There are numerous places to visit and things to do when on vacation in the Orlando area of Florida whether you want to visit the theme parks and attractions, play sport, go to the beach, shopping or see places of interest. Orlando is the world's Number One tourist destination!
While many people think of the area as a kid's playground, with such popular theme parks as the Walt Disney World (with the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios), Universal Studios, Sea World, Discovery Cove and more than 80 other attractions, it actually offers plenty to do for visitors of all ages.
Located in the centre of Florida and less than an hour's drive to the Atlantic Ocean, Orlando has become world-famous as a popular vacation spot.
There are more than 3,800 restaurants in the area, 125 challenging golf courses, superb weather just about all year long, and more than 39 million square feet of retail space — in fact, Orlando is the fastest growing retail market in the United States.
A must for a visit is Pointe Orlando in International Drive. Not only are there 13 restaurants but there is also shopping and entertainment including one of the famous BB King's Blues Clubs.
Follow the Pointe Orlando link below for details of what is to offer within the complex.
Orlando is a world-class destination that has so much to do that every member of your family can have fun in their own way.
Feel the adrenaline rush of indoor skydiving; twisting and turning on a thrilling roller coaster; or soaring over Central Florida in a glider, WWII fighter plane, helicopter or hot-air balloon. Cool off as you splash, spin, turn and twist through one-of-a-kind water rides at the area’s water parks and water ski parks. Or, discover the weird and unusual, the historic, and the spectacular at the many unique indoor attractions. In fact, when you consider the mix of legendary theme parks, magnificent museums, world-class entertainment and blockbuster rides and attractions, it would take more than 65 eight-hour days to visit all of the entertaining offerings. Orlando offers you such a diverse range of leisure activities that you’ll need to return again and again to experience them all. With something for everyone in your family—the choice is yours for the taking.
Please click on the Florida flag below for more tourist information about Florida
The following links to places to visit and activities around the Kissimmee area may be of interest to you.
Attractions
There are numerous other theme parks and attractions in the Orlando area for you to visit.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure opened in June 2010.
Legoland are due to open a new park at the site of the old Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven in the autumn of 2011. They will be keeping the gardens and providing similar attractions to the Legoland in California. Watch this space!!
Why not plan your vacation in our Kissimmee house to coincide with a space shuttle launch. You can watch the count down and launch on the 55" TV in the family room and then see the shuttle fly into orbit from the pool deck. Here is a list of the very last planned shuttle launches :-
| 1 November 2010 | Discovery | STS 133 |
| 26 February 2011 | Endeavour | STS 134 |
Or, visit Kennedy Space Center and see the action close up.
Shopping
There are numerous shopping malls and other outlets within easy reach of the house.
Orlando may be home to the world’s greatest theme parks, but shopping is one of the most popular attractions in town. With more than 52 million square feet of existing retail space and continuous expansions and renovations, Orlando is a major player in the United States retail market.
An astounding array of shopping options awaits you. Shop the eight major malls located throughout for the convenience of brand-name stores and specialty shops, all under one roof. No matter where you travel from, you will be at home with major retailers, including Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, J C Penny, Macy’s, McRaes, Saks Fifth Avenue and Dillard’s. Or, for the bargain hunter in you, be sure to visit our many outlet centres, bargain boutiques and flea markets. Search for that one-of-a-kind gift—shop our antique districts and upscale boutiques such as Nicole Miller and Tunis along charming oak-dotted streets, and Orlando’s themed shopping villages and theme park entertainment and shopping complexes. So, pack an extra suitcase and check your shopping list, because you’re sure to find bargains galore and perhaps an unexpected hidden treasure. Bring back not only lasting memories — but also trinkets and treasures from your trip.
There are links below to a few of the many shopping malls in the area.
Golfing in Florida
Golfers find Florida a paradise all year round. There are a number of golf courses within an easy drive of our villa to suit all abilities and pockets. The following web sites can provide all the details you need.
Links to courses:
- www.floridagolfguide.com
- www.floridagolfing.com
- www.playfloridagolf.com
- www.orlando-golf.com
- Tee Times USA book your golf in advance
Here are details of a number of golf courses near our house and the contact numbers/websites:-
Course | Holes | Par | Phone | Website |
Crooked Cat at OCN | 18 | 72 | 407-656-2626 | |
Faldo Golf Institute | 9 | 32 | 407-238-7677 | |
Forest Lake Golf Club of Ocoee | 18 | 72 | 407-654-4653 | |
Hawk’s Landing Golf Club | 18 | 72 | 407-238-8660 | |
Hunter’s Creek Golf Course | 18 | 72 | 407-240-4653 | |
International Golf Club | 18 | 72 | 407-248-9997 | |
Panther Lake at OCN | 18 | 72 | 407-656-2626 | |
U.S. 27 SOUTH . . . . | ||||
Champions Gate | 18 | 72 | 407-787-4653 | |
Highlands Reserve Golf Club | 18 | 72 | 877-508-4653 | |
KISSIMMEE . . . . | ||||
Boggy Creek Golf Club | 9 | 36 | 407-857-0280 |
|
Celebration Golf Club | 18 | 72 | 407-566-4653 |
|
Crystalbrook Golf Club | 9 | 27 | 407-847-8721 |
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Falcon’s Fire Golf Club | 18 | 72 | 407-351-0557 | |
Kissimmee Oaks Golf Club | 18 | 72 | 407-354-0011 | |
Remington Golf Club | 18 | 72 | 407-344-4004 | |
Walk N Sticks Bobby Nichols | 9 | 30 | 407-348-9555 |
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WALT DISNEY WORLD . . . . | ||||
Eagle Pines Golf Course | 18 | 72 | 407-939-4653 | |
Lake Buena Vista Golf Course | 18 | 72 | 407-939-4653 | |
Magnolia Golf Course | 18 | 72 | 407-939-4653 | |
Osprey Ridge Golf Course | 18 | 72 | 407-939-4653 | |
Oak Trail Golf Course | 9 | 36 | 407-939-4653 | |
Palm Golf Course | 18 | 72 | 407-939-4653 | |