Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Fun Facts
By the Numbers
Orlando's theme parks, though seeing increasing attendance levels, are still
affected by the recent downturn in the economy. Though predictions state
that levels will continue to rise over the next few years, they will likely do so
at a much slower pace. Parks, however, continue to entice visitors to return
and to stay longer by offering special deals and adding wild and wonderfully
new attractions. Here are the 2008 attendance estimates (and their national
rankings) for all of the major Orlando parks according to TEA Inc., and Eco-
nomic Research Associates:
• No. 1: Magic Kingdom, 17 million
• No. 3: Epcot, 10.9 million
• No. 4: Disney's Hollywood Studios, 9.6 million
• No. 5: Disney's Animal Kingdom, 9.5 million
• No. 6: Universal Studios Florida, 6.2 million
• No. 7: Sea World Orlando, 5.9 million
• No. 8: Islands of Adventure, 5.3 million
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Beyond the fast-paced excitement, glitz, and glitter of Orlando's theme parks, you'll
find Central Florida's more natural side, with hidden treasures just waiting to be discov-
ered. More than 300 lakes, springs, and rivers are waiting to be explored and enjoyed.
There are numerous parks and gardens, many with trails for walking and hiking, and the
area's wildlife sanctuaries and zoos showcase Florida's animal inhabitants. The number of
recreational opportunities—picnics in parks, boating along waterways, fishing, biking,
and hiking, to name a few—is almost limitless. And Orlando's rich history and culture
come to life through its many museums, galleries, and theaters.
Where to go, what to do, when to do it . . . with so many decisions to make, you may
very well find your head spinning. Because of the vast quantity of offerings, a vacation to
Orlando necessitates a reasonable amount of planning, not to mention budgeting. The
sheer number of attractions and available activities requires that you narrow down your
choices to fit both your schedule and your budget properly. Entrance fees can be daunt-
ing (a 1-day ticket to one of the major parks averages around $75 for adults and $63 for
kids 3-9), and when you add in the costs of dining, accommodations, and souvenirs,
sticker shock at the high price tag is not out of the question. A typical family of four
could easily end up spending several hundred dollars a day! Some parks have begun offer-
ing deals to bring down the average daily price of your ticket if you buy multiday passes,
but don't give them too much credit—the parks are wagering they'll generate additional
revenue with all of the money you'll spend on extra hotel nights and meals. But even if
you do have deep pockets, Orlando offers so much to experience that to take it all in
properly would require far more time than the average vacation would allow. I doubt if
even two or three vacations could do the trick.
That's exactly why this topic was written: to make available to you the most up-to-date
and detailed information on what Orlando has to offer. A mix of options that takes into
account every budget and taste is included in each chapter so you can make the most
informed decisions possible. With this topic, you'll have the tools to plan ahead and
