Orlando Florida HotelsOrlando VacationsOrlando FloridaOrlando Florida BlogEn Español (beta)Home
 
(800) 210-3464
Orlando Theme Parks
Walt Disney World tickets Magic Kingdom ticketsDisney's Hollywood Studios ticketsEpcot ticketsAnimal Kingdom tickets Blizzard Beach tickets Typhoon Lagoon tickets Universal Studios tickets Islands of Adventure ticketsSea World ticketsBusch Gardens tickets
Walt Disney World Universal Studios Florida Sea World Aquatica
Orlando Are Travel Guide
Orlando AttractionsOrlando Day TripsOrlando NightclubsOrlando GolfOrlando AreaSeasonal EventsOrlando Restaurant Guide Orlando ConventionsOrlando Travel TipsFlorida Vacations Orlando Shopping & Malls Orlando VideosDisney World videos Bookmark this page
Orlando Florida > Orlando Press Releases & Travel Articles

Calendar Icon
Calendar Icon

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.

Disney World Tickets

More Info
Magic Your Way Base Tickets Ages 10+  Ages 3-9 (tax included)
1 Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket* $79.88 $67.10 Buy tickets
2 Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket* $158.69 $133.13 Buy tickets
3 Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket* $225.78 $190.64 Buy tickets
4 Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket* $233.24 $195.96 Buy tickets
5 Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket* $236.43 $199.16 Buy tickets
6 Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket* $239.63 $202.35 Buy tickets
7 Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket* $242.82 $205.55 Buy tickets
10 Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket*  $252.41 $215.13 Buy tickets
*Walt Disney World tickets are ONLY available with a hotel room booking.


The Latest from the Orlando Florida Vacations Blog
  • Orlando Florida Blog
    Orlando Vacations Blog. News, Views, Deals and more...

    • Top 10 SeaWorld Orlando Attractions
      1. Manta Swooping over sea and sky, Manta inspires riders with incredible underwater animal habitats, then soars them face-down, in a horizontal position, aboard a manta-inspired flying coaster. 2. Kraken An exhilarating roller coaster, Kraken speeds up to 65 miles per hour and reaches a height of 151 as it loops its way ...
    • Cirque du Soleil – Inside La Nouba
    • Don’t Miss New Year’s Eve at Disney World!
      Walt Disney World Resort will host a fantastic lineup of fun-filled activities to help bring in the New Year 2010! Mark your calendar for the following Disney World events: Bay Lake & Seven Seas Lagoon The Electrical Water Pagaent (9 PM; plays to Magic Kingdom entrance area at 10:25 PM) Disney’s Animal Kingdom Mickey’s ...
    • Haunted Mansion Videos
      Haunted Mansion at Disney's Magic Kingdom Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Haunted Mansion at Tokyo Disneyland Phantom Manor at Disneyland Paris Haunted Mansion: The Making of a Masterpiece Grim Grinning Ghosts Leota Madame Leota Tombstone Haunted Mansion History, Part 1 Haunted Mansion, Part 2 Haunted Mansion Commercial Thurl Ravenscroft Interview
    • Celebrity Narrators Announced for Epcot Holiday Event
      Celebrity narrators have been announced for the Epcot Candlelight Processional, which will take place November 27 through December 30, 2009. The Candlelight Processional, which includes a mass choir and 50-piece live orchestra, will take place at America Gardens Theatre nightly at 5 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:15 PM. Celebrity Narrator Schedule November ...
    • Newest Disney World Restaurants
      Contempo Cafe - Disney's Contemporary Resort Kouzzina by Cat Cora - Disney's Boardwalk Paradiso 37 - Downtown Disney Area T-Rex Cafe - Downtown Disney Area The Wave For more information about Disney World restaurants, visit www.orlando-florida.net.
    hoteles en Orlando | Disney World height restrictions | Things To Do Orlando
    sitemap | Orlando press releases | Orlando Travel Articles
    Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa | Westgate Resorts

    Copyright ©2009, Orlando-Florida.net. As to Disney artwork, logos and properties: ©Disney.
    As to Universal artwork, logos and properties: ©Universal. As to SeaWorld artwork, logos and properties: ©SeaWorld. (Orlando Florida 32801, 32819)

    This advertising material is being used for the purpose of soliciting sales of a vacation ownership plan.


    Terms & Conditions
     
    Florida residents Offer