Wednesday, November 18, 2009

The Other Places You Can Go When In Orlando

By Chris Linch

Are you thinking about taking in holiday in Orlando or the surrounding area? Attracted, perhaps, by the increasing number of cheap flights to Orlando? You probably have in mind the well-known, household name attractions such as Walt Disney World, Universal or SeaWorld. Yet the area has far more to offer than these, a fact not always appreciated by visitors from overseas. Here, I will tell you about 5 of the less well-known attractions in the are around Orlando.

Opened in'49, Gatorland is a freshwater alternative to the more well-known SeaWorld. Thousands of alligators and crocodiles live in this theme park and reserve which includes a breeding marsh. For those who want to get to know these toothy species at close range, Gatorland is the ideal destination, offering wrestling shows and educational facilities.

Would you like to do visit a theme park that is totally unique? Consider the Holy Land Experience, a theme park and museum aiming to completely immerse you in biblical times. Careful reconstructions of ancient streets and lifelike re-enactments of key bibical scened add to the experience. Many people will find a visit to this theme park an educational, enjoyable and deeply moving day although some may feel that it is an attempt to cash in on religion for profit.

In'21 Edward Bok founded Bok Tower Gardens as a bird sanctuary and today the site is a popular attraction for those who love nature. containing a botanical gardens and a historic tower. The site (near Lake Wales) is home to over one hundred species of birds and much other wildlife. The historic marble Singing Tower contains a set of carillon bells which fill the garden with music daily.

If you are a comedy fan on vacation on Orlando then make sure you visit the SAK Comedy Lab in central Orlando, famous for improvisational comedy and theatre. Watch two teams improvising against each other in the long running "Duel of Fools" show or catch up with one of the seasonal shows throughout the year. Past productions include "Fourplay: The Improvised Musical" - a humorous Broadway send up and game shows.

If you are on holiday in the US, you mustn't miss that truly American tourist tradition, the medieval re-enactment. Found throughout the US, Medieval Times is a mock up of a traditional medieval castle. After you are seated in a corner of this dinner theatre you will be invited to through your support behind a knight. Whilst you eat your "royal" banquet, the knights battle through sword fights and jousting and you root for your chosen knight.

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