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Useful information

Making the most of the Theme Parks

General shopping information

Sporting activities - other than Golf

Places of Worship

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Tips to help you enjoy your Park visits:

1. The main Parks - Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios and SeaWorld - will take a day each to explore fully, especially for the first time visitor. The days can be very long and you will need to pace yourselves and your family so as to avoid anyone getting out of sorts.

2. Be sure to make a note of where you parked your vehicle; the car par areas are massive at all of the major parks - but they are well labeled.

3. Please wear comfortable shoes! This is no place for glamour - there is a lot of walking, and there is nothing worse that sore feet. Maybe even pop a second pair in your bag.

4. Saying nothing worse than sore feet is actually not true - bad sunburn is worse. Apply plenty of Factor 30 sunscreen being careful not to miss anywhere - behind the knees, for instance. Wear a hat, dark glasses, even maybe a lightweight long-sleeved shirt and be sure to drink plenty of liquids.
Everyone is affected if one of the party decides not to take these precautions because it is so painful, everyone is stuck at home until the skin cools down.

5. Pick up a map (from guest services at the Park entrance) and review the shows and any animal feeding times when you first arrive.

6. The Fireworks at Epcot and Magic Kingdom are a must see! But these are sometimes midnight shows….. its what we mean by a long day.

7. The afternoon parades at Magic Kingdom and MGM are great fun, see all your favorite characters come alive.

8. Usually working counter (anti) clockwise will beat most of the crowd at Disney.

9. Be absolutely sure to take advantage of the FASTPASS at Disney - get a ticket from the Fastpass machine and be told the time to return so you don't have to line up. It really is worth whizzing to all the rides you want to go on first, and then returning at your leisure. Don't be distracted from this or you could line up for ages.

10. Plan to ride the big rides when the parks first open - and certainly don't miss 'Soarin' at EPCOT.

11. Be aware of your personal security needs because amongst the crowds, accidents can happen; take the minimum amount of cash in your pocket and keep credit cards in a money belt or some other safely guarded place on your person. Never carry your Passport but make sure it is safely locked in the safe in your home or hotel room.

12. Security is tight at all park entrances so we recommend you take as little hand-baggage as possible. That being said, never forget the sun screen!

13. Food and drinks are both expensive in the Parks. If you are staying in a rental home it may be worth packing yourselves a picnic lunch and tea and taking your own bottle water.

14. Strollers are usually available to rent at the Parks; if you have children under five years old we recommend you rent a stroller - even if you have older children, at least you have somewhere to stow those water bottles, the picnic and the jumpers you may need for cooler evenings.

15. Wheelchairs are also normally available - and don't be afraid to rent one if you find it hard to walk long distances. Because you WILL be walking, all day, up and down and round and round….. Even if you don't think you need it to start with, by mid-afternoon you may.

Magic Kingdom

The Park consists of Main Street USA plus six other themed areas each containing several rides, attractions or experiences. Some of the busiest rides are: Jungle Cruise in Adventureland; Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland; Space Mountain and Alien Encounter and we suggest you make your way to those early in the day to either enjoy the ride without lining up or to get your FASTPASS. For the little ones, don't miss 'Smallworld'.
Fantasyland has some of the shorter rides but the longest lines - tinies want to ride on Dumbo, The Flying Elephant' which lasts all of 90 seconds but rarely has a wait of less than 30 minutes! Maybe just don't go there - or save it for your second visit...

Visit the famous Cinderella's Castle, cool off on Splash Mountain, take a thrilling ride on Space Mountain or Big Thunder railroad. Shop till you drop on Main Street USA and watch the afternoon Parade, usually at 3pm. Get in position early for the Parade if you want a good view of the 'characters'. Don't miss the new 'Stitch's Great Escape' Journey to deep space for a completely chaotic, grossed-out adventure! Disney magic meets Disney music in the new Micky's PhilharMagic 3-D 'sym-funny' of fun. A truly memorable and magical musical performance. Fireworks usually daily in summer, weekly off-season.

Epcot

The 'Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow' was created as Walt Disney's dream of the perfect 'tomorrow'. A park of endless discovery featuring many high tech experiences and countless features from around the world surround a fabulous lake. Visit different 'countries' and cultures as you walk around the lake; stop at a British Pub for a pint of Guinness, eat Mexican under the stars. Visit Canada, Japan, China and buy souvenirs - your friends will think you were on a round the world trip!

Not to be missed: Mission SPACE - It is the most intense ride in any Disney Park, which launches you into the sheer power of liftoff and then blasts you off to Mars! You've got to ride it to believe it! Don't miss the fireworks!
Whatever Walt Disney's dream for EPCOT - many now translate it as 'Every Person Comes Out Tired'!!

MGM Studios

See live stage shows, visit backstage lots and the fascinating world of show business. Take part in the adventure! Big-screen thrills, TV fun and the best of Broadway come together at Disney-MGM Studios.
The biggest screamer of all - 'The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror' is even scarier. It's random, so you will never predict what is going to happen - or when. The fiery nighttime 'Fantasmic' spectacular pits Micky against the most dastardly Disney villains!

Animal Kingdom

Safari through an African savannah, raft through Asia, meet a "real" dinosaur, just a few of the many fun events at this adventurous park. Kilimanjaro Safaris take you in an open air vehicle through 110 acres of African savannah; jump into your time rover and travel back 65 million years... And be sure to sing along with your friends in the glorious musical celebration, Festival of the Lion King.

Sea World

Not just a theme park - but also a conservationist's dream. Everything at SeaWorld is done for a reason - and saving species is the main one. It may have rides and excitement, and it may have dolphins that will eat out of your hand and killer whales that do 'tricks' - but the whole purpose behind the scenes is conservation.

By raising money from the fun side of things the trained marine biologists at SeaWorld have saved thousands of animals and protected hundreds of species. Go there and feel good about the contribution you are making to save the world.

Universal Orlando

What can one say about the Universal Orlando® Resort? Just that it is way more than a theme park. The Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks are a world where every member of the family can choose their own perfect fun. You can have the ultimate adventure, have fun with your kids, rejuvenate yourself, have a romantic dinner, challenge yourself on incredible theme park rides, and relax by the pool in a beautiful Florida setting.
Universal claim to pack more excitement into each square foot than anywhere else on earth!

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General shopping information:

The Orlando area is fantastic for all kinds of shopping:

OUTLET MALLS

An excellent place to find many great bargains, and most designers have an outlet. Goods on sale here are not necessarily 'seconds' but more likely 'last season' stocks:

Premium Outlet Mall - Located near Lake Buena Vista off I4

110 Famous Brand outlet stores DKNY, Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, DKNY, Nike, Reebok, Adidas, Polo Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic, Versace, Burberry, Geoffry Beane, Bose, Sunglass shop, and many more.

Directions:

Take Interstate 4 East (towards Orlando) to Exit 68. Go straight ahead at lights, crossing 535, continue for about 2 miles. The mall is on the right.

Opening Times:

10am to 10pm, 7pm closing on Sunday (may be seasonal variations)

Belz Outlet Mall - Located on International Drive

170 Famous Brand outlet stores Gap, DKNY, Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Nike, Reebok, Adidas, Ralph Lauren, Nine West, Ann Klein, Osh Kosh, Liz Claiborne

Directions:

Take I4 East to Exit 75A, turn right. Proceed to lights and turn left onto International Drive. Continue for about 2 miles. The mall starts on the left hand side, there are 4 areas of shopping!!

Opening Times:

10am to 9pm, 6pm closing on Sunday (may be seasonal variations)

REGULAR SHOPPING MALLS

The place to find such stores as Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Adrienne Vittadini, Ann Taylor, Giorgio's of Palm Beach, Lillie Rubin, Oilily, Gucci, Kenneth Cole, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Sears, Burdines, JCPenny, Dillards, Saks Fifth Avenue and Gap, Victoria's Secret, Ann Taylor, The Disney Store, Pottery Barn and many more:

The Mall at Millenia - Located on Conroy Road

Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Adrienne Vittadini, Ann Taylor, Giorgio's of Palm Beach, Lillie Rubin, Oilily, Gucci, Kenneth Cole, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and many more.

Directions:

Take I4 East to the Conroy Road exit 78, turn right and begin shopping!

Opening Times:

10am to 9:30pm Mon - Sat, 11am to 7pm on Sunday

The Florida Mall - Located on South Orange Blossom Trail

Sears, Burdines, JCPenny, Dillards, Saks Fifth Avenue and Gap, Victoria's Secret, Ann Taylor, The Disney Store, Pottery Barn and many more.

Directions:

Take I4 East to the Sand Lake Road exit 74A, turn right and proceed for about 8 miles. Cross Orange Blossom Trail and the entrance to the mall will be on the right.

Opening Times:

10am to 9pm 6pm closing on Sunday (may be seasonal variations)

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Sporting Activities - other than Golf:

HORSEBACK RIDING

Grand Cypress Equestrian Center - 1 Equestrian Drive, Orlando 32836

Riding instruction in dressage, hunt seat, jumping and combined training. Trail rides on a Western or English tack. Pony rides, junior lessons and a fully stocked tack shop.

Telephone # 1-800-835-7377

Disney World Riding Center - Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort

Enjoy a 45-minute guided trail ride around and about the peaceful scenery of Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Two cowboys lead the way and answer questions. Departure is from the Fort Wilderness Trailblaze Corral (by the main parking lot) and check-in is 30 minutes prior to ride time.

NB: A new riding stable is being built at Reunion

Telephone # 1-407-939-7529

GYMS

The Fitness Center at Celebration Health

400 Celebration Place, Kissimmee, 34747

Telephone # 407-303-4400

Fitness Isle for Women

205 Town Center Blvd

Telephone # 424-4499

Powerhouse Gyms International

4636 West Irlo Bronson Memorial, Kissimmee, 34746

Telephone # 396-4727

TENNIS COURTS

Grenelefe Golf & Tennis

Telephone # 1-800-237-9549

City of Lake Wales

Telephone # 9-678-4208

Poinciana Golf & Raquet Club

Telephone # 407-933-5300

WATERSPORTS

Buena Vista Water Sports and Ski School

13245 Lake Bryan Drive, 32821

Water ski lessons available for beginners. Jet Ski, ski boats and tube rentals
all available

Telephone# 407-239-6939

Disney Water Sports

Zip around the lake in a boat. Or get a little more extreme with some water-skiing, wakeboarding - even parasailing. You'll have a ball with world champion Sammy Duvall and his world-caliber instructors. Motorized and non-motorized craft available for rent as well as Mercury Marine Water Mouse boats, sailboats, SunTRACKER pontoon boats, canopy boats, pedal boats, rowboats, and canoes are some of the items available at the some of the Disney Resort Hotels (you do not have to be a Disney guest to use them!)

Telephone # 9407-939-0754

Airboat Rentals

Located on Hwy 192 (Irlo Bronson Hwy)

Rent your own Airboat and ride through the lush mangroves and experience the
real Florida!

Open hours vary - for up to date information call 1-800-393-5297

MINIATURE GOLF

Pirates Cove Adventure Golf

Crossroads Shopping Complex, Lake Buena Vista

Telephone # 407-827-1242

MOVIE THEATRES

AMC 24 Theatre Complex

Downtown Disney West Side

Telephone # 407-939-2648

AMC Celebration 2

Telephone # 407-566-1400

CASINO/GAMING

Suncruz Casino