Orlando Attractions

Each year, millions of people travel to Orlando to enjoy the area's fascinating exhibits and exhilarating rides. With more than 90 attractions and year-round warm weather, the destination has something for everyone. To receive the Official Visitors Guide, Official Accommodations Guide and Official Attractions Guide visit the Orlando Web site at orlandoinfo.com, call 1-800-551-0181 (in the United States and Canada) or 407-363-5872 or stop by the Official Visitor Center, 8723 International Drive, Suite 101 on the southeast corner of International Drive and Austrian Row.

Theme Parks & Attractions

Astronaut Hall of Fame, located on the Space Coast, is the official residence of space adventure housing the world's largest collection of astronaut artifacts. Visitors can suit up, strap down and blast off into an interactive experience that gives them a true taste of space. The attraction is also home to Space Camp Florida. http://www.astronauthalloffame.com 321-269-6101

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure park offering an array of fascinating attractions based on exotic encounters with the African continent. The park provides a unique blend of thrilling rides, including six world-class coasters, a zoo featuring more than 2,700 animals, live shows, restaurants, shops and games. http://www.buschgardens.com 1-800-372-1797/813-987-5000

Citrus Tower, located in Clermont, offers a panoramic view of rolling hills, spring-fed lakes and citrus trees, from any of three Tower Observation Decks. In season, the Tower offers fresh citrus fruit for sale, either to take along or for gift shipments. A restaurant and gift shop are also on the grounds. http://www.citrustower.com 352-394-4061

Cypress Gardens 65th Anniversary explodes with an exciting entertainment lineup featuring 2001 Ski Odyssey, Gator Gulch, Skate the States ice show, summer Wacky Water Park and The FloraDome seasonal botanical exhibit. Action-packed water ski shows, seasonal floral & lighting festivals, butterfly conservatory, wildlife area, an authentic paddle wheel boat*, and more! *Restrictions apply. http://www.cypressgardens.com 1-800-282-2123/863-324-2111

Daytona International Speedway, home of the world-famous Daytona 500 and Pepsi 400 NASCAR Winston Cup Series races, offers exciting racing; guided Speedway tours; DAYTONA USA, The Ultimate Motorsports Attraction; and Richard Petty Driving Experience. http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com 904-253-7223

Daytona USA, the official attraction of NASCAR, located at Daytona International Speedway, presents the history and excitement of NASCAR racing with interactive exhibits, live pit-stop competitions, The Daytona 500 ThunderRound-SoundTM Movie and much more. http://www.daytonausa.com 904-947-6404

Discovery Cove, located across from SeaWorld Orlando, is an all-inclusive resort in which guests experience the most-exciting animal encounters the world has to offer, including discovering tropical fish in a coral reef, interacting with birds in an aviary and swimming and playing with dolphins during a half-hour dolphin encounter. Reservations required. http://www.discoverycove.com 1-877-434-7268/407-370-1280

Fantasy of Flight invites guests to experience the romance, history and nostalgia of flight in the self-guided "immersion" experiences that lead guests through eras of aviation: Early Flight WWI and WWII. The North Hangar displays part of the world's largest private collection of vintage aircraft. Flight simulators and daily tours, including the Back-Lot Restoration Shop Tour are also available. http://www.fantasyofflight.com 863-984-3500

Florida Splendid China, is a 76-acre (30-hectare) park displaying more than 60 replicas of China's historical landmarks, including The Great Wall, The Forbidden City and The Tomb of the Terra Cotta Warriors. The park also features daily live entertainment and a 90-minute evening show with complimentary dinner. http://www.floridasplendidchina.com 1-800-244-6226/407-396-7111

Gatorland is home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles, some of which have appeared in movies and television shows and commercials. The 51-year-old park combines a petting zoo, bird sanctuary, mini-water park, eco-tour, action packed outdoor entertainment and gift shop. http://www.gatorland.com 1-800-393-5297/407-855-5496

Green Meadows Petting Farm features a two-hour guided tour of 300 farm animals. Visitors are encouraged to have a first-hand experience by petting all animals, taking the train, milking a cow, riding a pony or taking a hay ride. Picnic areas are available. http://www.greenmeadowsfarm.com 407-846-0770

Guinness World Records Experience, located at The Mercado, is an interactive attraction based upon The Guinness Book of World Records. This prototype attraction allows guests to experience first-hand what it takes to be a world record holder and features a motion-simulator ride. 407-248-8891

Jungleland Zoo is home to hundreds of rare and exotic animals, including lions, tigers and bears. Guests interact with the animals by feeding the monkeys, talking to the parrots and touching a real alligator at one of three shows daily. 1-877-445-8645/407-396-1012

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex provides visitors with a one-of-a-kind space experience. On the Kennedy Space Center bus tour, experience the Apollo/Saturn V Center, Launch Complex 39 Observation Gantry and International Space Station. Meet a real astronaut at the Astronaut Encounter show and see IMAX space films. See two new exhibits – Early Space Exploration and Exploration in the New Millennium. http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com 321-452-2121

Paintball World, host site for the National Professional Paintball League World Cup and ESPN's World Championships, features 20 acres (8.1 hectares) of outdoor adventure on a safety certified field complete with Speedball, protected spectator area, covered picnic area and concessions as well as the largest pro shop in the Southeast. http://www.paintball-world.com 407-648-8404

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Orlando Odditorium looks like it fell victim to one of Florida's infamous sinkholes. Explore artifacts, collections, weird art/hobbies, and interactive exhibits in 16 galleries of the odd and unusual from around the world. http://www.ripleysorlando.com 407-363-4418

SeaWorld Orlando, the world's most popular marine life adventure park, features 200 acres (90 hectares) of sea-themed rides, including Orlando's longest, tallest and fastest floorless roller coaster Kraken. Shows and animal exhibits include polar bears, killer and beluga whales, manatees, sea lions, penguins, dolphins, sharks and more. http://www.seaworld.com 1-800-432-1178/407-351-3600

Silver Springs, famous for its glass-bottom boat ride and jungle cruise, encompasses the largest artesian limestone spring in the world. Other highlights include bear, panther and crocodile exhibits, a petting zoo, animal shows, a historical museum and live headline concerts. http://www.silversprings.com 352-236-2121

Skull Kingdom is a two-story haunted castle full of fright and fun. Guests who are brave enough to enter will find live monsters, robotics, strobe, fog and other special effects, as well as sudden encounters in dark places, and ghouls around every turn. http://www.skullkingdom.com 407-354-1564

SkyVenture of Florida combines the excitement of skydiving and the technology from cyber-space to create the world's first virtual reality skydiving simulator. Reservations accepted. http://www.skyfun.com 407-903-1370

Titanic ~ The Exhibition, permanently docked at The Mercado, transports visitors into the timeless story through state-of-the-art sound and visual effects; the world's first, full-scale re-creations of aspects of the ship, including the Grand Staircase; and interactive interpretations by actors in period costumes. Nearly 200 rare artifacts from several of the world's largest and most prestigious private collections are also on display. http://www.titanicshipofdreams.com 407-248-1166

WonderWorks features more than 100 hands-on interactive exhibits, which utilize the most sophisticated audio and graphic techniques available. Design your own roller coaster, then ride it; go hang gliding in the Grand Canyon; play laser tag in the world's largest laser tag/arcade and more. http://www.wonderworksonline.com 407-351-8800

Universal Orlando

Universal Studios takes guests beyond the screen and into the world of television and film to "ride the movies." Visitors can battle aliens at MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack, brave the storm at Twister, go Back to the Future and go behind the scenes at Nickelodeon Studios and get slimed. http://www.universalorlando.com 1-800-232-7827/407-363-8000

Islands of Adventure invites guests to "live the adventure" with technologically advanced thrill-rides and attractions, including The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, The Cat in the Hat, the Jurassic Park River Adventure, The Incredible Hulk Coaster and the Dueling Dragons coasters. http://www.uescape.com 1-800-232-7827/407-363-8000

Walt Disney World

Cirque du Soleil, in Downtown Disney West Side, features its renowned blend of acrobatics and state-of-the-art special effects with more than 60 artists from all over the world performing in a custom-made theater seating 1,600 guests. Performances are twice daily, Thursday through Monday. http://www.downtowndisney.com 407-939-7768

Disney's Animal Kingdom is a 500-acre (200-hectare) adventure park filled with the natural drama of life in the wild and animals from real life, from the distant past and from imagination. Guests embark by boat, safari or foot for many journeys in Africa, Asia and DinoLand USA. http://www.disneyworld.com 407-939-4636

Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park is a 135-acre (54-hectare) themed entertainment park with a complete motion picture and television studio. Feature rides include the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, a 13-story free-fall; a guided tour of production facilities; and the new Rock 'n Roller Coaster featuring the music of Aerosmith. http://www.disneyworld.com 407-939-4636

DisneyQuest offers five floors of virtual fun with more than 250 attractions and rides. The newest attraction, Pirates of the Carribbean: Battle for Buccaneer Gold, allows guests to board a ship, then prepare for battle and launch virtual cannonballs at attacking pirate ships in hopes of collecting their gold treasure. http://www.disneyquest.com 407-828-4600

Epcot takes visitors to 11 nations at its World Showcase or fast-forwards them to tomorrow in Future World. The park's 260 acres (104 hectares) of entertainment includes rides, ethnic eateries, shows and an amazing fireworks and laser show. http://www.disneyworld.com 407-939-4636

The Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World's most famous park, features 41 major adventures on its 100 acres (40 hectares). It has seven lands with attractions, restaurants and shops based on favorite Disney themes of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy. http://www.disneyworld.com 407-939-4636

The Walt Disney World Wide World of Sports is a state-of-the-art, multi-venue facility that hosts up to 30 different sporting events. It is home to more than 30 AAU National Championships, Atlanta Braves spring training, the Harlem Globetrotters Holiday Tour and is home to Orlando Rays Minor League Baseball. http://www.disneyworldsports.com 407-939-4263

Water Parks

Adventure Island Tampa with 25 acres (10 hectare) features 24 unique water rides including Wahoo Run, an exhilarating river raft encounter that sends up to five adventurous riders down six stories and more than 600 feet (182 meters) of unforeseen drenching twists, drops, back-to-back curves and turns. A volleyball complex, outdoor cafes, picnic and sunbathing areas, arcade and gift shops are also on site. http://www.adventureisland.com 813-987-5600

Blizzard Beach, a Walt Disney World park, is a 66-acre (26.4-hectare) year-round, "snow-capped" water park with a winter sports theme. Its 19 rides include the Summit Plummet, a 120-foot (36-meter) free-fall plunge, and a bobsled twisting down a 1,200-foot (364-meter) run. Open year-round. http://www.disneyworld.com 407-939-4636

River Country, a Walt Disney World park, is a down-home old swimmin' hole with twisting water slides, swinging ropes, white water rapid ride, pool with slides, kiddie cove, a white-sand beach and a nature trail. Open year-round. http://www.disneyworld.com 407-939-4636

Typhoon Lagoon, a Walt Disney World park, offers snorkeling among fish, plummeting down flumes, riding the waves in the world's largest wave lagoon, as well as children's area slides, fountains and waterfalls. Open year-round. http://www.disneyworld.com 407-939-4636

Water Mania features 36 acres (14.4 hectares) of zoomin', splashin' fun with thrill slides, wave pool, bumper boats, volleyball and basketball courts, wooded picnic area, surf simulator and three new children's areas – Tots' Town, Rain Train and Rain Forest. Open from March to October. http://www.watermania-florida.com 1-800-527-3092/407-396-2626

Wet 'n Wild offers the best variety of multi-passenger thrill rides. In the spring of 2001, The Storm whirls its way into the water park scene. Riders are washed down a towering chute and swirled around a bowl at speeds reaching 45 mph (72 kph)! Open year-round. http://www.wetnwild.com 1-800-992-9453/407-351-1800

Miniature Golf & Amusement Centers

Congo River Golf & Exploration Co. invites guests to explore two beautiful 18-hole courses set in a tropical environment with caves and waterfalls. Be sure to see their 25 live alligators. 407-352-0042

Disney's Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf, inspired by the Disney animated masterpiece, "Fantasia," features two unique miniature golf courses that challenge even the best of putters. http://www.disneyworld.com 407-939-4636

Disney's Winter Summerland Miniature Golf, offers two courses where Santa and his elves come to play. Golfers can visit the North Pole or enjoy the winter "Florida" style. http://www.disneyworld.com 407-939-4636

Finish Line Racing Adventures is geared toward those who "Feel the Need for Speed." Participants learn the art of racecar driving taught by NASCAR champions. Racing programs are presented in both Orlando and Daytona Beach. http://www.finishlineracing.com 1-800-946-7223/904-427-8522

Fun Spot Action Park offers free admission, free parking, and children ride free with a paying adult. Guests can "Drive the Ride" on their multi-level tracks. Fun Spot has 17 "hands-on" action packed rides and more than 130 games in a 10,000-square-foot (900-square-meter) arcade. Fun Spot Action Park is Orlando's Fastest Way to Have Fun! http://www.fun-spot.com 407-363-3867

Fun World at Flea World in Sanford boasts more than 40 amusement rides and attractions, mini-golf, midway games, batting cages, three go-kart tracks, a 350-game arcade, as well as a restaurant and party patio. http://www.fleaworld.com/FunWorldx.html 407-330-1792

Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf offers two challenging 18-hole courses at both of its locations. Visitors test their putting skills in a fun-filled setting of natural wonders, lavish landscaping and delightful pirate themes that offer swashbuckling fun for the whole family. http://www.piratescove.net 1-800-345-0595/407-352-7378

Richard Petty Driving Experience takes motor sports fans out of the grandstands to behind the wheel of a stock car. Ride-and-drive programs on the 1-mile (1.6-kilometer), tri-oval Walt Disney World Speedway and 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) Daytona International Speedway are available. Reservations requested. http://www.1800bepetty.com 1-800-237-3889/407-939-0130