Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
31
centers (slightly farther from the tourist
district) can be found by looking in the
local yellow pages. A free pickup service
( & 407/938-0650 ) for those in need of
transportation to one of their facilities is
available, as is in-room care for minor
injuries and ailments ( & 407/238-2000 ).
Another good source for medical care in
the Orlando area is the Medical Con-
cierge, a division of the EastCoast Medical
Network ( & 407/648-5252 ), with board-
certified physicians available 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week for good old-fashioned
house calls in the comfort of your hotel
room. They also provide same-day emer-
gency dental appointments as well as
medical equipment rentals. Insurance
receipts, insurance billing, and foreign-
language interpretation are provided.
Keep in mind that if you do require
medical assistance while traveling, it is
always best to contact your hometown
physician (or pediatrician) as well as your
insurance provider as quickly as is possible,
preferably before you actually seek outside
medical attention to ensure that you are
fully aware of what procedures are covered,
what ones are not, and what your financial
responsibility will likely be (as many now
require some type of preapproval for out-of-
town services, or they may not cover any or
all of the expenses incurred).
I list additional emergency numbers
under “Fast Facts,” p. 386.
6 SAFETY
Just because Minnie, Mickey, Donald, and
Goofy all live here doesn't mean that a few
seedy characters aren't lurking about as
well. Even in the most magical place on
earth, you shouldn't let your guard down;
Orlando has a crime rate that's comparable
to that of other large U.S. cities. Stay alert
and remain aware of your surroundings.
It's best to keep your valuables in a safe.
Most hotels today are equipped with in-
room safes or offer the use of a safety-
deposit box at the front desk, just for that
purpose. Keep a close eye on your valu-
ables when you're in public places—res-
taurants, theaters, and even airport
terminals. Renting a locker at the theme
parks is always preferable to leaving your
valuables in the trunk of your car. Be cau-
tious, even when in the parks, and avoid
carrying large amounts of cash in a back-
pack or fanny pack, which could be easily
accessed while you're standing in line for a
ride or show. And don't leave valuables
unattended under a stroller—that's pretty
much asking for them to be stolen.
If you're renting a car while in Orlando,
carefully read the safety instructions that
the rental company provides. Never stop
for any reason in a suspicious, poorly lit,
or unpopulated area, and remember that
children should never ride in the front seat
of a car equipped with air bags.
2
7 SPECIALIZED TRAVEL RESOURCES
GAY & LESBIAN
TRAVELERS
Orlando is a Southern town, but the
entertainment industry and the theme
parks have helped in the building of a
strong gay and lesbian community. Same-
sex dancing won't draw any unwelcome
In addition to the destination-specific
resources listed below, please visit From-
mers.com for additional specialized travel
resources.
 
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