Although Disney built the very first theme park in Anaheim California, it is Walt Disney World Resort at Orlando in Florida - the second to be built - that has become the biggest. Its overwhelming success has paved the way for the Disney organisation to improve their development, and not only have they added more parks, on-site hotels and golf courses over the last 40 years, but also encouraged many other companies to build their own parks nearby. As a result, the Orlando and Kissimmee area is now home to nine major theme parks, a similar number of water parks, thousands of hotels and restaurants, and a slew of other attractions.

Disney has three water parks and four major theme parks in Orlando, including the original Magic Kingdom, and the fabulously dated EPCOT (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) Centre, which although it was cutting edge when constructed, now resembles a marvellous 1960s sci-fi film set. Recent park additions are the MGM Studios, which opened in the late 1980s, and Animal Kingdom, which features many exotic animals in a mock safari park, as well some state-of-the art attractions.

Next to Disney, Universal Orlando is the big draw for most visitors offering a choice of two exciting parks: Universal Studios features attractions closely associated with film and TV blockbusters, and the newer Island of Adventures offers a number of bare-knuckle rides based on cartoon characters and animated super-heroes, including the infamous Incredible Hulk Coaster. There are also many adult attractions at Universal City Walk such as themed nightclubs, live entertainment, and a 3,000 capacity Hard Rock concert arena, at which well-known bands and solo acts frequently perform throughout the year.

For lovers of both marine life and rollercoasters, Orlando SeaWorld fits the bill. Originally more of an aquarium offering live shows featuring killer whales and dolphins, it has undergone significant expansion over the last 20 years, adding aquatically themed bare-knuckle rides. SeaWorld is due to open its own water park, Aquatica in March 2008.

The Holy Land Experience is the area's newest theme park. No roller coaster rides are on offer there, but there are a number of religiously themed exhibits, theatrical productions and other attractions. It certainly offers an alternative theme park experience to the rest of Orlando's attractions.

Although Florida holidays in Orlando usually involve a visit to one or more of the parks at some point, there are other major attractions close by that are also very popular, most notably the Kennedy Space Centre. The region is also a nirvana for golfers featuring a number of championship standard courses, and from late February to the end of March it is home to several Major League Baseball teams participating in spring training.

Disclaimer:
The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com