Orlando City Guide - attractions

Walt Disney World
Orlando's most familiar landmark is undoubtedly the turreted Cinderella Castle that stands in the centre of the original Disney Florida theme park, the Magic Kingdom, at Lake Buena Vista. The park was opened in 1971 and has been making childhood fantasies come true ever since. Today it is just one of four Disney parks that cover more than 28,000 acres of Orange and Osceola counties in central Florida, with accompanying resorts, shopping complexes, hotels and waterparks. Apart from the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Orlando now includes Epcot, a futuristic showcase of the world's different cultures and traditions; MGM Studios, a working animation and television studio; and Animal Kingdom, where a huge variety of animals are kept in themed surroundings along with a cast of Disney characters.
Telephone: (407) 939 6244
Website: www.disneyworld.com
Transport:
Opening times: Open daily, but park hours vary according to the month and day; it is best to check on their website for up to date information

Sea World
Spread out between the Disney parks at Lake Buena Vista and the downtown Orlando area is the renowned Sea World attraction, which has been making a major splash in central Florida for more than a quarter of a century. The park, owned and operated by Annheuser-Busch, is designed to give an interactive look at the sea and all its facets, featuring themed animal habitats from tidal pools to iceberg lakes. In addition visitors can hug a dolphin or kiss a killer whale, and watch the famous aquatic Sea World stars go through their paces in various shows. The park also features fun rides like the very popular water roller coaster thrill ride called Journey to Atlantis. Neighbouring Discovery Cove (part of the Sea World group) offers visitors a chance to swim with dolphins, view wildlife, sunbathe on gorgeous beaches and snorkel amongst the coral. See www.discoverycove.com for details.
Telephone: (800) 327 2424
Website: www.seaworld.com
Transport:
Opening times: Daily from 9am, but closing hours vary according to the month, closing earlier in winter

Universal Studios
Experienced theme parkers recommend that it takes at least two days to fully appreciate all the delights on offer at the Universal Orlando entertainment complex, which includes two theme parks: the Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. The movie-themed park with its thrilling, innovative fun-rides, production studios and film sets also has three superb luxury on-site hotels so spending a night is a good idea. At Universal Studios visitors are invited to go behind the scenes and become involved in the movie action, while Islands of Adventure offers thrilling rides, shows and attractions from five different islands.
Telephone: (407) 363 8000
Website: www.universalorlando.com
Transport:
Opening times: Daily from 9am, but closing hours vary according to the month, closing earlier in winter

. Wet ‘n Wild
One of Orlando's numerous water parks, Wet 'n Wild has the distinction of being the most popular water attraction in the area and also the world's first amusement park devoted solely to water flumes, pools and slides. The park was designed by George Millay, creative genius behind the Sea World parks in San Diego and Orlando, and has been operating since 1977. Thrilling rides like The Storm, The Surge and The Bubba Tub are there to be enjoyed, along with numerous other attractions and facilities.
Telephone: (407) 351 1800; or (800) 992 9453 (toll-free, US only)
Website: www.wetnwildorlando.com
Transport:
Opening times: Open daily year-round, but hours vary according to the season. Generally the park opens between 9am and 10am and closes between 5pm and 7pm, with longer hours during June and July

Orlando Odditorium
Housed in an odd-looking building that is tipped to one side and apparently sinking into the ground, the Orlando Odditorium contains a remarkable collection of weird and wonderful exhibits, amassed over a period of 40 years by explorer Robert Ripley. Examples of the exhibits are shrunken heads and a scale model of a Rolls Royce made entirely of matchsticks. Ripley's 'Believe it or Not' collection is world-renowned and has been documented in television series and best-selling books.
Telephone: (407) 351 5803
Website: www.ripleysorlando.com
Transport:
Opening times: Daily 9am to 1am

Orlando Museum of Art
In true Florida style, Orlando's Museum of Art is not just another gallery but a fascinating world of creative themed exhibitions showcasing its permanent collections of American Art, Art of the Ancient Americas and African Art. The Museum also has an active programme of visiting exhibitions on display in the elegant building with its marble floors and glass ceiling. Group tours are made memorable and educational with commentary about art appreciation and the lives of the various artists represented.
Telephone: (407) 896 4231
Website: www.omart.org
Transport:
Opening times: Tuesday to Friday 10am to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday 12pm to 4pm. Closed Mondays