By Paul Oswell
Orlando isn't just theme parks, there's a host of unusual attractions for inquisitive
holidaymakers...
Best for Reptile Lovers: Miami and Everglades tour
You couldn't get more contrasting than the two most famous landscapes in southern
Florida. This fab Florida
excursion brings you the bling of Miami's rich and famous, and the zing
of an upclose encounter with the Everglades' best known resident - the alligator.
From your hotel you'll be taken to the A-list environs of Miami's Bayside and
take a cruise ship around some of the most awe-inspiring local residences. From
here, it's on to the fascinating Everglades National Park, where the best of
the region's wildlife awaits, including birds, bears and of course, your friendly
neighbourhood 'gator. If you want to brave it, you can even have your photo
taken with one of the 'gators - all as part of a professional handling show,
of course. End the day with some snappy boutique shopping and an Art Deco tour,
back in trendy South
Beach.
Best for Water Babies: Swim with the Manatees
Manatees are among the most mysterious and loveable creatures in the water,
huge, strange-looking mammals also known as Sea Cows. The beautiful wetlands
around the Crystal
River region are where many of these amazing beasts live, and they are yours
to explore. Hop aboard your boat for a two-hour journey around this picturesque
region. The adventurous part comes as the crew dish out fins, masks and snorkels
- now you're fully equipped to go and find some manatees in their natural habitat!
After a picnic lunch, there's an educational programme at the Homosassa State
Wildlife Park, where manatee feeding time is also a spectacle.
Best for Space Cadets: Kennedy Space Center
Space travel remains the most adventurous and enthralling of human endeavours,
and a tour of The Kennedy Space Center is an unmissable chance to see behind
the scenes at the world's most famous space launch facility. You can look out
over real space shuttle launch pads and see the actual Saturn V Rocket. The
IMAX theatre brings space travel to life with a variety of films, where you
can see what it's like to moonwalk or be propelled into space. The Visitors'
Center also has the Astronaut Hall of Fame, and even the chance to meet one
of its members at the Astronaut Encounter Show. State-of-the-art multimedia
exhibits allow budding space travellers to walk on the moon, feel the G-force
of take-off, land the shuttle and be briefed on the latest news from NASA.
Best for Petrolheads: Daytona USA
If you're feeling the need for speed, then Florida boasts arguably the world's
most famous motor racing venue. An excursion to the Daytona
Race Track is a must for car lovers, and this legendary arena brings the thrill
of high-speed motor racing to life. First of all, you'll get to know the track
from ground level and from the viewing tower, after which a world of high-octane
delights awaits! Acceleration Alley gives you the chance to experience your
own race against all comers, or feel the rush of doing a pit-stop under pressure
in the 16-second Pit Stop Challenge. The Daytona 500 film at the IMAX Theatre
is as close as you can get to taking part in the actual race without being a
professional driver, and the day ends with speed across the water on an airboat
tour before heading back to your hotel.
Best for Fairytale Believers: Arabian Nights
Why not make dinner into a legendary experience? The mystical Palace of Horses
awaits, and is ready to transport visitors to an exotic place and time as they
become guests of the Arabian princess. Inside, a fabulous feast and a fantastical
horse show make for a night of spectacular celebrations, with acrobatics, chariot
races, and all manner of horseback heroics. The sound and light show conjures
up a magical atmosphere, and there are theatrics, stunts and even a slice of
drama when some uninvited guests threaten to spoil the party. After feasting
on food, drink and the amazing backdrop, it's time to head back to Orlando.
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Paul Oswell is a freelance travel journalist who regularly writes for The
Daily Mail, Travelmail.co.uk and Luxury Travel Magazine