DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Top 10 Orlando

Clockwise from top: Themed topiary at the Magic Kingdom Park, carvings on the Tree of Life at Disneys Animal Kingdom Park, Spaceship Earth at Epcot, view of Downtown Orlando, entrance to Seuss Landing at Universals Islands of Adventure, the Flight of Passage ride at Pandora The World of Avatar, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios Florida

While it may have started with a mouse, the Orlando experience has become increasingly diverse. Its expanded far beyond its thrilling theme parks, with attractions that include a sophisticated dining scene, luxurious lodgings, lively bars and nightclubs, and some of the most stunning parks and preserves in Florida. With Eyewitness Top 10 Orlando, its yours to explore.

Central Florida lays claim to six of the worlds top thrill-filled theme parks (Magic Kingdom Park is the most visited), along with a dizzying array of smaller distractions. Only here is it possible to save the world alongside Optimus Prime at Universal Studios Florida, narrowly escape from Gringotts Bank with a fire-breathing dragon on your heels at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, head out on a nighttime safari at Disneys Animal Kingdom, and immerse yourself in the cultures of 11 nations at Epcot all within the space of a week.

In contrast to this mass appeal, an emerging sophistication is now apparent, with a swath of luxury hotels and resorts moving in. Their lounges, spas, and award-winning restaurants are increasingly popular with more affluent park-goers. Away from the theme parks, the area also boasts some superb natural attractions, including Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge the second-largest reserve in Florida.

Whether youre visiting for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide brings together the best of everything the city has to offer, from thrill rides and water parks to five-star dining and manatee-spotting tours. The guide has useful tips throughout, from seeking out whats free to avoiding the crowds, plus five easy-to-follow itineraries, designed to tie together a clutch of sights in a short space of time. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps, and youve got the essential travel companion. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Orlando.

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Two Days in Orlando

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Day 1

Morning

Begin at the , strolling down Main Street U.S.A., and stopping for a photo in front of Cinderella Castle. Then blast your way through Buzz Lightyears Space Ranger Spin, and rocket through the cosmos on Space Mountain. Stop for lunch at Columbia Harbour House (Liberty Square, Magic Kingdom Park).

Afternoon

Continue counterclockwise around the park, taking a quick world tour aboard Its a Small World, before braving the Haunted Mansion and riding a runaway mine train at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Prepare to get soaked at Splash Mountain, and then go on to plunder and pillage on Pirates of the Caribbean. Join the Disney Princesses for a grand dinner surrounded by stone archways and stained-glass windows at . Younger guests should dress up for the occasion. Afterward, head back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Climb aboard a runaway mine train on the thrilling Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at the Magic Kingdom.

Day 2

Morning

Begin at .

Afternoon

Lunch at the Leaky Cauldron, and then spend some time exploring the shops on Diagon Alley. Ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts before returning to Universal Studios Florida. Finish the day with dinner at one of the many restaurants in CityWalk.

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Four Days in Orlando

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Day 1

Morning

Follow the morning section of Day 1 for the two-day itinerary.

Afternoon

After lunch, take your time with the smaller attractions, such as Mad Tea Party, Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, Peter Pans Flight, the Walt Disney World Railroad, and Hall of Presidents. Catch the 3pm parade, and any rides left on your must-see list, before exiting the park. Take the monorail to for dinner at Narcoossees, and end the day watching the sky light up with fireworks over the Magic Kingdom from the restaurants deck.

Fireworks light up the sky atHappily Ever After in the Magic Kingdom.

Day 2

Morning

Start the day at , riding Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock n Roller Coaster before the lines get too long. Check the show schedule, making sure to catch Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage and the Indiana JonesEpic Stunt Spectacular.

Afternoon

Have an early lunch at the Hollywood Brown Derby (see .

Day 3

Follow Day 2 of the two-day itinerary.

Day 4

Morning

Get an early start at , heading directly to Kilimanjaro Safaris when the animals are most visible. Walk the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, taking in all the details and enjoy the thrill ride, Avatar Flight of Passage at Pandora - The World of Avatar.

Afternoon

Ride Kali River Rapids and enjoy Expedition Everest after lunch, then catch a showing of the Festival of the Lion King or Finding Nemo The Musical. Afterward, take a ride on DINOSAUR, and then start making your way to . Grab dinner in one of the restaurants, and then indulge in some shopping at Town Center and Marketplace before heading back to your hotel.

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Top 10 Orlando Highlights

Exterior of Spaceship Earth at Epcot

TOP 10 ORLANDO HIGHLIGHTS

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