Florida Villas & Apartments
From theme parks to remote nature reserves, world-famous beaches to the Kennedy Space Centre, Florida will not fail to amaze and entertain the whole family. Add to this a warm climate, clear blue water and tropical coral islands, and you have just a glimpse of America’s ‘Sunshine State’.
Since Disney World opened its gates in 1971, Orlando has been one of the USA’s top tourist destinations boasting a wonderland of waterslides, roller coasters, fairy tale palaces and costumed characters whose enduring appeal is testimony to the relaxed and warm welcome that is extended to one and all.
Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT Center and Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park are the three main parks within Walt's Disney World. The centerpiece of the Magic Kingdom is Cinderella's Castle, the most recognizable of Disney's icons. Within the Kingdom are a series of 'lands,' including the tautological New Tomorrowland, Fantasyland and Adventureland.
Universal Studios is a combination of working movie studio and theme park, a place to live out your dreams of being a film star – from the spagetti westerns to place to the Great White Shark 'Jaws' ride. Dedicated thrill-seekers will not be disappointed by Orlando. Sea World's Wild Artic has you viewing polar bears and beluga whales, Disney-MGM Studios' Twilight Zone includes a 13-storey plunge in the Tower of Terror. Epcot's 3D entertainment includes the amazing "Honey I Shrunk the Audience" experience, and there's an Extra-TERROR-estrial Alien Encounter at the Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland – and that’s just for starters…
The city of Orlando is not merely a handy base from which to visit the surrounding theme parks, but is certainly worthy of a visit in its own right. Orlando is dominated by Lake Eola and is an excellent centre for shopping and eating. The most famous downtown icon is Church Street Station, a collection of restaurants, bars and shops which really comes alive at night as the air cools and the music bars get going. Wort a visit also are the Harry P Leu Gardens, an estate with over 2000 varieties of camellia and an 18th century mansion; the Orlando Science Center and the Orlando Museum of Art, which showcases Mayan archeological finds.
Beyond the neon glow and the fast paced action of the theme parks, inland you will find what many refer to as the 'Real Florida'. Whether you are an avid birdwatcher, fisherman, hiker, or just interested in taking the family out for a relaxing day in the peaceful outdoors, there is plenty of choice. The Ocala National Forest is a delightful nature reserve with several natural springs and lakes, and fantastic hiking, canoeing, fishing and swimming. Or visit the Blue Spring State Park which, for hundreds of years, was home to the Timucuan Indians. Today, Blue Spring State Park is home to the endangered manatee. You can also catch the manatee at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge where migrating birds stop on their way to and from South America.
Down the Atlantic Coast towards Miami is the Gold Coast – an apt name for a vast stretch of golden beaches, of which Palm Beach is perhaps the best known. The sea is warm and clear, making this area of coastline ideal for children
Half of Miami's population is Hispanic and its distinctly international street scenes are peppered with the flavours of Latin American food, language, music, politics and spirit. The Art Deco Historic District, a collection of bright pink, lavender and turquoise buildings dating from the 1920s, is one of the most spectacular parts of town. Miami Beach is one of the best around. The water is clear and warm, the sand fine and the climate enviable.
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