Orlando/Kissimmee Hotels

Apart from Disney World, other mammoth features include Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Sea World completing the adventure-filled holiday that awaits you in Orlando. For more recreational options, nearby Kissimmee has something in store for the whole family – resorts, golf courses, lakes, woods and wildlife. Its historic area gives you a slice of classic American country life, if you are lucky you might chance upon rodeos and cattle auctions being held. Of course, it also helps that the year-round sunny weather further encourages visitors to enjoy the great outdoors in Orlando and Kissimmee.

Attractions

Orlando’s Disney World is a daunting complex on its own. The four main parks are Epcot Center, Animal Kingdom, Disney-MGM Studios and Magic Kingdom. With its vastness, allow a day to explore each park as there are a myriad of rides, special shows, and hundreds of attractions. Special passes which are good for 4 to 10 days in a two-week validity make it more convenient for getting around.

Dolphin and sea lion shows draw crowds at Sea World. All sorts of aquatic creatures can be seen here, from those living in the Arctic to the warm-blooded tropical fishes. And you can also have close encounters with eels, barracudas and sharks through glass tunnels.

Universal Studios is your ticket to film-making at its finest. This is the extravagant back lot to most Hollywood classics such as Jaws, King Kong, Men In Black and Terminator 2. Movie will buffs will definitely get a kick out of walking or riding through popular film sets and see old costumes and other movie memorabilia on display.

At Islands of Adventure, on the other hand, brings you up close with thrill-chasing attractions such as walking among pre-historic dinosaurs in Jurassic Park and the River Adventure Ride which takes you plummeting down to an 85 feet waterfall!

For a quieter pace, staying in Kissimmee is a wonderful option to take, as it gives you convenient access to Orlando’s parks next door. The laid-back charm is a good plus but there are yet more amazing and nail-biting attractions found in this low-profile town.

If you haven’t worn yourself out in Sea World in Orlando, head to Water Mania for more spills and splashes in the fun rides and wave pools. Then get reacquainted with Florida’s alligators through a swamp walk in Gatorland which also features a petting zoo with the more friendly locals such as goats, lambs and other barnyard animals. You can also enjoy nature trails in the wilderness preserve maintained by Disney World and Nature Conservancy. Lastly, take a spin in one of the airboats and make your way through Boggy Creek wetlands to admire exotic birds and of course, more gators inhabiting the area.

Events

Every season sees a barrage of events in the Orlando/Kissimmee area, so expect year-round fun! These are just some of the memorable happenings to look forward to on your visit. In January, the Zora Neale Hurston Festival of Arts and Humanities is an event celebrating the African-American achievements in the arts.

For classic American music, there’s a big blue grass festival in March at Kissimmee’s Osceola Heritage Park. While Lakefront Park becomes the venue for jazz musicians during JazzFest Kissimmee in April. A Caribbean themed mardi gras gets Orlando kicking into party mode during Memorial Day with a grand parade. Around Springtime as well, anything goes during Florida Fringe Festival when all sorts of performances be it in dance, theatre or music are held in the ins and outs of Orlando (thus the festival is named as Fringes).

Halloween makes it a festive affair apart from all the trick-or-treating happening around the two cities. Watch out for annual events such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween at the Magic Kingdom and Shamu’s Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld.

During Christmas, Orlando/Kissimmee pulls out all tricks from its magic hat to spread some yuletide cheer. Join in the fun at Kissimmee Holiday Extravaganza and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade and Party at Magic Kingdom. And don’t forget the Orlando Citrus Parade, a spectacle which features orangey floats and marching bands which coincide with two major college football games.

Climate

• Winter (December to February) 11-23°C; temperate and dry with chilly nights
• Spring (March to May) 13-31°C; warm with lots of sunshine pouring in, April is the driest month
• Summer (June to August) 22-33°C; hot and extremely humid, with daily thunderstorms in the afternoon
• Fall (September to November) 22-26°C; tropical storms and hurricanes are common but it becomes pleasant in late fall