Two of the most attractive sets at Universal Studios are the streets of Hollywood Boulevard and Rodeo Drive. While ignoring actual geography, these sets pay tribute to Hollywood’s golden age from the 1920s to the 50s. The famous Mocambo nightclub, the luxurious Beverly Wilshire Hotel, the top beauty salon, Max Factor, and the movie palace, Pantages Theater, are just some notable examples of the wonderful re-creations lining these streets.
In terms of scale and creativity, the world’s most popular marine life adventure park is a match for any of Orlando’s other theme parks. Opened in 1973, the park is home to thrilling rides as well as beautifully choreographed and flawlessly executed shows, including Believe and Blue Horizons.
Located just across the road from its big sister, SeaWorld, Discovery Cove is an enticing tropical paradise with beaches, reefs, and lagoons. Although the entry price is high enough to make all but lottery winners blink, the park’s relaxing and tranquil setting offers some exceptional and unforgettable experiences, the highlight of which is a 30-minute opportunity to swim with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.
The meticulously designed habitats at SeaWorld offer a rare look at marine creatures, such as dolphins, penguins, and sharks, as they would be in their natural settings. Key West at SeaWorld One of the park’s most visited animal attractions, Key West at SeaWorld is a tropical paradise featuring animals of the Florida Keys.
This land appeals mainly to younger children. Here, Mickey’s and Minnie’s houses await, with the opportunity to be photographed with Mickey himself. Both houses are walk-through attractions but Mickey’s is actually a queuing area for the Judge’s Tent where you can meet Mickey Mouse “in the flesh.”
1 DAY ITINERARY
Set in a Hollywood-inspired Wild West, this Land abounds with raised walkways and trading posts. The Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade is reminiscent of both the Wild West and of country fairs gone by. The Country Bear Jamboree, on the other hand, provides a completely animatronic musical animal show, much liked by youngsters, and a welcome respite on a hot summer’s day.
Dominated by the soaring spires of Cinderella’s Castle, this Land forms the core of the Magic Kingdom. The delightfully designed attractions inspire feelings of amazement and enchantment in even the most cynical.
Lush foliage, evocative drumbeats, and Colonial buildings combine to conjure up vivid images of Africa and the Caribbean. Reached via a wooden bridge from the central hub, Adventureland is an exciting and entertaining fusion of the exotic and the tropical.
The temples, churches, town halls, and castles of these 11 pavilions or “countries” are sometimes replicas of genuine buildings, sometimes merely in vernacular style. But World Showcase is much more than just a series of architectural set pieces. Every pavilion is staffed by people from the country it represents, selling high-quality local products as well as surprisingly good ethnic cuisine.
