By Karen Sprinkles
Brimming with tons of family-fun things to do,
Orlando, Florida, truly earns its title as "Theme Park Capital of the World." No other U.S. destination offers the number of action-packed waterparks and theme parks as found in the Sunshine State's No. 1 destination. When planning a vacation for the family, consider Orlando's many superb attractions.
Gatorland
This combination theme park/animal preserve features thousands of crocodiles and alligators, along with reptiles, an aviary, a petting zoo, train ride and educational programs. Gatorland recently unveiled the world's largest collection of giant white alligators, featuring four of the world's largest white leucistic alligators. Kids will enjoy the Gator Gully Splash Park and one-of-a-kind reptilian shows including the Gator Wrestlin' Show.
Gatorland
14501 South Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, Florida
(407) 855-5496
gatorland.com/
SkyVenture Indoor Skydiving
SkyVenture invites visitors to experience the thrilling sensation of a free-fall in an indoor skydiving wind tunnel, without the use of a parachute or plane. The popular attraction provides a safe environment for people of all ages and abilities to learn how to skydive, even beginners. Professional skydivers also use the tunnel to train and to practice their moves. On-site flight instructors lead classroom training sessions on how to use your body in the wind tunnel, followed by two flight rotations, the equivalent of two actual skydives.
SkyVenture
6805 Visitors Circle
Orlando, Florida 32819
(407) 903-1150
www.skyventureorlando.com
Aquatica SeaWorld's Waterpark
High-speed thrill rides combine with marine animal encounters at Orlando's newest water attraction. The park includes five waterslide complexes, several wave pools, river attractions and kids' play areas. The popular Dolphin Plunge sends patrons through a tube plunging into a tank of live Commerson's dolphins.
Aquatica SeaWorld's Waterpark
5800 Water Play Way
Orlando, Florida 32821
(407) 351-3600
aquaticabyseaworld.com/
Pirate's Dinner Adventure
Showcasing a swashbuckling, action-packed adventure, this pirate's extravaganza presents a Broadway-style musical comedy known as the "World's Most Unique Interactive Dinner Show." Pirate's Dinner Adventure also unveils a bounty of food served on board a replica of an 18th-century Spanish galleon. Reservations are recommended.
Pirate's Dinner Adventure
6400 Carrier Drive
Orlando, Florida 32819
(407) 248-0590
piratesdinneradventure.com
About the Author:
Karen Sprinkles has been a freelance writer since 1988. She's currently the managing editor of a luxury home magazine and has written for regional newspapers and magazines. Sprinkles received the Award of Excellence from the Hawaii Book Publishers Association for "The Hawaii Home Book," which reached No. 1 on the Hawaii bestsellers list. She earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of California.
