Orlando is the number one tourist destination in the state of Florida, attracting almost 50 million tourists every year. Most of them arrive by plane, making Orlando International Airport the thirteenth busiest metropolitan airport in the nation – it is even among the top 30 busiest airports in the world. All of these tourists arrive in Orlando for very good reason, since this city of almost a quarter-million people is the home of major theme park venues. These include the Walt Disney World Resort, which itself encompasses several amusement parks: the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Adventure, Epcot, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
More than Disney
Although Disney is without a doubt the single most famous attraction in Orlando, and most likely all of Florida, there are plenty of other reasons for visitors to book days or even weeks in Orlando holiday homes. Sea World is one such reason. Here, visitors can learn about sea and other aquatic life by visiting habitats suitable for species as diverse as sharks, dolphins, killer whales, sea turtles, and penguins. Many of the animals are also trained performers who put on several shows daily, with each show designed to teach visitors about the natural behavior of the animal, as well as promote healthy fishing practices and other issues related to conservation and environmentalism.
Tourists most interested in the American alligator should try nearby Gatorland, and for those who want to get wet themselves, there are water parks such as Wet ‘n Wild.