Attractions to visit while in Orlando minutes from Emerald Island Resort
It would take far too long to mention all the attractions
in the Disney Orlando area. All the theme parks are well worth a
visit and are 5 - 15 minutes away from our villa in Orlando on
Emerald Island Resort
Orlando has many fantastic shopping malls to tempt you with all the
big brand names at very good prices.Our vacation home is only a
short drive from these if you are in need of some retail therapy.
The beaches
on both the Gulf coast and the Atlantic coast are all within easy reach of our
home, A one and a half hour drive west will take you to Tampa, St
Petersburg and the beautiful beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. On the
other hand just over an hours drive east you can be on the Atlantic
coast where you will find Cape Canaveral and The Kennedy space
centre.
If you need a break from all the theme parks and
shopping, you will find many golf courses in the area. Our home is
just a short drive from many of the local golf courses.
Below
is some info that we have put together for most of the main
attractions. Please enjoy browsing through them.
Attractions close to our Disney villa in Orlando
Theme Parks And More
Disney's Magic Kingdom
Disney's Magic Kingdom is the original park and the best, even adults will be enthralled by its magic charm. This park is huge. It will take at least 2 days to do it all, and if you have small children it could even take three!This park still remains a big favourite with visitors to Disney World, Florida today. A magical place where dreams begin and memeorys are made no matter the age.The Magic Kingdom park offers attractions and shows for everyone, you are sure to see some familiar faces. Children, Don't forget your autograph books.
Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Animal Kingdom is the latest addition to the Disney Theme Parks. The park is split into 5 areas all with an animal theme but are each very different. This park is an easy going park and can be seen easily in a day. You will need to get an early start to have the best chance of seeing the animals before they retire from the heat.
Disney's Epcot.
Epcot is the second most popular of the Disney Theme Parks spread over 300 acres it is twice the size of the Magic Kingdom. Epcot has two distinct areas, Future World and World Showcase, you can walk from one to the other. To see everything at Epcot set aside a full day, and if you want to do anything more than a quick tour of the World Showcase you'll probably need a second day here. Although Epcot has some great rides the park is more educational than excitement.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
You should expect to spend a full day here and make sure to stay for the evening show Fantasmic. Start times vary and this show takes place in a seated theatre which has limited seating. You will need to arrive at the theatre at least 30 minutes before the performance starts. This is without doubt the best of the Disney shows and is well worth the wait. With spectacular animations projected onto a water curtain, fire, music, special effects it truly is Fantasmic.
Disney Quest.
This is an indoor theme park located at Downtown Disney which offers something different.Here you can create your very own roller coaster before you ride it, challenge your friends and family to one of the many interactive and sometimes educational games available over a number of different floors.
Disney's Wild World Of Sport.
Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex is the ultimate destination for anyone who loves sports. Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex is the home of exhilarating experiences which ignite passion and fuel the spirit. This 220-acre facility hosts over 170 amateur and professional events each year. This is a place where athletes can compete and experience the same world-class facilities that are used by the best athletes in the world.
SeaWorld Orlando
This is a great day out with attractions for all the family. For the kids, Shamu's Happy Harbour. This is a 3 acre adventure playground full of climbing nets, slides and tunnels where youngsters can run free and let off steam. For the older visitors looking for thrill rides there is Kracken, Orlando's tallest, floor-less roller coaster - over 4000 feet of track and 7 inversions, this rid propels you at stomach churning speeds. The other main ride is Journey to Atlantis, this is a combination of a roller coaster and a log flume with one enormous drop to contend with. Expect to get very wet on this one.
Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove, part of Seaworld is set in beautiful grounds where flora and forna surround you.As this park has a limit to the number of guests entering the park each day please book early. There are plenty of sunbeds and loungers on the uncramped beaches and lunch is included in the ticket price.
Universal Studios.
Universal Studios is the number one movie and TV based theme park in the world, go behind the scenes at this real film and television studio.This park has great attractions for all the family.
Universal Island Of Adventure.
Universal Islands of Adventure theme park, Orlando, Florida, is now home of the Wizarding World Of Harry Potter the parks latest addition.This park is ideal for the thrill seekers among you with ride such as the Hulk and Dragons Challenge roller coasters.If you want to cool down or just get a good soaking then take a ride on Popeye's Bilge Rat Barges or Dudley Do-Rights Ripsaw Falls.
Kennady Space Center.
Kennedy Space Center is a must see attraction while in Orlando.The park is around 45 minutes drive from Orlando is NASA’s launch headquarters – the only place on Earth where you can tour launch areas and meet an Astronaut.Here you can see giant rockets, train in spaceflight simulators, and if you are lucky you could even view a launch.
Busch Gardens.
Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay is the place where you can can get up close to thousands of animals, including the famous gators. This park the home to some of Floridas best roller coasters including the fantastic Sheikra.The park also hosts a number of colourful shows providing entertainment for visitors of all ages. The fantastic grounds are a pleasure to walk around, as you make your way through the parks different areas. The park is disabled friendly offering access to all areas.
Legoland Florida
Legoland Florida is a theme park in Winter Haven, Florida. It opened October 15, 2011. The park encompasses 145 acres, making it the second-largest Legoland park after Legoland Windsor in the UK. Built on the site of the former Cypress Gardens theme park, Legoland preserved the botanical park and redecorated the water park and roller coasters along a Lego theme.
Water Parks
Disney's Blizzard Beach.
Blizzard Beach is one of Disney Worlds superb water parks, based on the theme of a ski resort. The park has some fantastic rides for all ages and all based on the winter theme. One not for the faint hearted is the 120 foot high 60 mile an hour summit plummet. This park is the more exhilirating of Disney's two water parks, with high speed rides galore. There is also a an area for the little ones with a great selection of mini water rides.
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon.
Typhoon Lagoon is a Disney created 56-acre water park that is home to a two-and-a-half-acre wave pool, one of the worlds largest ( waves as big as six feet are sent at you every one and a half minutes) The parks latest ride 'Crushin Gusher' offers the opprtunity to experience a roller coaster type ride on water where you go up as well as down. The park offers free sunbeds and loungers, towels are available for a small charge. For the little ones there is Ketchakiddie Creek especially for children aged two to five. There is a small pool and water slide, fountain and bubblers, interactive water boats, and even a pint-sized white water rafting adventure. An adult must accompany all children.
Wet'N'Wild.
Wet ‘n Wild is the oldest water park in the Orlando area, but it is continually adding new rides and slides for the entire family. With over a dozen thrill rides including a number of multi-person and family rides and a newly refurbished wave pool, you should have a fantastic day out.
Aquatica.
Aquatica is the newest addition to Florida’s water parks. Located across the street from SeaWorld Orlando on International Drive and is open year round. This new park offers a vast selection of tube ride, raft rides, lazy river and a wave pool. The down side is there is a parking fee, unlike the Disney water parks have free parking.
Golf Courses
Southern Dunes
Southern Dunes, probably one of the best courses in Orlando offers golfers spectacular views of the challenging fairways dotted with over 180 bunkers.
Mystic Dunes
Mystic Dunes is located within the beautiful Mystic Dunes Resort and Golf Club. Carved from rolling orange groves and native protected wetlands, the resort is situated in the heart of the world’s premier vacation destination, yet offers a feeling of escape from it all.
Champions Gate Golf Resort
ChampionsGate Golf Club is made up of two 18-hole championship golf courses designed by the world famous golfer, Greg Norman. Centrally located this fantastic golfing resort is open to the public, and offers a challenging yet enjoyable rond for players of all abilities.
Shopping
The Florida Mall
The Florida Mall,Central Florida's largest mall is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday-Saturday and Noon-6 p.m. Sundays with over 250 stores, there's something for everyone! All the big name stores can be found here including JCPenny, Macy's, Sears and Dillards along with many more. With over 30 outlets in the food hall you are spoilt for choice when taking a well earned break.
The Mall At Millenia
The Mall At Millenia offers something for all ages including department stores Bloomingdale's and Macy's. The Mall at Millenia also offers many other big name stores including Gucci, Chanel and Louis Vuitton plus many more all offering products at great prices.The Mall also has a fantastic food hall giving visitors a great choice of food from all around the world.
Lake Buena Vista Factory Outlet
Within minutes of Disney the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores - an Orlando outlet shopping experience too good to pass up! big name stores offer factory direct, premium quality merchandise at savings of 25%-75% everyday!
Premium Outlets, Vineland Ave Orlando
Premium Outlets offers an exciting day of luxury shopping, where you will find over 150 outlet stores from the world's leading designers and manufacturers, featuring such high profile names as Banana Republic Factory Store, Burberry, Coach, Cole Haan, Diesel, Dior, Dooney and Bourke, Fendi, Giorgio Armani , J.Crew, Joe's Jeans, Kenneth Cole, Marni, Michael Kors, Nautica, Nike, Tod's, Tommy Hilfiger, Timberland and more, offering everyday savings of 25%-65%. The charming outdoor village setting offers a unique and enjoyable shopping experience. The center is conveniently located with access from Interstate 4 (exit 68) and International Drive.
Posner Park
Posner Park is located on Hwy 27 in Davenport, close to the junction with I4, this new development offers guests staying in the Davenport areas, the opportunity of picking up some fantastic bargains from many of well known shopping outlets including J C Penney, Best Buy, Target and the great Dicks Sporting Goods.
Downtown Disney
Set in the heart of Walt Disney World. Downtown Disney boasts over 40 shops and dining outlets split between Downtown Disney Marketplace and Downtown Disney Westside. Visit the Lego Imagination Center ( excellent for the kids ), World Of Disney ( the largest Disney store in the world ) or the worlds largest Virgin Megastore Downtown Disney is a must visit on your Orlando trip.
Restaurants
Ponderosa Steakhouse
Famous for All You Care To Eat Breakfast Buffet served from 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Lunch and dinner entrées all include the buffet and dessert bar. Ponderosa is known for its competitive prices,excellent food and service.Ponderosa restaurants are located are close to major attractions and within walking distance from several hotels, with 5 restaurants in and around the Kissimmee area.
Golden Corral Buffet and Grill
A great family friendly restaurant with a great choice of dishes to suit all. You will find a number of restaurants in and around Kissimmee area.
Sizzler Steakhouse
Great family friendly buffet style restaurant in locations around Kissimmee. Fantastic salad bar and good value meals to suit all the family.
Outback Steakhouse
Outback steakhouse is a great place for someting a little different. There are a number of restaurants in and around the kissimmee area offering a choice of fantastic steaks and much more.