different side of Orlando is waiting to be explored. At Kennedy Space Center, on Merritt Island 40 miles
rlando is the Sunshine State’s largest inland city and Brits make up nearly a quarter of
east of Orlando, exciting experiences include a space shuttle simulator along with rockets and displays charting developments since man first set foot on the moon in 1969. To save time and money for clients book tickets for parks and attractions through tour operators or specialist providers such as Attraction World and
dosomethingdifferent.com which features many commissionable Orlando options, including Kennedy. Away from the man-made destinations visitors can take a walk on the wild side in one of the state parks such as
Wekiwa or Rock Springs Run, where canoeing, cycling and riding are among the activities. Between October and March hundreds of manatees gather in Crystal River on the northwest Nature Coast and visitors can take boat tours or swim with these gentle aquatic mammals related to elephants. Staying by the sea, beautiful stretches of sand such as Cocoa Beach can be found on the east coast, an hour’s drive from Orlando, and the Gulf Coast is within two hours. After a busy week packing in the rides at the parks a twin- centre break with seven nights on the beach is a popular option for families. And visitors can expect a welcome that’s as warm as the legendary Florida sunshine because Orlando International Airport has been recognised as a ‘model port’ for
recent provements that include better
access, baggage facilities, signage. extra
peak time capacity and
a generally smoother
entry process.
What’s New Twelve brand new attractions for 2012 include the doubling in size of Fantasyland at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, the world’s first 3D 360° cinema experience at SeaWorld, Freshwater Oasis tropical rainforest at the adjoining Discovery Cove, and two film-themed 18-hole miniature courses at Universal Orlando Resort’s Hollywood Drive-In Golf. SeaVenture, Discovery Cove’s underwater experience, and the newly- opened Water Park at Legoland are among the new excursions agents can book through Attraction World. Tickets for Orlando’s newest attractions, including SeaWorld’s TurtleTrek and Universal’s Amazing Adventures of Spiderman, are now on offer through operators like Hayes & Jarvis which is also featuring the new Disney Art of Animation property. Cosmos has expanded its Florida
programme with new departures from Newcastle and Cardiff and extra capacity from Glasgow and Gatwick.
20 June 2012 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
Selling Tip Plan ahead. Buying Orlando's theme park tickets in advance can lead to worthwhile savings
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