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Orlando is home to some of the largest theme parks in the world. Orlando features first-rate entertainment complexes with state-of-the-art movie theaters, performing arts centers, parks and gardens, and a world-class international airport. But it is perhaps Orlando's year-round warm weather that is the city's biggest attraction for tourists and future residents.

The city lies at the heart of the "Sunshine State," centrally located within a three county area consisting of nearly 3,000 square miles. It is situated approximately 150 miles from the Florida/Georgia border to the north, 50 miles from the Atlantic Coast to the east, 75 miles from the Gulf Coast to the west, and 370 miles from the

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Weather

Orlando offers mild weather all year long with an average annual temperature of 72.4 degrees and an annual rainfall averaging just over 50 inches, keeping Central Florida lush and green throughout the year.

Current Weather

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Attractions

Cirque du Soleil (1478 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista; 407-939-7328; www.cirquedusoleil.com), located at the Walt Disney World Resort, performs La Nouba, a live theatrical experience highlighted by feats of physical daring and acrobatics, mystical scenery and a live musical score. La Nouba is performed twice nightly, five days a week. Ticket prices vary according to seating.

Orlando Science Center (777 E. Princeton St.; 407-514-2000; www.osc.org), features interactive exhibits and a domed theater and planetarium with themed light shows amidst an eight-story CineDome screen.

Titanic - The Experience (7324 International Dr.; 407-248-1166; www.titanictheexperience.com) is the world's first permanent Titanic exhibit. Technological re-creations of the ship's environment and interactive live interpretations combine with historic collections and artifacts allowing visitors a life-like glimpse into the original drama.

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Family Fun

Orlando is home to Disney's four uniquely themed parks - Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom, as well as two water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, each providing all-ages fun in a world of Disney-created magic, and feature special packages and promotions to suit every taste (http://disneyworld.disney.go.com).

The Universal Orlando Resort is home to Universal Studios (1000 Universal Studios Plaza; 407-363-8000; www.usf.com), which is catching up to Disney with the number of attractions it offers, including movie-themed rides, stage performances and behind-the-scenes studio tours. Universal's Islands of Adventure features five islands of thrill rides and roller coasters, shows, shops, and restaurants. CityWalk is a 30-acre complex of restaurants, clubs, state-of-the-art cinemas, and live entertainment venues inspired by some of pop culture's most legendary innovators. Special ticket deals and vacation packages are available in a variety of combinations.

An Orlando trademark for over 30 years, SeaWorld Orlando (7007 SeaWorld Dr.; 407-363-2200; www.seaworld.com) lets guests experience the world of aquatic life in the water and on land through a number of shows, live exhibits and family activities. Witness Antarctic adventure in the "Penguin Encounter" or come face-to-face with a friendly dolphin or shark; journey to Atlantis on Orlando's only floorless roller coaster or bring the kids to "Shamu's Happy Harbour" playground. Annual park passes can be purchased in advance through the SeaWorld website with group rates and travel packages available.

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Cultural Arts

Enjoy collections of American, African and ancient American art and outstanding traveling exhibitions in a picturesque park setting at the Orlando Museum of Art (2416 North Mills Ave.; 407-896-4231; www.omart.org). The museum, one of Florida's cultural gems and most popular tourist destinations, is open Tuesday through Friday 10-4 pm and Noon to 4 pm on weekends.

The Orlando Ballet (1111 North Orange Ave.; 407-426-1733; www.orlandoballet.org), is one of the oldest and most renowned dance companies in the Southern United States. The 30-year-old organization performs through their annual season from October through April at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre and features 24 national and international dancers under the artistic direction of internationally renowned ballet star Fernando Bujones.

Theatre Downtown (2113 North Orange Ave.; 407-841-0083) was founded as an alternative venue to produce innovative plays. Theatre Downtown has staged hundreds of shows from classics to cutting-edge including "The Grapes of Wrath" and "Death of a Salesman," many of which have been favorably compared to productions in New York, Chicago and London (www.theatredowntown.net).

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Sports/Recreation

Orlando's consistently pleasant weather provides for plenty of outdoor recreation, including sailing, fishing and especially golfing - on more than 150 courses. Golfers can test their skills on signature holes designed by Watson, Palmer, Nicklaus, and other golf legends that will put even the most experienced players to the test.

ChampionsGate Golf Resort (1400 Masters Blvd., ChampionsGate; 407-787-4653; www.championsgategolf.com) features two signature Greg Norman designed 18-hole championship courses and is the new home of the David Leadbetter Golf Academy. ChampionsGate is regarded as one of the top courses in the country and is located 15 minutes from the Disney attractions.

Mystic Dunes Golf Club (7850 Shadow Tree Ln., Kissimmee; 407-787-5678; www.mysticdunesgolf.com) offers two sets of nine-hole challenges that mimic the look and feel of the Carolinas-like wetlands and the British Isles links-style courses. Holes 15-18 have been labeled "four of the best finishing holes anywhere" by Golf & Leisure magazine.

For more information on golf packages call (866) 246-1449 or visit www.golforlandoinfo.com.

For fishing, 300 lakes, springs and rivers offer relaxing recreation in the greater Orlando area. Anglers who prefer the saltwater can cast their lines from piers, shore or deep-sea fishing boats. Incentive Fishing Charters (445 Pine Tree Dr., Melbourne; 321-676-1948) provides some of the area's best sport fishing and offers private charters for one to six people.

For a more active adventure you can burn rubber behind the wheel of a stock car at the Walt Disney World Speedway for the Richard Petty Driving Experience (3450 North World Dr., Lake Buena Vista; 407-939-0130; www.1800bepetty.com).

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Accommodations

Offering a full range of lodging options within minutes of area attractions, and featuring over 114,000 hotel rooms from the bare essentials to deluxe resorts, charming villas or pool-sized spas, everything's possible in Orlando.

For some options at Disney:

The Pop Century Resort (1050 Century Dr., Lake Buena Vista; 407-939-6244) is geared for the value-conscious visitor. The resort theme celebrates the fashions, catch phrases, toys, and dances from decades past. Visit www.disney.com for more information or call (407) 938-4000.

Disney's BoardWalk Inn (2101 N. Epcot Resorts Blvd., Lake Buena Vista; 407-939-6244) is a deluxe resort and features a whimsical waterfront setting steeped in nostalgia and charm.

The Disney Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (4401 Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista; 407-939-6244) is Disney's flagship resort with a classic Victorian theme.

For some options at Universal Orlando:

European elegance combines with Old World charm at Universal's Portofino Bay Hotel (5601 Universal Blvd.; 407-503-1000; www.universalorlando.com). Universal's premier luxury hotel re-creates the seaside village of Portofino, Italy, including cobblestone streets and outdoor cafes.

Universal's Hard Rock Hotel is a AAA-rated Four Diamond Award winning hotel that combines luxury with lively music themes (5800 Universal Blvd.; 407-503-2000; www.universalorlando.com).

Universal's Royal Pacific Resort is set in an exotic tropical paradise amidst swaying palm trees and lagoon style pool (6300 Hollywood Way, 407-503-3000; www.universalorlando.com).

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites (5905 S. Kirkman Rd.; 407-351-3333; www.hiuniversal.com) offers superior accommodations and amenities, but its biggest features are the location, just across the street from the Universal Orlando Resort, and reasonable rates.

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Shopping

With more than 52-million square feet of retail space, Orlando sports an eclectic mix of department stores, boutiques, outlet malls, farmers markets, and themed shopping villages.

Central Florida features nine shopping malls. The Mall at Millenia (4200 Conroy Rd.; 407-363-3555) is a 1.2-million-square-foot shopping experience housing more than 150 stores, anchored by such big names as Bloomingdale's and Macy's, and high-end retailers like Tiffany, Burberry and Cartier.

In Downtown Orlando lies Thornton Park with more boutiques and specialty shops, and Antique Row is on Orange Ave.

Pointe Orlando (9101 International Dr.; 407-248-2838; www.pointeorlando.com) is a 450,000-square-foot multilevel complex that features shops, restaurants, bars, and attractions including theater and nightclubs.

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Nightlife

At night, guests can club hop at Downtown Disney (www.downtowndisney.com), a combined shopping, dining and entertainment complex with a big city feel in the heart of Walt Disney World.

Downtown Disney West Side features sophisticated dining, an AMC Theatre complex and nightly entertainment at places like Planet Hollywood and the House of Blues.

Not far off is the Wall Street Plaza (407-849-0471), an open-air area consisting of eight bars and restaurants lining a brick-paved pedestrian street in the heart of downtown designed for strolls, street parties and live concerts.

Universal City Walk (1000 Universal Studios Plaza; www.universalorlando.com) offers fine dining, live music, shopping, dancing, cinemas, and more. Visitors can rock the night away at the world's largest Hard Rock Cafe, heat up the dance floor at The Groove, grab a tall cool one at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, or for big-screen buffs, there's a 20-screen theater complex.

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Travel Info

The Official Orlando Visitors Center (8723 International Dr., Suite 101; 407-363-5872; www.orlandoinfo.com/visitorcenter) will assist with information on hotels, attractions and restaurants. Visitors can purchase discount attraction tickets and pick up a free Orlando Magicard.

The Orlando Magicard allows vacationers to save up to $500 at area attractions, including accommodations, restaurants and dinner theaters, shopping malls and ground transportation. Order by calling (800) 551-0181 or visiting www.orlandoinfo.com.

The Orlando FlexTicket provides scheduling flexibility and value for visiting Orlando's popular attractions. FlexTickets come in five- and six-park denominations and provide unlimited access to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld Orlando, and more, for 14 consecutive days starting with the first day of use. Ticket prices are subject to change. Visit www.orlandoticketsales.com or call (877) 460-6849.

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Links

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