Next time you have a free weekend and can afford to spend $50 on a one night hotel room, remember that not far away from home are the most popular tourist destinations in the world. No, maybe they are not historic (except St. Augustine), but that is not their function. Their function is... to entertain! Walt Disney World is for children and adults both, and Florida residents not only get a discount, but the option of going in the off-season, when the lines are not so long. The Magic Kingdom, EPCOT Center and the MGM Studios Themepark are day events in themselves, so best not plan on attending all of them in a weekend. Best plan on driving the two hours from Hudson to the Orlando area, hitting one on Saturday, spend the night, and hit another one Sunday. Of course, Disney World is not the only thing out there! Sea World,

Walt Disney World

The Walt Disney World Resort Complex south of Orlando is the size of a small country. It encompasses more than 40 square miles (100 square km.) with its own system of roads, lakes and waterways. It contains four large theme parks, three water parks, eight golf courses and over 25 hotel complexes. This is the largest family entertainment facility in the world. It is clean, safe and amazingly well managed, but not inexpensive. Adults and children of all ages can enjoy fantastic holidays at Disney World and you can spend lots of money. Mike says: Don't miss the Lion King show at Animal World.

Universal Studios Great Escape

The Universal Studios Entertainment Complex is located closer to the southern suburbs of Orlando and is not as large as Walt Disney World. It contains two major theme parks, a luxury hotel, and a shopping, dining and entertainment center. Its new Islands of Adventure Theme Park is possibly the most technologically advanced theme park in the world. It also offers a Wet 'n Wild Water Park just across the road. Mike says: See the Blues Brother's show in the New York section of Universal Studios.

Orlando Sea World

This Anheiser-Busch marine theme park is similar to, but larger than the Sea World Parks in other parts of the USA. It contains a huge state-of-the-art roller coaster and several thrill rides, but the main attractions are the marine shows featuring seals, dolphins, killer whales and water skiing acrobatics. It is all very entertaining and educational. Children of all ages enjoy this park.

Theme Dinner Theaters

There are many themed dinner theaters in the Orlando area. Medieval Times in Kissimmee is typical of this type of family entertainment experience. You sit at long tables around a great central arena and feast on a medieval banquet while knights perform equestrian feats and joust in full armor. Similar shows are offered at King Henry's Feast, Arabian nights, Capone's Dinner Show, Pirates at Colossal Studios and at Wild Bill's West Dinner Extravaganza.

Balloon Rides

Magic Sunrise offers spectacular hot-air balloon rides high over Orlando. Mike says: this is a fantastic experience that begins with a pre-dawn inflation of the balloon on a mist-shrouded field, followed by a sunrise flight, and culminating in a champagne toast and breakfast buffet.

Drive a NASCAR Race Car

The Richard Petty Driving Experience at the Walt Disney World Speedway allows you to ride in a genuine NASCAR racecar. If you have the time, and the money, you can take a half-day driving school then pilot the racecar around the track yourself. Mike says: Wow, what a thrill riding at 146 MPH and playing catch with another racecar. (with wife, Anny in the other racer)

Musical Entertainment

There are a lot of entertainment options in the Orlando area. The world's largest Hard Rock Café is located at Universal Studios City Walk and the giant globe shaped Planet Hollywood is at Disney's West End. There are all types of musical entertainment from dueling piano sing-alongs and dance clubs to rock and roll performances. Check out Church Street Station in downtown Orlando, CityWalk at Universal, Pleasure Island or West Side at Disney and various locations along International Blvd. Mike's favorite is House of Blues at West End for nightly funky blues music in the restaurant.

Florida Beaches

Orlando is in central Florida about half way between the Atlantic Ocean beaches and those on the Gulf of Mexico. There are plenty of swimming pools and man-made beaches on the lakes and in the water parks around Orlando, but for real ocean surf and sand you must drive a few hours. Cocoa Beach and Melbourne Beach are about two hours drive to the east and they provide some nice sand with ocean surf and not many tourists. Clearwater Beach is less than two hours to the west near Tampa. It offers great sand with warmer and calmer gulf waters plus a lot of tourist amenities but bigger crowds.

Gatorland

This is an authentic Florida attraction. Gatorland animal park with thousands of alligators and crocodiles features a variety of shows including "gator wrestling" and the "gator jumparoo". It is great fun for young and old.

Airboat Rides

These flat-bottomed, propeller-driven boats are an excellent means of transportation in the shallow wetlands that abound throughout Florida. There are several locations near Orlandoincluding Lake Toho where you can take an excursion in a typical airboat. The ride can be fast, exciting and noisy. You can see alligators and wetland wildlife up close.

Sports Fishing

Florida is famous for its sports fishing. Freshwater fishing, especially bass fishing, is available in many lakes and streams around Orlando. You can find fishing guides and charter boats at various locations near Orlando, but you must purchase a fresh-water fishing license. Salt-water fishing is available at Clearwater beach near Tampa. Large and small charter boats depart from the fishing basin for half-day and full day fishing excursions in the Gulf of Mexico.

Golf

Golf is very popular in Florida and can be played all months of the year. There are over 20 golf courses in the Orlando vicinity with eight courses located on the Walt Disney World property.

Museums

Orlando has an art museum, a science center and a historical society museum. It also has a Ripley's "Believe it or Not Museum" and an interactive Wonderworks.

Spectator Sports

The Orlando Magic NBA Basketball Team plays at the Orlando Arena. The minor league Orlando Rays baseball team plays at Tinker Field. If you are into wagering, Orlando offers a harness-racing track, a greyhound-racing track and a Jai Alai Fronton.

Amusement and Theme Parks

Celebration Station

Clearwater

FL

33.3 mi.

Busch Gardens Tampa

Tampa

FL

35.8 mi.

Silver Springs

Silver Springs

FL

65.5 mi.

Cypress Gardens Adventure Park

Winter Haven

FL

67.4 mi.

Walt Disney World - Animal Kingdom

Lake Buena Vista

FL

68.5 mi.

Walt Disney World - Disney-MGM Studios

Lake Buena Vista

FL

68.5 mi.

Walt Disney World - Epcot

Lake Buena Vista

FL

68.5 mi.

Walt Disney World - Magic Kingdom

Lake Buena Vista

FL

68.5 mi.

Old Town

Kissimmee

FL

77.1 mi.

SeaWorld Orlando

Orlando

FL

78.5 mi.

Universal Studios Florida

Orlando

FL

78.5 mi.

Universal Studios Islands of Adventure

Orlando

FL

78.5 mi.

Water Parks

Buccaneer Bay

Spring Hill

FL

7.8 mi.

Adventure Island

Tampa

FL

35.8 mi.

Wild Waters

Silver Springs

FL

65.5 mi.

Walt Disney World Blizzard Beach

Lake Buena Vista

FL

68.5 mi.

Walt Disney World Typhoon Lagoon

Lake Buena Vista

FL

68.5 mi.

Walt Disney World Water Country

Lake Buena Vista

FL

68.5 mi.

Water Mania

Kissimmee

FL

77.1 mi.

Wet N' Wild

Orlando

FL

78.5 mi.

Golf Courses

Links Golf Club

Hudson

FL

5.1 mi.

Meadow Oaks Golf & Country Club

Hudson

FL

5.1 mi.

Seapines Golf Club

Hudson

FL

5.1 mi.

Heather Golf & Country Club

Weeki Wachee

FL

7.8 mi.

Oaks Hills Golf Course

Spring Hill

FL

7.8 mi.

Quail Ridge Golf & Country Club

Spring Hill

FL

7.8 mi.

Seven Hills Golf Course

Spring Hill

FL

7.8 mi.

Spring Hill Golf Course

Spring Hill

FL

7.8 mi.

Timber Oaks Golf Course

Port Richey

FL

11.4 mi.

Fox Hollow Golf Club

New Port Richey

FL

13.1 mi.

Gulf Harbour Golf Course

New Port Richey

FL

13.1 mi.

Magnolia Valley Golf Club

New Port Richey

FL

13.1 mi.

River Ridge Golf Club

New Port Richey

FL

13.1 mi.

Seven Springs Country Club

New Port Richey

FL

13.1 mi.

Summertree Golf Course

New Port Richey

FL

13.1 mi.

Eagles Golf Club

Odessa

FL

17.3 mi.

Silver Dollar Golf Club

Odessa

FL

17.3 mi.

Forest Hills Golf Course

Holiday

FL

17.9 mi.

Dunes Golf Club at Seville

Brooksville

FL

19.1 mi.

Hernando Oaks Golf Club

Brooksville

FL

19.1 mi.

Quarry Golf Course & Driving Range

Brooksville

FL

19.1 mi.

Sherman Hills Golf Club

Brooksville

FL

19.1 mi.

Silverthorn Country Club

Brooksville

FL

19.1 mi.

Tarpon Springs Golf Course

Tarpon Springs

FL

20.4 mi.

Heritage Harbor Golf & Country Club

Lutz

FL

23.1 mi.

TPC of Tampa Bay

Lutz

FL

23.1 mi.

Lansbrook Golf Club

Palm Harbor

FL

24.7 mi.

Lost Oaks Of Innisbrook

Palm Harbor

FL

24.7 mi.

Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club

San Antonio

FL

25.0 mi.

Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club

Wesley Chapel

FL

25.2 mi.

State Parks

Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park

FL

8.9 mi.

Anclote Key Preserve State Park

FL

20.2 mi.

Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park

FL

24.4 mi.

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

FL

26.0 mi.

Honeymoon Island State Park

FL

27.6 mi.

Withlacoochee Trail State Park

FL

28.3 mi.

Caladesi Island State Park

FL

30.7 mi.

Hillsborough River State Park

FL

33.2 mi.

Fort Cooper State Park

FL

33.7 mi.

Ybor City Museum State Park

FL

35.6 mi.

Dade Battlefield Historic State Park

FL

36.4 mi.

Museums

Tampa Museum of Art

Tampa

FL

35.8 mi.

(Art)

Henry B. Plant Museum

Tampa

FL

35.8 mi.

(History)

St. Petersburg Museum of History

St. Petersburg

FL

45.8 mi.

(History)

Salvador Dali Museum

St Petersburg

FL

45.8 mi.

(Art)

St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts

St. Petersburg

FL

45.8 mi.

(Art)

Florida Holocaust Museum

St. Petersburg

FL

45.8 mi.

(History)

Florida International Museum

St. Petersburg

FL

45.8 mi.

(History)

International Sport Aviation Museum (ISAM)

Lakeland

FL

51.3 mi.

(Technology)

Zoos and Aquariums

Busch Gardens

Tampa

FL

35.8 mi.

Florida Aquarium

Tampa

FL

35.8 mi.

Lowry Park Zoological Garden

Tampa

FL

35.8 mi.

Silver Springs

Silver Springs

FL

65.5 mi.

Discovery Island Zoological Park

Lake Buena Vista

FL

68.5 mi.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Lake Buena Vista

FL

68.5 mi.

The Living Seas

Lake Buena Vista

FL

68.5 mi.

Sea World of Orlando

Orlando

FL

78.5 mi.

Central Florida Zoological Park

Lake Monroe

FL

85.6 mi.

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