Florida Americas Sunshine State

Florida Americas Sunshine State
Famous for its vast selection of theme parks Orlando is a favourite holiday destination for families from all over the world. Walt Disney World was key to the initial success of this area and continues to be one of the biggest attractions in the Orlando area. With Four Theme Parks, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom and water parks Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon.
Neighbouring parks include Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Sea World all well worth a visit and have really up the stakes for Disney over the years.But Orlando is not just about Disney World, Universal or Sea World great as they are.
There is a vast array of other things to do in and around Orlando.Air boat rides where you can see the Florida wildlife up close.Some of the best golf courses right on your doorstep. Many of the villas listed on What Florida Villa are located on or very near a golf course. Picture it! Breakfast in the sun, a round of golf, back to the villa, some lunch followed by a splash in the pool and then back on the golf course….. bliss.
Shopping! well yes, Orlando has some fantastic outlets and shopping malls too many to list but all within easy reach of your holiday villa. Most of our villa owners will have information and guide packs with details of shopping malls local to your villa. Community resort offices also stock a variety of information leaflets as well so information is never far away.
One of my favourite non theme park attractions is Fantasy of Flight. Just a short drive from Orlando in Polk City. Fantasy of Flight owner Kermit Weeks has a large collection of vintage aircraft on display and also has a flying display of one of his historic aircraft on most days. Aircraft from the first and second world wars as well as other famous and rare types. There is a guided tour of the restoration facilities with some famous aircraft from the movies as well. There are simulators and excellent interactive display of world war two including mock trenches and walk through B25 bomber. With an excellent restaurant on site and aviation gift shop as well.
Traveling out further from Orlando about one hour 30 minute drive you will reach Kennedy Space Center Florida Space Port. If your lucky enough you may even witness a shuttle or rocket launch.Kennedy Space Center is steeped in history. There are coach tours that are run by the space center and travel to the historic launch pads of the early moon launches at Cape Canaveral. There is the close up tour which is a bit more expensive but gets you as close to the shuttle launch pad as possible. The tours are very informative and allow access to viewing areas for the International Space Station assembly bays as well as the Apollo mission control room. A talk from astronauts about their experiences of space flights happens on most days and you are free to ask questions as well.
Further on from Kennedy Space Center is Daytona. Famous for its long beach and Raceway.Planning ahead you may even catch a race!