Florida has now become the number one transatlantic holiday resort by far, with over 40 million visitors each year. The main attraction of Disney and many other theme parks have contributed to the success of this state combined with its excellent all year round weather. Once you cross the Atlantic though you'll soon realise that there are a host of other things to enjoy too - sandy beaches, exotic wildlife and the efficient all-American hospitality.
Orlando is surrounded by theme parks and not just Disney. Here's a small selection of the other parks.

Theme Parks

Universal Studios - The state of the art film and television studio with rides like King Kong, Jaws and Twister it is also the home of the Hard Rock Café in Florida.
Cypress Gardens - A beautiful setting. Water shows and boat rides. Girls in beautiful southern traditional dress stroll around these incredible manicured gardens.
Splendid China - An exact replica of China including the 'Great Wall'. Traditional shows and cuisine make this the next best thing to visiting the Far East.
Sea World - The worlds largest marine life park is the second most popular attraction, with the star being a 40ft killer whale. Watch for the splash zone!

Water Parks

Typhoon Lagoon - This 50 acre water park owned by Disney includes a 95ft mountain with 9 water slides, a wave beach and fish filled snorkeling lagoon.
Blizzard Beach - A water park experience set in the north pole with slides carving through ice-capped mountains.
Wet 'n' Wild - A 38 acre water recreation park with a bonanza of water slides, rides and a wave pool. See if you have the nerve for the black hole???
Water Mania - A more recreational park with wave pool, slides, volleyball court, beach and 72ft slide.

Evening Entertainment

Pleasure Island - A night time complex owned by Disney featuring Nightclubs disco's, live performers from rock 'n' roll to country and comedians. Where it's New Year's Eve every night!
Church Street Station - Home of Rosy O'Grady. Set in the heart of Orlando. Dine and dance, or sit and watch varied performers such as Country & Western groups and can can girls or join in the line dancing.
Arabian Night, King Henry's Feast, Medieval Times - Evening entertainment at it's best. They all offer copious amounts of food and wine while you watch thrilling arena shows. Make sure to get a cab home.

Kennedy Space Center - An excellent day out and educational. The bus tour is a must, this takes you round the whole of the space center and out close to the launch pad. Its also a nature reserved so look out for the wildlife.
Cocoa & Daytona - Beaches on the east coast. Hire a buggy and drive along the beach. The Atlantic sea is ideal for the surfing, there's lots going on there.
Clearwater & St Petes - Beaches on the west coast. White sand and azure blue waters make this a popular break away from the theme parks. "Bay Watch" type lifeguards add to the atmosphere, a truly American experience.