PatricksVilla.com


Attractions in and around Orlando

 

With the world's greatest theme parks and nearly 2,000 km of sun-drenched coastline,
Florida has something to dazzle the whole family.

 

Orlando - Where Holiday Dreams Come True


If you’re tired of just dreaming about the perfect holiday, then it is time to awaken in Orlando for the best holiday you and your family have ever had!
Enjoying the world’s most famous theme parks, swimming with dolphins, flying a jet, skydiving, cowboy ranching, diving with sharks, watching polar bears and paragliding are just a few of the dream-fulfilling activities you can experience on your Orlando holiday.

With 95 exciting attractions, 4,500 restaurants and 150 golf courses, Orlando is the holiday destination of choice for close to 5 million visitors each year.

And, yes, there really is a thriving city beyond the theme parks. Downtown Orlando is a study in contrasts. By day, it is the heart of the city’s commercial core where modern high-rises share the skyline with historic, Victorian buildings. By night, downtown takes on a youthful exuberance marked by trendy nightclubs and upscale restaurants. The Downtown Arts District is also the anchor of the “Cultural Corridor," boasting a number of theatres, galleries and performing arts venues.

If you have been to Orlando before, come relive your dream and experience the many new attractions offered at the theme parks. Or plan your trip around the many other exciting options that will make it a completely new experience just as memorable as your last Orlando holiday.

 

 

Below are links to some of our favorite places to visit in Florida.

There are too many to put them all here as you'll discover when you visit.
Some of the sites will let you purchase tickets online,  to save you the hassle of having to queue when you get there.

 

Click on any of the pictures below to go directly to the respective website.

 

 

 

Walt Disney World
is sure to be high on your list of places to see !

  • Disney's Magic Kingdom
    Enchanting entertainment, classic attractions, beloved Disney Characters and spectacular parades and fireworks in a place where fairytale dreams can come true.
    Watch your child's eyes light up as Mickey and Minnie dance beneath the fireworks at Disney's Magic Kingdom.

  • Epcot
    Attractions and entertainment dedicated to technological innovation and the culture and cuisine of 11 nations
    .

  • Disney's Animal Kingdom
    The world's largest animal-themed park full of attractions, adventure and fantastic animals.

  • Disney's Hollywood Studios
    Shows, attractions and tours offering behind-the-scenes glimpses of Hollywood-style action.

  • Downtown Disney
    Downtown Disney area features more than 70 shopping, entertainment and dining choices.

    Divided into 3 sections—Downtown Disney West Side, Downtown Disney Marketplace and Pleasure Island—Downtown Disney area is an ever-changing destination committed to keeping the experiences exciting and new.

 

 

At SeaWorld Adventure Park in Orlando come face to face with sharks, get splashed by dolphins, then dangle from Orlando's only floorless roller coaster (This is reputed to be the longest, fastest ride of them all, in open sided carriages, 7 upside down loops, (3 of them underground). And let's not forget Shamu the world famous killer whale.

   

The Kennedy Space Center is "out of this world."

If you check the launch schedules you may find one taking place during your holiday, even if it means getting up early you won't regret it!

In case you just can't manage to watch a live shuttle launch at the KSC, why not stay at home and watch it in High Definition in our 42" LCD TV. Immediately after the launch you can always go outside to the pool and watch the shuttle climb.

 


Volcano Bay

When you need some respite from the hot Florida sunshine, where else do you head, but your very own pool or one of the waterparks.

The picture -link on the left will take you to Universal's Volcano Bay park, the two on the right will take you to the Disney Waterparks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.

AND there are a lot more to explore.

Typhoon Lagoon                Blizzard Beach

 

AQUATICA, Seaworlds Waterpark

Introducing Aquatica - a whimsical, one of a kind waterpark that's only in Orlando and could only come from Seaworld. Where one river floats you through an undersea world of colorful fish and another races you into rolling rapids.

Slides that spin and soak you, and our incredible signature ride - two awesome , enclosed tube slides that send you speeding through a lively lagoon filled with playful Commerson's dolphins.

Delight in the serene-to-extreme waters in the gigantic double wave pools and soak in the sun (or the cooling shade) on the white sand beach. Aquatica is where the fun is endless as the sea itself.

Plenty of wide, sand beaches, refreshing lagoons and cool shade from towering oaks and exotic trees create the ultimate water park for guest comfort. Personal cabanas dot the shoreline for those who desire a private retreat. The entire park is designed to limit wait times and provide easy access to rides, attractions and even restaurants. Those who don’t want to leave the comfort of their lounge chair can even enjoy beachside waiter service. All of this allows more time for carefree family fun.

Aquatica will be the natural complement to a full day’s adventure at SeaWorld Orlando, and create a trio of SeaWorld parks in Central Florida that collectively provide experiences found nowhere else in the world.

"In a destination famous for immersing families in fun, the SeaWorld parks offer the ultimate in family togetherness, connecting guests to the sea -- and with each other -- in three immersive, interactive, but very different, ways," said Joe Couceiro, corporate vice president of marketing.

 

Universal Studios:

A cluster of three attractions, all in one place.

Both Universal Studios parks - Universal Studios Florida and Island of Adventure - have rides and shows themed around movies. They bring together the most unforgettable encounters of all time and challenges you to "live the adventure".

Universal City Walk, an outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment area, is also home to the Hard Rock Cafe, a popular concert venue.

Enter two lands of groundbreaking thrills and magical fun in Universal’s Islands of Adventure™ and Universal Studios Florida™. Step inside the story on the streets of Diagon Alley™ where hidden dangers lurk far beneath Gringotts™ bank. Travel to the village of Hogsmeade™ and into Hogwarts™ castle for a spellbinding journey through the skies.

Come experience the wizarding world of Harry Potter like never before, joining Hagrid™ to fly far beyond the grounds of Hogwarts™ castle, deep into the wild of the Forbidden Forest, to discover rare magical creatures on an all-new thrilling roller coaster adventure.

 

Busch Gardens, Tampa

Busch Gardens has one of the best collections of roller coasters in the USA, as well as a prairie of exotic animals. And, of course, beer samples (Anheuser Busch / Budweiser !!!).

 

Discovery Cove is where you can immerse yourself in adventures everywhere you turn and forget about your cares for the day.

All you need to focus on is interacting with dolphins, birds, fish and rays in an all-inclusive setting. Attendance is limited to 1,000 guests per day at this reservations-only adventure, setting it apart from the other Orlando attractions.

Experience both power and playfulness during your personal swim with a bottlenose dolphin. It's the centerpiece of your visit, but that’s just the beginning.

Feel a unique mix of both calm and captivation as you snorkel among thousands of rays and exotic fish, and explore the splendor of coral reefs and grottos. Then, enter a series of free-flight aviaries where you can touch, feed and interact with hundreds of colorful tropical birds.

You deserve to be in Discovery Cove.

 

And for beach lovers, we are only minutes from Interstate 4 which can whisk you to the white sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico at St. Petersburg and Clearwater, or just as easily speed you to the East Coast, Kennedy Space Centre and Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach.

 

Harry Potter Theme Park

The park resides on 20 acres inside the Universal Studios theme park/studios and includes reproductions of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the main street of the village of Hogsmeade and the Hogwarts Express train.

 

 

Central Florida's Polk County

 

Central Florida's Polk County  is one of the most beautiful, versatile and popular vacation destinations in the world. This is the land of unmatched natural beauty and old Florida charm. All within minutes of the theme park thrills of nearby Orlando and Tampa and the glorious sands of either coast.

With ever-present sunny skies and an average annual temperature of 72 degrees, Polk County is the perfect vacation setting for people of all ages and interests.

The rich natural setting with more than 550 freshwater lakes makes it an ideal spot for fishermen, water-skiers, bicyclists, hikers, bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. Those seeking more civilized environs find  quaint downtowns, sprinkled with period architecture, a romantic retreat and shopper's delight.

Use the
Polk County website to learn more about where to boat, fish, bike, camp, bird watch, hike, shop, dine and more. We promise to point you to places of sunshine, daydreams and lasting memories.
This is an excellent website for all things in and around PatricksVilla.

 

                      

 


Thinking about renting an American Dream?

Harley-Davidson Authorised Rentals offers you the ultimate riding adventure and unsurpassed quality and service.

 

 

Theme Parks and TICKETS

Excellent Rates for Orlando Attraction Tickets

 

www.keithprowsetickets.com

 
Lonely Planet is famous for their travel tips. 
Click on the logo and you will be re-directed to their Orlando page.
Very worth looking at.

 

CAR RENTAL

 

 

Disclaimer:
We have used some of the companies shown on this page and were happy with the service they provided.
However we do not accept responsibility if the service from any of the suppliers does not match your expectations.
Some of the companies shown have never been used nor recommended, but might be of some help in gaining information.

 

If you have any comments or experiences about these sites listed please e-mail us

 

CURRENCY EXCHANGE

Collect your money at the Airport after checking in.

 

We personally recommend the following

Restaurants in or around Orlando

 

An authentic Brazilian Churrascaria (steak house) that combines
the cuisine of Southern Brazil with the generous spirit of Texas.

This is not a place for vegetarians

 

Very good Tex/Mex food combined with a nice atmosphere and friendly staff.
If anybody in your party celebrates his/her birthday on the day,
let your waiter know and watch out for a surprise.

 

Southern Dunes Golf and Country Club

Polk County

 

PatricksVilla

Where you are more than just a guest

 

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