Central Florida

Orlando and all its wonderful attractions are often the first things that come to mind when people think of Central Florida, and the four Walt Disney World parks are enough to fill an entire holiday all on their own. Disney's Magic Kingdom is an enchanting destination for young children, but the seven themed lands, covering 107 acres, offer up something for the older kids - and the kid in all of us - too. Enjoy the more sedate nostalgic rides, such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Jungle Cruise, and then hit the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster or the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror for a thrill. The park is great fun after dark; don't miss the SpectroMagic! parade, a thrilling combination of lights, fibre-optics and music.

A visit to Epcot is an opportunity for entertaining education. It is twice the size of the Magic Kingdom, so you may want to plan on spending more than one day exploring Future World, where you can experience Mission: Space, a simulated space adventure, and World Showcase, where you may have lunch in Japan and dinner in Mexico.

Movie buffs will want to head straight to Disney-MGM Studios, a theme park based entirely on movies and movie making. Animal lovers will revel in observing wildlife in the most natural habitats possible in a zoo setting at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Take a Kilimanjaro safari and then visit Dinoland U.S.A. to take a trip more than 65 million years back in time.

If you're not travelling with children, or your children are older, you might want to forego the Magic Kingdom for Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Both offer enough high-speed roller coasters and exciting movie-themed attractions to satisfy even the most discerning teenager.

Sea World in Orlando

Seaworld Orlando is loaded with family-friendly shows, rides and, of course, animal attractions. Shamu Adventure, starring that world-famous killer whale, is a must-see but don't miss Pets Ahoy! and Clyde and Seamore, two shows that will leave you in awe of just what those little sea critters can do. Marine animal attractions include Stingray Lagoon, Manatee Rescue, Penguin Encounter and the ever-popular Shark Encounter, the world's largest underwater acrylic tunnel.

Visit Discovery Cove for up-close-and-personal marine animal encounters. Swim with dolphins, snorkel among rainbows of fish and exotic rays or just laze on the beach in gorgeous tropical surroundings set off by lagoons, reefs and grottos.

Plan a stop at Gatorland for some old-fashioned Florida fun. Once a roadside attraction, this affordable diversion has blossomed into a 110-acre adventure offering the opportunity to observe thousands of alligators. Stop in at the aviary, cool off at the water park - free of gators - and giggle your way through the petting zoo. Whatever you do, make time for the Gator Wrestling Show, something that is sure to be the height of your Gatorland experience.

There is so much more to Central Florida than the theme parks, though. Known as Florida's Lakes Country, the area boasts 554 lakes, and there are plenty of things to do that don't involve hair-raising inverted loops. Eco-tourists will think they've discovered their own version of the "magic kingdom" when they explore the wide range of nature preservation areas in Lake Wales, an area that hosts more endangered species than any other in the United States. Start off in the cool of the morning walking the Caloosa Nature Trail, a desert-like ecosystem and home to unique flora and fauna. Green Swamp supports almost 40 percent of Florida's nature vertebrate wildlife species, excluding saltwater fish, and Lake Kissimmee State Park protects more than 50 species of rare and endangered animals. Take a peaceful canoe ride through a canopy of oaks along the Peace River and marvel in the graceful waterfowl taking flight while alligators sun themselves on rocks and riverbanks.

Other lake areas provide ample opportunities for anglers. Eye-popping largemouth bass are regularly pulled from Lake Mattie, Lake Juliana, Lake Crago and 6,000-acre Lake Hatchineha, all of which provide public-access boat ramps where you may launch off to enjoy inspiring natural beauty while dropping your lines.

Historic downtown regions provide lots of shopping venues. Browse among the boutiques and bring home anything from flattering designer fashions through to handmade jewellery and homemade candy from the area's famous citrus groves.

Golfers won't be disappointed either. The variety of golf courses available in Central Florida run the gamut from traditional courses groomed over rolling hills through to courses placed amid wondrous natural wetlands.

As if all this, and beautiful weather year-round, wasn't enough, Central Florida affords enough fabulous dining venues - from family-friendly to haute cuisine - and events, such as the Florida Strawberry Festival held each spring, that you may have to schedule several holidays here before you feel you've truly experienced all that Central Florida has to offer.