Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld are at the top of the list of things for tourists to see in Orlando and are most likely the reason for your visit as well. However, there are wonderful hiking trail, swimming and boating activities, wonderful golf courses and a really friendly atmosphere.

Walt Disney World
This self-contained city boasts four main theme parks (the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Animal Kingdom), three water parks, a shopping district, more than 20 hotels, countless eateries, its own transport systems and even its own police force and medical staff. When it first opened, Disney World attracted 10 million visitors annually. It’s now visited by over 20 million US and international tourists each year and has become the most visited and the largest amusement resort in the world.

Universal Studios
Orlando's Universal Studios is both a theme park and a working film studio where you can admire stars from a distance and also live their lives vicariously. Some of the well-known attractions include the thrilling roller coaster ride ‘Revenge of the Mummy’ and ‘Shrek 4-D’, a real 3-D experience.
Phone: +1 407 363 8000; website: www.universalorlando.com

SeaWorld
SeaWorld provides fine family entertainment in its combination of amusement park and aquarium. The undersea stars are the leaping dolphins, entertaining sea lions and splashing whales. Amusement park highlights include the roller coaster, a dolphin nursery and the immensely popular otters. Your admission fee also contributes to one of the best animal rescue operations in the country, sponsored by SeaWorld.
Phone: +1 407 351 3600; website: www.seaworld.com

Islands of Adventure
Islands of Adventure likes to compare itself to the major theme parks, boasting that it has better characters than you’ll see at the Magic Kingdom, better rides than you’ll find at Universal Studios and better food than you’ll taste anywhere else. Some features here are the ‘Duelling Dragons’ and ‘Hulk’ rides, and the truly amazing ‘Amazing Adventures of Spider Man’.
Phone: +1 407 363 8000; website: www.universalorlando.com

Orlando Science Center
This science centre is actually a museum, which combines real science with special effects exhibits. Highlights here include a nuclear reactor you can ‘operate’, a dinosaur room and animatronic beasts that move and make noises. There's also a small IMAX theatre and planetarium as well as an observatory that hosts sky viewing on Friday and Saturday nights.
Phone: +1 407 514 2000; website: www.osc.org

You will never be at a loss for things to do during your holiday in Orlando as there’s something on offer for visitors of all ages. There are the many theme parks of course, as well as educational attractions, museums and galleries, shopping and relaxing spa treatments, for when you’ve had about all the excitement you can bear.

SeaWorld and Discovery Cove
These attractions are so cleverly disguised as theme parks that kids might never realise how much they're learning as they watch, explore and touch their way through the many eco-exhibits and shows. It's the hands-on encounters such as touching harmless rays as they glide by you underwater as well as the up-close sights of penguins, polar bears and killer whales that really draw the crowds. Discovery Cove feels like an island retreat, where you can rest and relax on the beach if you choose or swim along with the fish and the dolphins.

Indulge in a spa treatment
Relax and rejuvenate after your days at the parks. The area boasts many highly-rated spas for you to choose from, all offering a full complement of treatments and some providing salon services as well. You will find them across the city and a great way to escape and unwind for a couple of hours.

See what’s happening at Universal Studios in Orlando
Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure are brimming with spectacular shows and fun-filled rides that bring together high-tech special effects with imagination and creativity. Attractions that are not to be missed include such favourites as ‘Back to the Future’, ‘Duelling Dragons’, the ‘Incredible Hulk Coaster’, the ‘Men in Black Alien Attack’, the ‘Revenge of the Mummy’ and the ‘Amazing Adventures of Spiderman’.

Spend some time with an alligator
Located between Orlando and Kissimmee, this is a great way to spend a half-day with the animals, away from the hectic theme parks and at a reasonable cost. In addition to the animal exhibits, Gatorland features exciting shows such as ‘Gator Jumparoo’ and ‘Gator Wrestling.’ There is also a park train, water playground and an aviary.

Spend a day at Epcot
At Epcot, you can travel around the world in an afternoon. The World Showcase pavilion is one of the highlights of the centre, as is the ‘Mission: Space’ attraction. If you would prefer to travel back in time, you can visit the age of the dinosaurs at the Universe of Energy site. You can also view the fascinating inhabitants of the deep at the Living Seas attraction. To top off your day, IllumiNations presents a spectacular firework, laser light and fountain display.

Visit a movie studio
You can become a star for the day. Disney-MGM Studios is a bit more grown-up than the Magic Kingdom, but it still features lots of great activities for kids as well as the movie buffs in the family. For your thrills and enjoyment, try the ‘Tower of Terror’, ‘Rock 'n Roller Coaster’ and ‘Fantasmic!’, an innovative mix of lasers, waterworks and fireworks.