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Orlando
Photo: Martha Camarillo
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With its gleeful bombast, over-the-top showmanship, and extravagant deployment of dreams as quotidien entertainment, Orlando may be the most "American" city in the nation. It's also the most popular family destination on earth; some 50 million visitors a year flood its theme parks and hotels in ceaseless pursuit of childhood fantasy (or regression). While the vast majority of the crowds orbit the big-ticket amusements furnished by Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Florida, and SeaWorld, more determined travelers will uncover a surprisingly sophisticated, albeit lesser-known city rooted in Old Florida values if they take the time to seek it out.
Don't Miss
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Taking a theme-park backstage tour—whether a Segway ride through Epcot’s World Showcase (before it opens), a wildlife encounter on the Animal Kingdom’s Backstage Safari, or a chance to interact with sharks at SeaWorld.
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Catching a space-shuttle liftoff at close range at the Kennedy Space Center, just an hour’s drive away.
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Riding at least one hair-raising, scream-until-you’re-hoarse ride: perhaps the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror free-fall at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?
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Where to Stay
Disney's Beach Club Resort
Just a four-minute stroll from Epcot’s side entrance, this 583-room resort is the closest hotel t
... MoreWhere to Eat
What to Do
Backstage Magic
Behind-the-scenes Disney secrets are divulged on this daylong walking tour (lunch included), whic
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Tips See All ORLANDO Tips
Avoid Disney in the Summer
Floridians seem to know what the rest of the world does not. AVOID Disney in the summer (if you can). Summer is probably the worst time to visit Florida especially the theme parks. It's waaay too hot ... More
Tourist resources for Orlando
The city’s tourism authority (8723 International Drive; 407-363-5872; www.orlandoinfo.com) has a storefront visitors’ center with a knowledgeable staff and unbiased information. Kissimmee Conventio... More
Taxis in Orlando
Taxis are available at every theme park, but when you add up what you spend getting to and from your hotel, you could have rented a car for about the same price. In a pinch, though, Diamond Cab Com... More
Driving in Orlando
Renting a car is a great idea here. Disney operates free shuttles and trolleys around its resort, but they’re slow and crowded and can turn a quick jaunt into a miserable 90-minute odyssey. The res... More
Getting to Orlando by air
Orlando International Airport (MCO), served by nearly every major carrier, is a 20-minute drive east of the tourism corridor. Disney-run hotels run pickup and drop-off shuttles for guests; they mak... More