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.
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.
2009-2010 Disney World Holiday Events
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
November 10 – December 18, 2009
Holidays Around the World
November 27 – December 30, 2009
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
November 10, 2009 – January 4, 2010
Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade
November 27, 2009 – January 3, 2010
New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World Resort
December 31, 2009
Walt Disney World Timeline The Walt Disney World Timeline at www.orlando-florida.net takes readers on a fascinating journey through Disney World history that includes Walt Disney’s first hastily arranged press conference in 1965 detailing his plans for the project, site preparation for Disney’s Magic Kingdom, the grand opening of Disney World in 1971, the original attractions at Disney’s Magic Kingdom and [...]
Top 10 Latest Additions at Disney World If you haven’t treated the family to Walt Disney World Resort during the past few years and visited its four world-class theme parks – Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom – check out all of the great new Disney attractions you’ve been missing:
1. Toy Story Midway Mania! – Disney’s Hollywood [...]
Universal’s Velvet Sessions to Host Twisted Sister The October Velvet Sessions at Universal Orlando Resort will feature Twisted Sister as they perform such hits as “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” “I Wanna Rock,” “The Price” and more. Velvet Sessions will take place at Hard Rock Hotel on Thursday, October 29, 2009. Cost is $40, which includes free specialty drinks, finger foods and [...]
