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 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.

Orlando Travel Guides
 Frommer's Orlando
 Lonely Planet Orlando
 Let's Go Orlando
 Fodors Orlando