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SEAWORLD ADVENTURE PARK
The second-oldest park in Orlando
(after the Magic Kingdom), SeaWorld has been dramatically revamped
and up-graded in recent years and now boasts several high-energy
rides as well as its trademark killer whale and dolphin shows. Blue
Horizons (dolphins and false killer whales) added some extra lareg-scale
style in 2005, while the Believe show (summer 2006) completely
reinvents their Shamu Stadium adventure with all-new staging. There
is also a pleasing environmental message here, and children of all
ages seem to enjoy the more relaxed style, the aquatic theming and
the fun diversions. There are also a couple of bonus shows (the
indoor theatre of Odyssea and the water-based Fusion) that are well
worth seeking out at all times. It is a big park, hence tough to see
just in one day, but the bonus of the FlexTicket allows repeat
visits.
TIME REQUIREMENT: 1-2 DAYS
Next door to SeaWorld, the more
exclusive Discovery Cove is a resort-style park where you can swim
with dolphins, dive with stingrays and mingle with exotic birds,
while in a tropical island setting of exquisite design. It is
exclusive because it allows only 1,000 or so guests each day, hence
the price tag is way up on the other parks, but it does offer a full
day's pampering and a truly unique experience.
TIME REQUIREMENT: 1 DAY
BUSCH GARDENS
A 1-hour drive from Orlando down to
Tampa, this excellent zoo-cum-theme park boasts some fabulous (and
quite dynamic) rides, plus shows and animal encounters. The SheiKra 'dive-coaster' (one of only three in the world, and a
larger-scale version of Alton Towers' famous Oblivion) is the
outstanding highlight, but there are another five great coasters
(don't miss Kumba, Gwazi and Montu), three water rides and a host of
smaller-scale rides for children. The shows include the excellent
KaTonga and the new film experience Pirates 4-D with Leslie Nielsen
(and written by Eric Idle), while the unique Rhino Rally is the best
of their animal-themed attractions. Edge of Africa and the Myombe
Reserve are other highlights, and you will need a full day here at
most times of the year to enjoy the park to its full.
TIME REQUIREMENT: 1 DAY
Right! That is the basis of your park
choice. What you now need to do is sit down and work out what most
appeals to you and how much you want to try to fit in to your
one/two/three (!) weeks in Orlando. However, you may also want to
consider working another essential British requirement into your
battle-plan - shopping!
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2008
