When in Florida the one thing you must do is visit the family attactions. Theme parks, water parks, tropical gardens and historic sites can be found all over Florida. A family day out seeing sites and attractions can include interactive games and tours, swimming and snorkeling at a variety of water parks and for the thrill seeker the theme parks offer an array of white knuckle rides.

Animal Kingdom

This parks centerpiece is The Tree of Life, rising 14 stories into the sky with its leafy canopy spreading over 100 feet. . This man-made tree tells the story of all of the animals and all living things. Carved into the tree's bark is a tapestry of animals, from the lion to flamingo. The tree of life is surrounded by pools, meadows and exotic plants with tortoises, otters, flamingos and other exotic animals throughout. This in itself could take a whole day to explore...then you enter the doorway in the trees trunk and enjoy the thrills of the 3D film 'a bugs life' its scary, its funny...you'll love it.

In the park you find gardens galore, with an array of exotic plants and winding pathways. The thick vegetation is home to a wonderful selection of wildlife including sloths, deer, birds of all kinds and reptiles. There are no vendors here trying to sell you souvenirs and the stores are kept to a minimum, so as not to ruin the conservation theme.

Carvings at the park were hand carved by artisans from Bali and Zulu tribesmen thatched the roofs on the huts in the African village. Africa is where he animals roam free...if you plan your trip in advance make sure to leave time for the Kilimanjaro Safari. This wildlife reserve is alongside a coastal village with a bustling marketplace & Swahili architecture. You start the safari at the baobab tree and climb aboard a canopied safari 4x4 for a trek across the savanna filled with lions, elephants, antelope, rhinos, hippopotamus, zebra, warthogs, giraffes and other wildlife. The story unfolds when the vehicle narrowly escapes a fall from the rickety bridge you are crossing and you hear a tale of poachers killing elephants for their ivory. This ride covers 2 miles of winding dirt road through a beautiful savanna, beyond natural barriers (not obvious to visitors) are the animals.

There are over 200 species of animal at Animal Kingdom from deer to gorilla's. This man-made sanctuary gives you information, stories and a passion for conservation!
Location: 1-4 to exit 25B at US Highway 192;right on World Drive and follow the signs.

Magic Kingdom

As you enter the gates onto Main Street at Magic Kingdom, USA. Mickey Mouse, Donald, Goofy and the rest of the Disney character gang arrive at the Main Street station aboard the Walt Disney World Railroad minutes before the Magic Kingdom opens, greeting early-arriving guests to a theme park full of characters, Main St is a collection of shops, cinemas and themed attractions from days long gone...

Consisting of 6 worlds with the magnificent Cinderella's Castle as the centrepiece this is probably the most magical and memorable of the Disney's 3 parks. Fantasyland was Walt's idea for the heart of The Magic Kingdom. There are no thrill rides as such in Fantasyland, which is dominated by the castle and Cinderella's Golden Carousel, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Peter Pan's Flight ride, The Legend of The Lion King show, and the charming It's a Small World cruise. The Castle Forecourt Stage in front of Cinderella's Castle is home to regular stage shows presented throughout the day. Mickey's Toontown Fair is specifically for the youngsters and is home to Mickey Mouse & friends. Mickey's House is a museum to his long career.

There are 2 daily parades, 1 earlly evening and 1 in the afternoon. You will find your favourite Disney characters at Magic Kingdom including Mickey, Donald, Goofey, Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee & Pluto. They happily while away the day exciting the children and posing for photographs. Character meals are also available at select diners in the park. If you are not too interested in the parade this is a good time to visit the rides as the lines are much shorter.

This is the place of childhood dreams. Sprinkle a little pixie dust, add a pinch of imagination and its the place where dreams do come true! Your vacation isn't complete until you have visited Disney's Magic Kingdom
Location: Exit 26B at State Road 536; follow the signs.

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