Orlando

Orlando, a quiet farming town in 1970, now has more visitors than any other place in the state. The reason, of course, is Walt Disney World , which, along with Universal Studios Escape, Sea World and a host of themed attractions, pulls more than 25 million people a year to a previously featureless plot of scrubland.

SeaWorld Orlando
One of the first theme parks to open in Orlando, Sea World has been operating here for more than 30 years. The 200 acres of attractions and animal shows make this a perennial favorite with Florida visitors. Many new attractions and rides have been added to the original fun including a laser-fireworks-water extravaganza and high-tech thrill rides.

Walt Disney World
Twenty miles south of Orlando this wonderland covers 43 square miles, and includes four separate theme parks: the original Magic Kingdom; EPCOT; Disney-MGM Studios; and Animal Kingdom. Plus water parks, hotels, campgrounds, lots of restaurants, fireworks and fun.

Arabian Nights
At this unusual dinner theater establishment, guests dine in a facility billed as the world's largest indoor equestrian arena (capacity about 1,200) and feast on an elegant three-course meal featuring Roasted Prime Rib, fresh vegetables and dessert. Before your eyes, an Arabian fairy tale is played out on horseback. Guests witness the eventful wedding of a human prince and princess, but the horses star in this show. Black stallions, draft horses, sleek Arabians and a variety of talented horses perform amazing feats of skill, grace and discipline as the story unfolds.

Gatorland
If you got it, the saying goes, flaunt it, and Florida's got 'gators. Take a trip to this 70-acre park and see thousands of alligators, and the kindred crocodile, up close. Visit breeding pens, nurseries and rearing ponds. Children love the site's mini water park, and the petting zoo boasts goats, lamb, and other barnyard animals.