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Las Vegas, NV:

Bellagio Fountains - Las Vegas NevadaSin City has never been better. See for yourself some of the cool things going on in the Nevada desert.

Los Angeles, CA

Rodeo Drive sign in Los Angeles, CaliforniaLos Angeles, California has long been known as a trend-setting community. Check out all of the new things going on in this incredible mecca.

Orlando, Florida

From Toddlers to Teens, Orlando Attractions
Cater to Kids of All Ages

 

ORLANDO, Fla. – While Orlando may be best known for the cartoon characters and magical princesses adored by the preschool set, it’s also home to the world’s most exciting roller coasters, thrill rides and water slides that are guaranteed to captivate teens and tweens. From zoos, petting farms and themed playgrounds for the little ones to science centers, adventure sports and outdoor experiences for the older set, Orlando boasts more than 100 attractions to entertain and enthrall kids of all ages.

 For the 5-and-Younger Set

 Brevard Zoo – The zoo’s Wildlife Detective Training Academy makes for a precious photo opportunity for mom and dad as kids play veterinarian to a variety of ailing stuffed friends. Interactions with real animals such as turtles and lizards, and a sand play area with submerged “bones” add an exciting hands-on element. The highlight of a visit is hand feeding the zoo’s family of friendly giraffes. A new children’s play area with water features and forts premieres in summer 2008.

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens – Hundreds of rare and endangered animals including cheetahs, elephants, leopards, baboons and 800 species of plants and flowers are on display at this educational zoological and botanical park. Kids enjoy seeing animals they’ve only been able to read about and explore hands-on exhibits. A miniature train circles the zoo and makes for a fun way to tour the park.

Cypress Gardens Adventure Park – Little ones love this historic park, which includes an entire section of rides designed just for them. Bugsville features 13 kiddie rides including a train ride and a “Dizzy Dragons” version of the teacups, as well as a special theater and an interactive play area. Kids are enthralled with the park’s ski and ice skating shows. On those warm, sunny Florida days, kids are in for a real treat at the Splash Island water park section, which features slides and other water attractions. Meanwhile, parents will love the classic rebuilt 1963 wooden coaster, the Starliner.

Disney's Blizzard BeachDisney’s Blizzard Beach – Tike’s Peak is the perfect oasis for tots and preschoolers. This “snowy” water park is outfitted with gentle body slides, an inner tube slide, interactive fountains and a wading pool.

 Disney’s Hollywood Studios (formerly Disney-MGM Studios) – Beginning Feb. 2008, a whole new cast of characters joins Playhouse Disney Live on Stage. Tots will go crazy for their favorite characters from shows including “Handy Manny,” “Little Einsteins” and “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.” The “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” Movie Adventure lets kids burn off some energy as they climb, slide and play on this larger-than-life interactive playground. Older kids will get a kick out of the Jedi Training Academy, featuring eight shows per day.

 Gatorland – Young ones are fascinated by the park’s gator wranglers and snake handlers but there’s much more to this historic attraction than reptiles. The Gator Gulley Splash Park cools kids off with a host of animal-themed interactive water toys and splash areas. They’ll also love Allie’s Barnyard, where they can pet goats, llamas and other friendly critters and the Very Merry Aviary, where they can hand feed colorful lorikeets. The Express Railroad train ride is another high point for little ones.

Green Meadows Petting Farm – It’s an animal farm that’s people-friendly where piglets, chicks, ponies and other critters share their scenic, sprawling home with all who enter.  A guided tour includes fun in the pigpen; a chance to milk a cow; pony rides, hay rides and train rides; chick cuddling and more one-on-one with farm animals.  In October, visit the pumpkin patch.

 Magic Kingdom – Fantasyland is pure magic, with enough kiddie rides and attractions based on classic Disney films to make a child’s dreams come true.  Newer attractions include The Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, where guests laugh, joke, sing songs and match wits with the beloved animated characters from Disney-Pixar's "Monsters, Inc." Mickey’s PhilharMagic engages kids in a musical 3-D adventure with their favorite Disney characters including Mickey, Donald and some unexpected guests.

 Orlando Science Center – At DinoDigs: Mysteries Unearthed, little ones can wander amidst dinosaur fossils and replicas in a mock paleontological excavation site. They’ll want to spend hours in KidTown farming faux oranges and exploring the underground.  Other popular features are the BodyZone (where kids enter through a giant mouth) and Animal Grossology. Coming soon, the Science Center will relocate, renovate and expand existing preschool areas by creating a distinct children’s museum within the existing complex.

For Kids 5-8 

Aquatica – SeaWorld’s Waterpark – Opening March 2008, SeaWorld Orlando presents Aquatica, its first-ever water park. This attraction features water slides immersed in pools of black and white Commerson’s dolphins, two wave pools, winding rivers, eight racing slides and one of the world’s largest interactive children’s play areas in the form of a colorful rain forest. Plentiful shade trees and white sand beaches ensure a relaxing day for all.

 DeLeon Springs State Park – Children can make their own pancakes and add chocolate-chip, nut and fruit toppings at the park’s Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill & Griddle House.  Afterward, outdoor fun includes a dip in the natural spring, a canoe ride or a nature walk through a floodplain forest.

 Dinosaur World – With more than 150 life-size dinosaurs located on its grounds, this attraction is always a hit. Kids can dig for fossils, explore caves, tour the Skeleton Garden and learn why dinosaur remains are not found in Florida. 

Gator Golf and Adventure Park – This new attraction combines an 18-hole miniature golf course with more than 300 alligators and live gator shows, giving little ones thrills around every corner.

 Historic Bok Sanctuary – This picturesque park atop one of Florida’s tallest hills is crowned with a Gothic bell tower that rings daily with carillon music.  Children’s activities are tied to nature:  tile rubbing posts featuring plants and animals, an arbor tunnel and sandbox.                                              

 LEGO Imagination Center at Downtown Disney Marketplace – Building is perfect kid play, and this outdoor LEGO playground gives children buckets of colorful bricks to get started.  Guarded by friendly dinosaurs and a huge sea serpent built of LEGO bricks, this play area lets kids explore their creativity at no cost to parents.

 Old Town Shopping, Dining and Entertainment Attraction – Take plenty of classic kids’rides, mix with the aromas of popcorn and cotton candy, then toss in a rousing game of family Laser Tag, and it’s the perfect recipe for an amusement park winner.  A Ferris wheel, go-kart rides and other treats ramp up the fun.

 Pirates Dinner Adventure – Pre-teens are in for a swashbuckling good time at this pirate-themed dinner and show. Sword-play, aerial artistry and dynamic duels blend with comedy and romance to create a memorable evening for the whole family.

SeaWorld Orlando – Kids can enjoy six pint-sized rides at Shamu’s Happy Harbor play area including a Shamu-themed roller coaster and Sea Carousel. “Blue Horizons” captivates kids with breathtaking stunts from acrobats, dolphins, false killer whales and exotic birds. The seal and walrus high jinks at “Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island” are good for lots of laughs; and Shamu, the killer whale, shows off his grace and agility in the show, “Believe.” 

 Universal Studios Florida – Shrek and his motley crew take families on a wild adventure in Shrek 4-D. Meanwhile, everyone’s favorite little genius blasts off for more film-based fantasy in Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast.  Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster is a wild ride for coaster novices and it’s a free-for-all with sponge-ball cannons and lots of water at the Curious George Goes to Town play area. Kids will love taking aim at weird and wacky extraterrestrials at Men in Black: Alien Attack (height requirement: 42” (107 cm).

 WonderWorks – Science was never as fun as it is here, where families voluntarily sit throughan earthquake, ride a virtual glider above the Grand Canyon and play a keyboard with their feet á la Tom Hanks in the movie, “Big.”  LazerWorks on the third floor offers super-sized laser-tag fun. Kids will also enjoy the all-you-can eat pizza at the The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show, which is presented twice each evening at WonderWorks.

For ‘Tweens 8-13

Arabian Nights – The most acclaimed dinner attraction in the world, Arabian Nights, brings a fairytale to life on horseback in the world’s largest equestrian arena for a permanent show. Preteens will fall in love with the majestic horses and their talented riders.

 Blue Spring State Park – Every winter, endangered Florida manatees flock to the warm BlueSpring waters, and park rangers keep track of them so well they can tell children who’s who.  The park features an informative film and Q&A session about manatees. Hikes and picnicking make for a great day outdoors.

 Boggy Creek Airboat Rides – Kids enjoy the loud, fast, jet-engine powered airboat that skims through swamps and across lakes with ease as the captain points out native birds, turtles and alligators.

 Discovery Cove – What pre-teen doesn’t love dolphins? At this all-inclusive, reservations only tropical island oasis, kids can interact with and learn about dolphins — even  catching a ride on a dolphin’s back —  as well as snorkeling with tropical fish and rays, hand-feeding exotic birds and sun bathing on a white sand beach. A delicious meal is also included in admission.

 DisneyQuest at Downtown Disney West Side – A five-story interactive, indoor theme park with virtual rides and attractions provides a cool break from the sun.  Kids can battle cartoon villains and pirates, design their own roller coaster and ride it in a simulator, become an animator, ride a magic carpet and become a human pinball.

 Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park – Exotic animals from Africa and Asia make their home in this theme park. Families can enjoy the realistic, wild-animal Kilimanjaro Safari and ride Asian rapids together during the Kali River Rapids raft ride. Kids can discover the fearsome lore of the Yeti aboard out-of-control railcars on Expedition Everest and experience the Broadway-quality show “Finding Nemo—The Musical.”

 Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon – One of two Disney water parks, Typhoon Lagoon features a one-of-a-kind “water roller coaster” – Crush ‘n’ Gusher – that delivers hairpin turns, steep drops and suspenseful climbs that will have kids racing back to the top for more.

 Forever Florida - An eco-safari on horseback or in a swamp buggy through this nature preserve’s nine ecosystems gives kids an insider’s look at wildlife that may include an endangered Florida panther. 

 Fun Spot Action Park – Bumper cars and boats, arcade games and parent-driven go-karts keep the action flowing in an indoor-outdoor fair-like atmosphere. Eight-year-olds who are 50 inches (152 centimeters) or taller can even drive their own go-kart on the beginner track. Also try its sister park, Fun Spot USA or Magical Midway.

 Horse World Riding Stables – Give kids a taste of fresh air and blue skies as they explore hundreds of acres of untouched Florida landscape on horseback. Three levels of guided trail rides ensure a safe and memorable experience. Grand Cypress Equestrian Center, Westgate River Ranch and Disney’s Fort Wilderness also provide horseback riding.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex – Unveiled in 2007, the Shuttle Launch Experience lets kids experience what it’s really like to launch into space on the shuttle. Just to stand beneath the 36-story Saturn V moon rocket invites awe, and it’s a blast walking through re-creations of modules used as part of the International Space Station.  IMAX films offer in-your-face, outer-space experiences; and astronauts who’ve completed missions make daily appearances to answer visitor questions.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament – Kids love dining medieval-style (hands only) as they tear into roast chicken and other tasty menu items while cheering for a team of knights battling in the Tournament of Games.  Riding into the arena on majestic horses, the knights brandish lances, swords and maces – all for truth, honor and the heart of a princess.  

 Putting Edge Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf at Festival Bay – Miniature golf is a whole new experience at this indoor putt-putt arena, where psychedelic neon landscapes light the way and pumping tunes set the mood for fun.

 Reptile World Serpentarium – Young snake lovers will be fascinated (and moms will cringe) as owner George Van Horn extracts venom from mesmerizing cobras, cottonmouths and rattlesnakes. Meet more than 700 slithery creatures in all.

 Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando Odditorium – To indulge kids’ silly side, visit this emporium of all things unexplained. Contemplate the Mona Lisa portrait created from toast, marvel at shrunken heads and giggle at the artifacts in the Dog-Gone Weird room.  Even the crooked building is odd — it appears to be sinking into one of Florida’s famous sinkholes!

 Wekiwa Springs State Park - Nothing provides kids with a sense of independence and accomplishment like learning a new skill. A canoe trip down the unspoiled Wekiva River  builds kids’ confidence as they enjoy a natural wonderland of flora and fauna. 

 Wet ’n Wild - Orlando – Slippery thrill rides like Black Hole and The Surge are kid magnets, and pop music blaring from speakers adds high-energy ambiance.  Bubba Tub is a family tube ride for those who dare to triple-dip down a six-story run, and the park’s Surf Lagoon is good swimming fun. The new Brain Wash pairs kids in twos and fours for a five-story drop through darkness with special video effects. Meanwhile, moms and dads will love Disco H20, an exciting retro raft ride through the ‘70s.

 For Teens 14-18

Blue Man Group at Universal Orlando – One thing is guaranteed, teens have never before seen anything like Blue Man Group. This mind-blowing blend of percussion, performance art and multi-media comedy create an event that will have teens discussing it with their parents the rest of the vacation.

 Bob’s Balloon Flights – Although teens may grumble about waking up before dawn to take a hot air balloon flight, they’ll be awed by the bird’s eye view of Central Florida and the theme parks. Mom and dad especially enjoy the champagne brunch upon landing. Also try Magic Sunrise Ballooning or Orlando Balloon Rides.

Busch Gardens Africa – The world’s tallest dive coaster, SheiKra, got even more thrilling in 2007 as it went floorless. Other amazing coasters, including the Southeast’s largest and fastest double wooden coaster, make this the ideal park for adrenaline-seeking teens. Dozens of other rides and animal attractions including Great Ape reserve, Rhino Rally safari and super-soaking water rides provide something for everyone in the family.

 DAYTONA 500 Experience (formerly Daytona USA) – The “Official Attraction of NASCAR”  at the world-famous Daytona International Speedway offers exciting racing activities for  teens including an iWERKS motion simulator, pit stop challenge, NASCAR IMAX films and a speedway tour. Teens age 16 and older have the opportunity to ride in an authentic stock car at the onsite Richard Petty Driving Experience; teens 18 and older with a valid driver’s license may participate in the driving experience.

 Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex – Host of Atlanta Braves spring-training and Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ training camp, this mega sports complex gives visitors a chance to see their favorite teams in action during the off season. Visitors can also compete in the Sports Experience which tests their speed and agility in football, baseball, basketball and soccer.         

 Epcot – Teens begging to learn to drive enjoy playing the part of crash test dummies at Test Track, a high-speed auto-testing thrill ride. Dare devils can test their mettle (and their stomachs) on take a trip around the moon on the thrill ride Mission: SPACE, while high school students studying world geography will appreciate pavilions of 11 countries around World Showcase. Soarin’ is another highlight that takes riders on a gentle glide over California landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and giant Redwood forests.

 Fantasy of Flight – Airplane enthusiasts love this attraction, which captures the history of aviation through displays of the world’s largest vintage aircraft. They can even take a ride on a biplane, the World War II Boeing Stearman P-17 or the attraction’s new D-25 “barnstormer.”

 Richard Petty Driving Experience – Teens age 16 and older can ride shotgun in a two-seat stock car driven by a professional instructor and experience a simulated three-lap NASCAR qualifying run at speeds exceeding 150 mph (241 km/h). Teens age 18 and older with a valid driver’s license and who can drive a standard transmission (stick shift) may participate in the driving program.

 Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Fun in the sun is the name of the game at Sammy Duvall’s, where teens can learn to wakeboard, kneeboard, water ski and parasail. Licensed drivers age 16 and older can rent a personal watercraft (minors under age 18 must have an adult present to sign rental waiver.) Or, try Orlando Watersports Complex, featuring two cable parks that can be run at speeds for beginners or those more experienced in skiing, kneeboarding, wakeboarding, slalom or trick skiing. 

 SkyVenture Orlando – Young thrill seekers don’t have to give their parents gray hair.At Skyventure, teens can enjoy all the thrills of skydiving in a safe, indoor attraction.

Titanic - The Experience – History class comes to life as teens journey back in time as a passenger aboard the Titanic. Upon entering the attraction, they’ll receive an identity of an actual passenger or crew member and find out if they survived the dramatic voyage. Actual artifacts, including a real iceberg and movie props help to bring the experience to life. The exhibit is located at the Orlando Science Center through 2008.

 Universal’s Islands of Adventure – Thrill seeking teens will love this sophisticated theme park, where coasters are king. The 60 mph (97 km/h) Incredible Hulk Coaster roars through seven rollovers and two subterranean plunges, while The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man earns best high-tech, 3-D thrill-ride honors. On Dueling Dragons, twin coasters Fire and Ice, come head to head, daring teens to choose a favorite.

 Vans Skatepark – Die-hard skaters won’t miss a beat at this 25,000-square-foot (2,322-square-meter) indoor street course with ramps and bowls for beginner and advanced skaters. An arcade keeps teens and siblings happy during downtime.

 Wallaby Ranch Hang Gliding Flight Park – For teens begging for a little freedom, a hang gliding flight may be just the ticket.  They’ll feel the wind on their faces as they hang glide 2,000 feet (610 meters) from the ground, at first towed by an ultralight airplane, then free-flying for 15-20 minutes. Parents needn’t worry—kids are firmly attached to an instructor for the entire flight.

 (Courtesy of the Orlando Convention and Visitor's Bureau)For more information about vacation experiences in Orlando, to order a complimentary vacation planning kit that includes a comprehensive Official Vacation Guide and Orlando Preferred Visitor Magicard™ or to purchase discount attraction tickets, visitors can log onto Orlando’s official Web site at orlandoinfo.com or call an Official Travel Counselor at 1-800-551-0181



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