Bob Sehlinger - Beyond Disney: the unofficial guide to SeaWorld, Universal Orlando, & the best of Central Florida

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Please note that prices fluctuate over the course of time and that travel information changes under the impact of many factors that influence the travel industry. We therefore suggest that you write or call ahead for confirmation when making your travel plans. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information throughout this book, and the contents of this publication are believed to be correct at the time of printing. Nevertheless, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions, for changes in details given in this guide, or for the consequences of any reliance on the information provided by the same. Assessments of attractions and so forth are based upon the authors own experience; therefore, descriptions given in this guide necessarily contain an element of subjective opinion, which may not reflect the publishers opinion or dictate a readers own experience on another occasion. Readers are invited to write the publisher with ideas, comments, and suggestions for future editions.

Published by:

Keen Communications, LLC

2204 First Ave. S, Ste. 102

Birmingham, AL 35233

Copyright 2016 by Robert W. Sehlinger. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, except as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the publisher or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Dr., Danvers, MA 01923; 978-750-8400; fax 978-646-8600; or on the web at copyright.com. Requests to the publisher for permission should be addressed to Keen Communications, LLC, 2204 First Avenue S, Ste. 102, Birmingham, AL 35233, 205-322-0439, fax 205-326-1012.

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Cover design by Scott McGrew

Text design by Vertigo Design with updates by Annie Long

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ISBN: 978-1-62809-044-4; eISBN: 978-1-62809-045-1

Manufactured in the United States of America

CONTENTS

LIST OF MAPS

ABOUT the AUTHORS

BOB SEHLINGER is the author of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World and The Unofficial Guide to Las Vegas and is also the publisher of The Unofficial Guide series.

SETH KUBERSKY is the author of The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando, the coauthor of The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland, and a contributor to The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World and The Unofficial Guide to Las Vegas. A resident of Orlando since 1996, Seth is a former employee of Universal Orlandos entertainment department. He covers arts and attractions for the Orlando Weekly newspaper, Orlando Attractions Magazine, and other publications. You can find Seth online at sethkubersky.com or on Twitter @skubersky.

INTRODUCTION

THE AUTHORS AND RESEARCHERS of this guide specifically and categorically declare that they are and always have been totally independent. The material in this guide originated with the authors and has not been reviewed, edited, or in any way approved by the companies whose travel products are discussed. The purpose of this guide is to provide you with the information necessary to tour Central Florida with the greatest efficiency and economy and with the least hassle and stress. In this guide we represent and serve you, the consumer. If a restaurant serves bad food, or a gift item is overpriced, or a certain ride isnt worth the wait, we can say so, and in the process we hope to make your visit more fun, efficient, and economical.

IF YOU THINK THAT CENTRAL FLORIDA consists only of Walt Disney World, youre wrong. Whats more, youre passing up some great fun and amazing sights. Admittedly, its taken a while, but Walt Disney World now has plenty of competition that measures up toe to toe. And though it may sound blasphemous to suggest a whole vacation in Central Florida without setting foot on Disney property, its not only possible but also in many ways a fresh and appealing idea.

The big five non-Disney theme parks are Universal Studios Florida, Universals Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld, Legoland, and Busch Gardens. Each is unique. Universal Studios Florida, a longtime rival of Disneys Hollywood Studios, draws its inspiration from movies and television and is every bit the equal of the Disney movie-themed park. Universals Islands of Adventure is arguably the most modern, high-tech theme park in the United States, featuring an all-star lineup of thrill rides that makes it the best park in Florida for older kids and young-at-heart adults. For the under-11 crowd, nobody does it better than Legoland. If your primary mission is to delight your pre-tweens, Legoland is the place to go. SeaWorld provides an incomparable glimpse into the world of marine mammals and fish, served up in a way that (for the most part) eliminates those never-ending lines. Finally, Busch Gardens, with its shows, zoological exhibits, and knockout coasters, offers the most eclectic entertainment mix of any theme park we know. All five parks approximate, equal, or exceed the Disney standard without imitating Disney, successfully blending distinctive presentations and personalities into every attraction.