When Disney christened its Magic Kingdom theme park in 1971, Orlando was still a slow-lane Southern town. Beyond the budding tourist attraction, there wasn't much to its 'burbs except orange trees, palmetto stands, and cow patties.
But Uncle Walt and Mickey quickly changed that, blazing a pioneering trail that, during the last 34 years, has spawned a crush of over-development. Walt Disney World has grown into four major theme parks, two nighttime entertainment districts, 20 resorts and timeshare properties, nine partner hotels, two full-fledged water parks, and loads more. Those are Disney's ways of trying to keep your tourist dollars from straying to Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, or its other competitors.
No one pretends Mickey isn't the Big Cheese. At least initially, the Magic Kingdom and its offspring are what summon the masses. But all of that unrelenting cheerfulness, days of $2.50 sodas, and the solar-fried musk of sweaty patrons make it a small world, after all. Besides, you're cheating yourself if you don't spend some time away from Walt Disney's world. Enjoy the action-packed fun at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Universal's nightclub and restaurant district, CityWalk. But don't overlook some of the less frazzled things to do in O-Town. SeaWorld is a laid-back park where the crowds aren't so horrid, and Gatorland is a throwback tourist attraction where the admission won't bust your bank. Last, but not least, everyone should spend at least 1 night away from the parks altogether. So get thee around town to eat and enjoy some "alternative" nightlife -- not just the kind imagineered by Disney.
Booooooom Booooooom--You may find yourself occasionally awakened by window-rattling double booms. Don't worry; it's not part of the rumored American crime culture. It's the space shuttle landing at Kennedy Space Center. The twin sonic booms are produced as the shuttle reenters the atmosphere. The loud, thunderous sound can be heard from Cape Canaveral on the coast throughout the Orlando area and all the way to the Gulf Coast. When skies are clear, night launches are really spectacular to see. You can view a launch schedule at www.ksc.nasa.gov.
