Orlando Holidays

Anyone staying at a Disney resort or official Disney hotel need have no fears about getting around the Orlando magic kingdom. An unlimited, free transportation network with buses, monorails, ferries, and water taxis connecting all the parks and attractions before, during, and for a couple of hours after opening hours. The I-Ride Trolley operates exclusively in the busy International Drive resort area; the fare is $2 per ride, and various passes are available. Those wishing to take a break from the world of Disney and travel elsewhere are advised to hire a car, particularly during peak holiday seasons when buses are likely to be crowded. Mears Transportation runs a bus service covering all Orlando's surrounding attractions, even as far away as Busch Gardens in Tampa. There are also free shuttles linking some of the theme parks, including Busch Gardens in Tampa. Taxis queue for passengers in front of most of the resorts in the area; they can also be ordered by telephone. However, taxi fares tend to be high.

There is no shortage of shopping opportunities for travellers in Orlando and with a choice of luxury department stores, upscale boutiques, antique shops and farmers markets, shoppers will have a hard time deciding where to begin. Many hotels offer free shuttle services to major shopping destinations.

Start off at one of the largest single-storey malls in the United States, the Florida Mall, which features more than 250 stores including Macy's, Sears, JCPenney, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue as well as an outdoor shopping plaza where shoppers can enjoy all those sunny days. The Festival Bay Mall on International Drive is home to stores, a skate park, and a theatre. The Waterford Lakes Town Center is an open-air mall featuring large chain stores, small shops, restaurants, and even IMAXDigital. And the Mall at Millenia boasts designer names like Betsey Johnson, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton.

Antique junkies need look no further than Orlando's Antique Row on Orange Avenue, where a wide variety of collectables can be found. Bargain hunters should head over to Flea World in Sanford and Osceola Flea & Farmers Market in Kissimmee, where collectively more than 2,600 wholesale dealers can be found providing everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to old books, leather goods, jewellery, souvenirs, and beachwear.

Of course the main souvenirs in Orlando are anything Disney or NASA-related so be sure to pick up your caps and t-shirts from the gift shops before you leave.

Famed for one of the US's most popular attractions, Walt Disney World, Orlando boasts many other noteworthy attractions besides the iconic Magic Kingdom. Head a little further into this Floridian city to discover Universal Studios, its two theme parks, entertainment complex, and film sets.

Florida's second most popular attraction is the Kennedy Space Centre at the nearby Cape Canaveral. Visitors can walk through a giant model of the new International Space Station, view authentic rockets, and marvel at all the original artefacts from the moon landing.

The Orlando Museum of Art is a must for fans of fine arts, while adrenalin junkies should make a pilgrimage to the NASCAR Daytona Speedway. For something a little stranger, look no further than the Orlando Odditorium where exhibits of weird and wonderful things, amassed over a period of 40 years by explorer Robert Ripley, can be viewed.

Travellers planning on extensive sightseeing should consider buying a Go Orlando Card which grants free entrance to various attractions as well as providing a full-colour guide book with in three, five or seven day sightseeing options. Go Cards are available at the Official Visitor Centre or Festival Bay Mall.

Being the home of Mickey Mouse, it goes without saying that Orlando is one of the most popular holiday destinations for families travelling with kids. With plenty of sunshine and attractions as Sea World, Walt Disney World, and Universal Studios, Orlando is a children's playground and very often tops the list of places kids would most like to visit.

Universal Studios is great for older kids too, as there are plenty of thrilling blockbuster-themed rides to enjoy, as well as games and other interactive activities. The 'littlies' can enjoy Fieval's playground, Woody Woodpeckers Nuthouse Coaster, and a 'Day in the Park with Barney', a live stage production where younger children can sing along to their favourite songs. Kids will also love a visit to Gatorland, a theme park and wildlife preserve that is nicknamed 'the Alligator Capital of the World', where thousands of crocodiles and alligators can be viewed from a boardwalk suspended above the marshy swamps below.

Take the family to Water Mania or Wet 'n Wild to cool off in the hot Floridian sun, enjoy a historic and educational tour of the Kennedy Space Centre; spend the day hiking and picnicking in the Turkey Lake Park; check out what's happening round Lake Eola, or simply let the kids run around in the nearby playground while parents take a breather.

With all these options and more, kids will have a fabulous time on holiday in Orlando, but parents should note that during the spring and summer months the main tourist attractions and theme parks are heaving with visitors and a better time to visit Orlando may be during the slightly cooler months of autumn or winter.

Floridian food is a melting pot of flavours, spices, and sensations. The food of Orlando represents its cultural diversity, with restaurants serving old American classics as well as fusion cuisine with strong Caribbean and Spanish influences. From fast food to fine dining, Orlando has it all.

'Floribbean' cuisine incorporates flavours and styles from the neighbouring Caribbean islands, Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, and even the American Deep South. As a result, dining out in Orlando is an experience for the senses. Seafood is a staple, so be sure to sample signature dishes such as muscles in rum and butter sauce, fried gator bites, and roasted red snapper.

Head down International Drive to choose from some of the trendiest restaurants in town, or spend some time in Downtown Disney or Universal's CityWalk where more traditional cuisine is provided. With so many options, diners will be spoilt for choice when it comes to eating in Orlando.