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With its main attractions including Disney World, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios, tourists take flights to Orlando more than any other place in Florida.
Walt Disney’s vision turned Orlando, and the adjacent Lake Buena Vista and Kissimee areas, into the world’s busiest, biggest, and best-known theme park, Disney World. The park opened in 1971 and has been making childhood fantasies come true ever since. Today, Disney World includes Epcot, a futuristic showcase of the world’s different cultures; Disney's Hollywood Studios, a working animation and television studio; and Animal Kingdom, where you see animals in themed habitats. SeaWorld gives visitors an interactive look at the sea and all its facets, featuring themed animal habitats, up-close encounters with animals, and performances by the famous aquatic SeaWorld stars. Universal Studios is a movie-themed park with thrilling rides, production studios and film sets, and onsite luxury hotels.
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Orlando’s theme parks are popular year round, regardless of the weather.Peak Season:More than the weather, school vacations determine Orlando’s peak seasons. The busiest times for Orlando flights are Christmas, March spring break, Easter week, and mid-June to mid-August.Off Season:The best time to find a cheap flight to Orlando is late May or early June (excluding Memorial Day weekend), as soon as the school year ends; late August, if you must go in summer; or Thanksgiving, which is not as busy as other holidays. There are fewer tourists at the parks from early September until just before Thanksgiving, as well as in early February and early May.
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Distance: nine miles south of downtown OrlandoDrive time: 20 mins
Most visitors stay at one of the motels along Highway 192 (15 miles south of Orlando) or hotels on International Drive (5 miles southwest of the city). Shuttle buses run 24 hours and go to any hotel on International Drive. Taxis are available for the International Drive and Highway 192 hotels and downtown Orlando.
The local Lynx buses or the I-ride trolley service go from one Orlando theme park to another, but require careful scheduling and timing. The pricier Mears Transportation Group runs shuttle buses between the main accommodation areas, the airport, and Disney World, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios. Anyone staying at Disney World or an official Disney hotel has unlimited, free access to a transportation network — buses, monorails, ferries, and water taxis — that runs through Disney World, connecting its parks and attractions.
Orlando has one international airport and several others nearby.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) (website: www.orlandoairports.net)
Alternative airports (distances in miles):
Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) (website: www.flydaytonafirst.com) (50 miles);
Tampa International Airport (TPA) (website: www.tampaairport.com) (80 miles)
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Bob ThomasOriginally published in 1994, still one of the leading biographies of Walt Disney.
Carl Hiaasen Satirical thrillers set in Florida with over-the-top villains and plot twists.
Annette J. Bruce A collection of tall tales, fables, and stories from Florida’s past.
Leicester HemingwayA biography approved by Ernest and filled with information only a family member would know.
ed. Michael GannonHighly acclaimed starting point for learning the history of Florida.
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