They don’t call Florida the Sunshine State for nothing. Not only does it offer some of the US’s best beaches, there’s also an array of amusement parks and other entertainment for all the family.
Mention Florida and most people immediately think of Orlando, but there are plenty of attractions elsewhere. Just an hour’s drive away on the Gulf Coast is Busch Gardens, Tampa, which is home to more than 2,000 animals. Last May, Busch Gardens opened Cheetah Hunt, which combines a thrilling rollercoaster ride with close-up animal encounters.
On the Atlantic shoreline lies Florida’s Space Coast, which is easily reached from Orlando by car. This 72-mile stretch of beach offers something for everyone: not only is it home to Nasa’s Kennedy Space Centre, it’s the US East Coast’s surfing capital, a nature-lovers’ paradise and a burgeoning centre for the arts.
The top attraction, of course, is the Kennedy Space Centre, which welcomes more than 1.5million visitors a year. Everything you ever wanted to know about space and more is located here, including the Rocket Garden, where a range of Nasa space capsules are on display: the Apollo/Saturn V Centre, which pays tribute to the Moon landings; and the astronaut-designed Shuttle Launch Experience, where you can enjoy a thrilling space simulation adventure.
Orlando is the world’s leading destination for theme parks. In addition to established attractions such as Disney World, there are some exciting additions including Universal’s The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter, which opened in June 2010, and Legoland, which launched last autumn.
Other parks, meanwhile, have upgraded and added new attractions. The sandy tropical oasis Discovery Cove opened The Grand Reef last June. This stunning landscape spans more than two-and-a-half acres and features multiple levels of exploration, offering something for all ages. Underwater thrill-seekers are catered for at SeaVenture, where guests can trek along the reef on foot, wearing dive helmets, and Freshwater Oasis, a tropical rainforest attraction, opens in the spring.
Over at SeaWorld Orlando, TurtleTrek, a 360-degree movie offering nose-to-nose animal encounters, opens in the spring while Antarctica - Empire Of The Penguins, the coldest theme-park attraction in the world, launches in 2013. And don’t forget SeaWorld Orlando’s extraordinary new show featuring Shamu the killer whale.
You can enjoy unlimited admission to Busch Gardens, SeaWorld Orlando and the Aquatica waterpark for 14 consecutive days on one ticket for £87 per person (adults) and £82 (for children aged three to nine).
If it’s February, then it must be Mardi Gras, and this great party is making its way to Orlando. It’s not New Orleans, but Universal Orlando Resort is pulling out all the stops to create a family-friendly Mardi Gras.
From February 11 to April 14, on Saturdays and selected nights, Mardi Gras celebrations will combine theme-park entertainment with an elaborate carnival parade. Besides this, there will be authentic New Orleans bands, Cajun cuisine and performers including Diana Ross, Boyz II Men, Kelly Clarkson and Big Time Rush. - Daily Mail