Entertainment activities in Orlando
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A
Cypress Gardens
This park, perched on the shores of Lake Eloise, opened as a botanical garden in 1936 and soon became world famous for its performance water-ski shows and carnival rides. It closed in 2003, but new owners updated and reopened the park in 2007. Today it is an enchanting mix of rides; bucolic gardens; live performances (including the now classic water-ski shows); animal displays, such as a butterfly house; and weekend concerts, blessedly free of loud music and sensory overload. And the Southern Belles walking around, straight out of Gone With the Wind, are as synonymous with Cypress Gardens as water skiing. Ask about them at the gate.
reviewed
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B
Old Town
At this complex of rides, shopping, dining and live music, ‘county fair’ meets ‘boardwalk’, plopped among the exhaust, the neon lights and the treeless landscape of Hwy 192. Located on the Kissimmee strip, Old Town offers classic rides like go-carts, a kiddie coaster, a Ferris wheel and a carousel, and is particularly fun for young children. There are car cruises Friday and Saturday, while Thursday is motorcycle night.
reviewed
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C
Islands of Adventure
Universal's Islands of Adventure is a favorite with coaster-lovers, and is divided into five 'islands': Marvel Super Hero Island, featuring The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man; the dino-happy Jurassic Park; the ersatz-mystical Lost Continent; and the kid-friendly Toon Lagoon and Seuss Landing.
reviewed
