ORLANDO
T ANDO
Antarctica Empire of the Penguin follows the park’s introduction of Turtletrek and further expands Orlando’s menagerie, which also includes those aquatic theme park stalwarts: Discovery Cove’s dolphins. The parks fi rmly pitch themselves at family-oriented holidays, but go to huge efforts to maintain a healthy generational balance. Waterparks and space centres as well as the world’s largest Legoland add to the mix and, between them, there’s a range of options to suit every taste and budget. Agents should suggest an Orlando Flexticket, a multi-pass offering discounted entry to several theme parks. Says Mark White, Gold Medal
Product Manager for North America and Caribbean: “It’s been a good year so far with strong offers such as Disney’s ‘Free Dine’ promotion, which has really sparked the imagination and made Orlando a very attractive destination again for families.” Beyond the parks’ thrills and spills lies the city itself – and Orlando wears the adornments of a modern metropolis well. Bars, clubs, cafes, art galleries and museums underpinned
by the common factor of Orlando’s close association with African American and Caribbean culture. Shopping is a must, with the biggest of brands opening new stores in malls throughout the area. For golfers, Florida’s central region is carpeted with the green of numerous courses, while those looking for a little pampering can choose from numerous spas in the main hotels. Adventurous travellers will use Orlando as the perfect base from which to venture further into Florida and beyond. The two-centre or fl y-drive options are abundant, and made more appealing by alluringly named options such as Kissimmee and Clearwater. Kissimmee is just a short drive from downtown Orlando and offers its own cityscape. From there visitors can experience the Florida Everglades by airboat and take in the unique natural environment. “It’s the fun capital of the world,” says Gary Orr, Head of Purchasing for Virgin Holidays. “Whether visiting for the fi rst time with a family or seasoned holidaymakers travelling as a couple to play sports, relax at a
spa, chill around the pool, splash in a water park, dine in world-class fi ne dining restaurants or shop until you drop, Orlando can offer it all.”
Two-centre beach-breaks
Orlando is situated conveniently close to the centre of this ocean- blessed state and roughly 90 minutes’ drive east or west will deliver your clients to the perfect antidote to the theme parks. The fl y-drive is a popular option and, now that the International Driving Licence laws have been repealed, car hire remains a key component of any Florida adventure for most visitors.
However, if you don’t manage to persuade your clients to book their car hire before they go, Alamo (sold by Holiday Autos among others in the UK) is the only car rental company with a rental branch offi ce on-site at Walt Disney World Resort at the Disney Car Care Center.
West of Orlando can be found the award-winning beaches of St Petersburg and Clearwater on the Gulf of Mexico. Thirty fi ve miles
www.sellinglonghaul.com June 2013 35
“Orlando has so much to offer in terms of
accommodation so it is really important to understand what each customer is looking for before making your recommendations”
JULIET DARLINGTON, FLORIDA PRODUCT MANAGER, HAYES AND JARVIS
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