ORLANDO BY SAFFET EMRE TONGUÇ

ORLANDO

Welcome to the capital of amusement parks and shows of all kinds. Here, not only people but even animals have built their lives on having fun and entertaining. Millions of people come to Orlando every year and leave billions of dollars of money. Not only amusement parks but also shopping centres, restaurants and bars take their share of the money.

STARS OF THE CITY

Disney World

As soon as you step through the gate of this park, the work of Walt Disney's magnificent imagination, you will feel like you are in a completely different world and you will leave the real world behind you. Opened in 1971, the park is also one of the city's most important sources of income. It is not possible to feel like a stranger in Disney World, which also offers accommodation to its guests, because at any moment you can be asked to dance by Mickey Mouse or Snow White can suddenly sit at your table and start a conversation with you. Enchanted castles and technological marvellous toys bring different eras together. There are four parks within Disney World such as Magic Kingdom, EPCOT Centre where you will take a journey to the world of the future, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom that takes you on a safari and you need to pay separate entrance fees or buy a combined ticket.

Universal Studios

Another place that will allow you to completely disconnect from the real world. It is recommended for those who want to see how famous Hollywood films are shot, to be afraid of King Kong, to be attacked by Jaws. Islands of Adventure is also located within Universal Studios. There are five different islands, each with different shows and events. Recommended for those who want to add unforgettable hours to their lives.

Sea World

One of the world's most famous marine zoos, which welcomed more than 5 million people last year, aims to introduce life in the seas more closely, in short, both entertainment, adventure and learning are intertwined. The shows performed by fish and marine mammals leave you mesmerised and a little bit embarrassed. There are also cafes, restaurants and shops that will allow you to spend the whole day in the park.

Old Town

This is the area of the city with entertainment venues, restaurants and bars, and a variety of shops. By visiting www.old-town.com, you can choose the event and plan your night especially.

Splendid China : You can wander among the miniatures of many artefacts that have become the symbol of China such as Chinese houses, the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City and become a close witness of thousands of years of glorious Chinese history. Make Suzhou Gardens, where you can find shopping, eating and drinking and entertainment venues together, one of your stops.

Those who enjoy boat tours on about 100 lakes connected to each other by canals should definitely visit www.scenicboattour.com (407-644-4056).

SHOPPING

For those who want to shop while you are here, life here is difficult, because you will have to choose between dozens of varieties, shops and shopping centres. In fact, don't forget that amusement parks such as Disney World or Universal Studios also function as shopping centres. The city's best-known malls include Altamonte Mall, Fashion Square Mall and Mall at Millenia. On the other hand, you should also keep in mind the more budget-friendly Orlando Premium Outlets, where factory outlet stores are located.

MUSEUMS

Morse Museum of American Art : You can also see the works of Louis Comfort Tiffany in the museum where examples of 19th and 20th century American art are exhibited.

Orlando Museum of Art (Orlando Museum of Art) : The museum, where examples of modern American art as well as ancient art are exhibited, is known for embracing new and different works.

Orlando Science Museum (Orlando Science Centre)

From dinosaurs to the world of the future, the museum provides a very wide travelling area.

ART

If you like classical music and performing arts, I recommend you to check the programmes of Central Florida Ballet, Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Centre and Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, which Orlandoans are proud of.

TRANSPORT

There is a very good public transport network in Orlando, you can reach almost everywhere by bus without any problem. However, some bus services are cancelled after a certain hour. Another option for travelling around the city is taxis. But remember that Orlando is a city located on a long motorway and the distances are not short at all. Another method that can be recommended for those who want to visit many places in a short time is to rent a car or join city tours. You can ask for help from your hotel reception on both issues.