If you mention Orlando, the image
that often comes up is "family destination." You'll
find theme parks, for sure. And Orlando has its share. Indeed,
it's the theme park capital of the world. But what has happened
since Walt Disney
World in 1971 opened here to begin bringing a sleepy Orange
grove hamlet into international prominence has been a subtle
transformation.
Years ago, the area's convention and visitor's
bureau began advertising the area's appeal to a wider audience.
Sure, there are hair-raising roller coasters for the kids,
but the area has also evolved into a Mecca for championship
golf courses. More than 150 of them, in fact, designed by
familiar names: Greg
Quick References
Orlando Hotels Online hotel reservations and reviews
Shopping Find out where to go shopping
Restaurants Where to go for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks
Attractions Info about the top tourist attractions
Orlando Tours Tours for individuals and groups
Norman, Robert Trent Jones
and Tom Watson, among many others. And the cheap and friendly
'mom and pop' hotels within easy driving distance of Disney
can still be found but they're not far from a Ritz-Carlton
or an upscale place to eat such as Victoria & Albert's,
which is a five-diamond restaurant. Visitors can still buy
t-shirts at popular International Drive on the doorstep of
Disney, but there's also many upscale shopping areas such
as suburban Winter
Park, which has its own version of "Rodeo Drive"
or Palm Beach's Worth Avenue. And even spa-goers are accommodated
these days. So while Orlando still has a strong appetite or
family travelers, the menu has gotten wider for just about
any type of other traveler as well.
Once a G-rated destination, Orlando today has something for
just about everyone. Simply put, it's a playground for adults
as well as children.
