FLORIDA
ORLANDO
Orlando is one of the world's most popular holiday destinations. There are such a wide range of attractions, there will be something to suit everyone.
One of the biggest attractions is the wide variety of theme parks. The parks are usually broken down into four or five separate themed areas with, amongst other things, famous focal points and meet and greet areas. This is where characters from the park can sign your autograph book and have their pictures taken with you. The parks also have a number of eating areas, shops plus day and night time parades that are in keeping with the parks theme.
The Walt Disney World resort is the most popular here, with its four theme parks, two water parks, sports complex and shopping area which use thrills and entertainment to bring imagination to life. Mickey Mouse is the star of the show at the Disney theme park because he was Walt Disney's first big break through.
Walt Disney's four parks start with Magic Kingdom where Cinderella's castle brings a fairy tale world to life. Epcot is all about the world around us and its history of communication. Animal kingdom is a park dedicated to wild animals and finally MGM Studios is a park focused on the films from Disney. There are limited rides in this one but a wide range in shows demonstrates the Disney magic.
The Disney water parks are not in fact orientated around Disney. Both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard beach have large man made pools surrounded by different water slides, beaches and nature trails.
Disney's wide world of sports is home to more than 10 of America's most popular sport activities where you can watch the pro's play or have a go your self.
Finally Downtown Disney is Disney's own shopping centre. Here there are a number of Disney themed shops ranging from the biggest Disney shop in the world to Disney art and Disney home ware. There are also a few dining places and ability to hire boats. Across the lake there is a studio where live entertainment takes place, a few bars and Planet Hollywood.
Disney's big competitor here is Universal with two theme parks and a night life centre.
Universal Studios have a number of rides and shows that are influenced by the variety of Universal films. There is a range in rides from white knuckle to something for the little ones. One of the most popular rides is E.T where you must ride on flying bikes to save E.T.'s planet. On selected nights there is a Mardi Gras where decorated floats line the streets and throw strings of beads for you to collect and display around your neck. There are also performers who walk around to encourage the party atmosphere. If you are lucky you may even bump into a celebrity guest.
With so many white knuckle rides Islands of adventure is perhaps the most thrill seeking parks of them all. Ranging from Seuss landing to Jurassic park, fantasy characters are brought to life.
Finally between the two parks is a place called City Walk. Filled with shops, clubs, cinemas and restaurants this is the perfect place to be for some night life.
Sea World consists of 3 parks. It has its own star of the park, Shamu. Her and her family are famous for displaying water gymnastics with their trainers. The park is filled with sea life animals with the ability to watch them perform, feed and touch them. The park only has three rides but there is still something for everyone to ride. The park also has its own wild life rescue team.
One of the other parks placed just across the road has a limit of a thousand guests a day to ensure your visit is as perfect as possible. Here you have the options to snorkel with hundreds of tropical fish and dolphins then explore the tropical garden, feed the birds, touch the wild animals and explore the magnificent scenery.
The third of the parks is called Busch Gardens. This is another thrill seeking park with many white knuckle rides, although there are more tame rides so there is something to suit everyone. The park is also home to many wild African animals that can be viewed and touched in their open living areas.
International drive is also a very entertaining place for when you fancy a change from the parks. The mile long stretch is filled with museums, shops, cinemas, dining places and fairs.
Orlando is not short of shopping centres and a filled with less expensive designer goods.
Golf is a big hit in America and Florida has some of the most fun and professional courses. The professional courses are great for the more experienced golf lovers and have had famous players tour on them like Tiger Woods. Crazy golf is excellent to play with the whole family thanks to their exciting themes and amazing mechanical features.
Dining in Orlando is mainly casual style. Dinner shows are available ranging from medieval tournaments to eating beneath the sharks.
The Kennedy Space Centre is a very popular attraction. This is the shuttle launch pad for America which welcomes daily visitors to explore their establishment and hopefully learn something new and exciting. They have old shuttles on display and a piece of the moon for you to feel.
FLORIDA KEYS
The Florida Keys are a 106 mile string of Islands that were once underwater coral reefs. With tropical climates and lots of marine life this is the perfect place to have a relaxing break. However if you prefer the more active holiday there are plenty of interactions with wild life and night life available. Museums, shops and other water activities are also available.
MIAMI
This is a very busy part of the state that has a new Latin mix. With so many popular attractions and entertainment it attracts a list celebrities, making star spotting a popular pass time. Other day time activities include admiring architecture, museums, performing arts and state parks. Miami has the nation's largest 20th Century National Register Historic District. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean boat tours, snorkelling and lying on beaches are a must. The night life is restless and there are many stylish places to drink, dance and meet new people.
EVERGLADES
This area has a main emphasis on wild animals and nature. Activities include things like camping, boat rides and bird spotting. However its history and arts are on display if you are more interested in the cultural side.