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Central Florida's Classic Attractions Still Thrive Amid Tough Competition
Many great (and not-so-great!) Central Florida attractions have come and gone over the years such as Circus World, Boardwalk and Baseball, Jungleland Zoo, King Henry’s Feast, Mystery Fun House, Splendid China, Stars Hall of Fame, Terror on Church Street, The Guinness World Records Experience, Wings & Wheels Museum, Xanadu: Home of the Future, Skull Kingdom, Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede and Hard Rock Vault, among others.
However, a couple of classic attractions that were around well before Walt Disney World Resort celebrated its grand opening in 1971 have stood the test of time and continue to attract new generations of visitors. For example, Gatorland is a 110-acre wildlife preserve and theme park that first opened its doors as a roadside attraction in 1949. Gatorland features fascinating live shows such as the world-famous Gator Jumparoo and Jungle Crocs of the World, as well as reptile habitats, nature walk, boardwalk, aviary, petting zoo, train ride and much more. Known as “The Alligator Capital of the World,” Gatorland is located at 14501 South Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando and open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Another classic roadside attraction, Jungle Adventures, first opened in the 1960s as Gator Jungle. A 20-acre wildlife sanctuary, Jungle Adventures offers live wildlife shows, animal habitats, a Native American Village and jungle cruise. Open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Jungle Adventures lies approximately 17 miles East of Orlando in the town of Christmas at 26205 East State Road 50.
Near downtown Orlando lies another gem, the beautiful Harry P. Leu Gardens, which were donated to the City of Orlando in 1961. The Harry P. Leu Gardens boast Florida’s largest formal rose garden and the country’s largest collection of Camellias, as well as 50 acres of tropical plants and ancient oaks. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the restored 19th-century Leu home is now a museum. The Harry P. Leu Gardens at 1920 North Forest Avenue are open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily.
Citrus Tower, which first opened in July 1956, recently celebrated its 50 th anniversary. Visitors to the Citrus Tower are still welcome to ride an elevator 226 feet to an observation deck for spectacular views of the Clermont countryside (however, today you are more likely to see sprawling suburbs than citrus trees!). Open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, the Citrus Tower at 141 North Highway 27 also features a gift shop and Mexican eatery.
Glass-bottom boats have been cruising along Silver Springs near Ocala since the 1870s. In addition to its world-famous glass bottom boats, Silver Springs today features live shows, animal habitats, botanical gardens, attractions and rides. Billed as “ Florida’s Original Theme Park,” Silver Springs is located at 5656 Silver Spring Boulevard in Silver Springs and open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Another great day trip from Orlando is Cypress Gardens and Splash Island Water Park, which opened in 1936 as Florida’s first theme park. Cypress Gardens is located in Winter Haven, which lies about an hour Southwest of Orlando. In addition to amazing water-ski shows, Cypress Gardens features beautiful gardens and the Splash Island Water Park. Formerly known as Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, Cypress Gardens is set to reopen on Saturday, March 28, 2009. Cypress Gardens is located at 6000 Cypress Gardens Boulevard.
Each of these classic Central Florida attractions make the perfect day trip after you’ve already visited Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando. And if you are seeking spacious and affordable accommodations during your Central Florida vacation getaway, look no farther than Westgate Resorts. For more information about Westgate Resort properties, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.
| Magic Your Way Base Tickets |
Ages 10+ |
Ages 3-9 |
(tax included) |
| 1 Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket* |
$79.88 |
$67.10 |
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| 2 Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket* |
$158.69 |
$133.13 |
|
| 3 Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket* |
$225.78 |
$190.64 |
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| 4 Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket* |
$233.24 |
$195.96 |
|
| 5 Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket* |
$236.43 |
$199.16 |
|
| 6 Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket* |
$239.63 |
$202.35 |
|
| 7 Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket* |
$242.82 |
$205.55 |
|
| 10 Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket* |
$252.41 |
$215.13 |
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| *Walt Disney World tickets are ONLY available with a hotel room booking. |
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| The Latest from the Orlando Florida Vacations Blog |
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