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Although probably the theme park capital of the world, a vacation in Orlando, Florida does not mean these are the only attractions to keep visitors amused. Orlando also has markets, shows, art galleries, exhibitions, beautiful lakes and parks, all easily available for the visitor who wants something a little different. Everything a visitor could possibly want is here and the reason why people return year after year.

If you enjoy shopping then you will love Orlando, quite apart from the Orlando vacation resorts. Orlando has plenty of malls and stores like Outdoor World which is so large it contains a 17,000 gallon aquarium and you could spend all day there. Of course this article can only brush the surface of what you can see and do on an Orlando vacation but there is so much more than just theme parks that it would be a shame not to mention them.

If you are an animal lover then you must visit the Central Florida Zoological Park in Sanford which was opened to the public in 1975 and houses a collection of over 400 hundred animals. Even though it is privately owned, it is run by a charitable group with the intention of providing classes for children and protecting species that are only found in Florida and other world wide exotic animals.

For anyone that appreciates the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany then a large collection of his works is exhibited the Museum of American Art, where it has been housed since the early 1940’s. The collection is the most comprehensive anywhere with Tiffany jewelry, art glass, ornaments, pottery, paintings and leaded glass.

Orlando is certainly a city for all age groups and not solely designed for the amusement of children as family and adult attractions are in equal numbers. For the young at heart, a vacation in Orlando aims to please with extensive evening venues including music and dance at Disney’s incredible Pleasure Island and Universals version, City walk, to name just a couple of places.

Another great place to visit about twenty minutes drive from Orlando Airport is The Orlando Science Center, originating back to 1955; it is a huge complex with over two hundred thousand square feet of exhibition space spanning ten halls. If your preference is in railways then the International Trolley and Train Museum on International drive will be a pleasant surprise with 14 trains running continuously and three waterfalls in a space of about 4,000 square feet.

On International Drive there is the Mercado Center which is the home to the wonderfully moving, sad and at times eerie Titanic exhibition which actually displays a number of original items from the great ship. Of course if you prefer something more relaxing then you should visit Lake Eola Park, situated in the heart of downtown; this is the city’s main attraction with 43 acres of beautiful sidewalks and a boating lake.

Now you couldn’t possibly vacation in Orlando without a trip to the numerous theme parks including Disney World, Universal Studios and of course not to forget the fantastic Seaworld. Orlando vacations have everything so you won’t be short of things to do. In fact you may need a week off to recover in a resort that never shuts and has good weather all year round.

Tags: Travel Tips

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