What's new in Orlando?

Of course, the big three local attractions; Walt Disney World®, Universal Studios Florida® and Sea World® lead the way in popularity.

Walt Disney World® recently opened Epcot’s Mission: Space. The adventure will create an unforgettable launch sequence and interplanetary journey that rockets you into space. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park also announced plans to build Expedition EVEREST, a high-speed train adventure that will rise nearly 200 feet in the air. Scheduled to open in 2006, the ride will take guests careening through the glaciers, canyons and caverns of the snowy Himalayas. Disney MGM Studios® and The Magic Kingdom® of course are perennial favorites.

Universal Studios® recently opened the motion-based attraction, The Jimmy Neutron Adventure. Inspired by the animated hit show and movie, the attraction takes guests on a ride in Jimmy’s rocket ship and includes such popular children’s characters as the Rugrats and SpongeBob SquarePants. Universal Studios also recently added the attraction Shrek 4-D to its park. Based on the animated hit movie, the attraction immerses you in the world of Shrek, Donkey and friends.

SeaWorld Orlando® recently opened The Waterfront. This 5-acre dining, entertainment and shopping area resembles historic harbor towns of old and includes street entertainers as well as several restaurants and shops. SeaWorld Orlando will also be home to a new kids’ reality series appearing on NBC’s Discovery Kids. The 30-minute episodes will follow 13 to 15-year-old teenagers as they experience “Adventure Camp”. The campers will go behind-the-scenes at SeaWorld and then into the wild to rescue and release sea turtles and manatees.

If it’s shopping you want…Orlando has it.   With five major upscale department store openings this year, Orlando has become one of the fastest growing retail markets in the United States. Central Florida now boasts eight shopping malls to satisfy the shop-a-holic in you.