USA » Florida Reviews Write review

Viewing 2 unique review(s) - Sort by: Author | Date | Rating | Title


 AVERAGE RATING Average Rating
Millions of pleasure-seekers can't be wrong! Florida is North America's favourite holiday destination and draws hordes of tourists all year round. The reason for the state's popularity as a vacation station is its sunny climate and situation. Consisting of a peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean from the southeastern corner of the United States, Florida's uneven coastline is indented with estuaries, bays, inlets, lagoons and rivers, creating ideal enclaves for the location of holiday resorts. Right in the south the peninsula ends in an arc of islands resting on coral reefs, known as the Florida Keys, today joined and accessed via a highway ending in Key West, the southernmost point of the United States.

After World War II, tourism development took off at a great pace, not to enhance its natural attractions, but in the form of building man-made ones. The central part of the state, particularly around Tampa and Orlando, has since become a theme park paradise for thrill seekers. Enticing venues offer everything from water slides to rollicking roller coasters, and themed animal habitats attract thousands to the accompanying resort hotels on the huge sites of Disney World, Sea World, Busch Gardens and other major resort operators.

The state's biggest city, Miami, echoes the vibrancy of the rest of this holiday Mecca, with its soft white sandy beaches vying for attention with the city's numerous attractions and colourful neighbourhoods. Its famous Art Deco district and Latin American quarter are constantly thronged with visitors, many of them passengers from the hundreds of cruise ships that come and go in the bustling port. Within easy access from Miami are the Everglades, a marshy grass plain resonating with wildlife and filled with alligators.

Aptly named the 'Sunshine State', Florida can offer anything anyone seeks in a holiday, whether it be fine wining and dining, learning about space exploration, discovering endangered wildlife, riding a roller coaster or bronzing on one of its famous beaches.
Shop til you Drop User rated 4/5
Reviewed by Roger on 1-5-2008 (Crewe)
Orlando is one of those destinations where you can shop till you drop. You can visit the Belk Outlet which houses 200 top brand outlets however you have to allocate a whole day, to be able to visit all the top shops. Check out the Nike Store, buy fragrances in one of the fragrance outlets or visit one of the other shops. Located next to International Drive, the outlet is close to all major attractions and most hotels within Orlando.

As of dining Orlando offers lots of restaurants around International Drive and Kirkman.

If you are in Orlando don't miss to visit at least one of the Theme Parks the city has to offer. Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, Epcot Center, just to name a few. We spent 4 days in Orlando which was just about enough time but when we next book it is sure to be for 7-10 days
Was this helpful? YES - NO
49% of users found this review helpful.
Aquatica User rated 3/5
Reviewed by Diane on 7-7-2008 (UK)
Aquatica is the latest water park to open in Orlando Florida. It is located directly adjacent to SeaWorld. We were a part of a larger group who decided to visit the park during an annual Disney World trip.
As far as water parks go, this one does not measure up to others in the area. There are not many rides and the water slides sometimes have long lines where the wait is longer than the actual ride. There is a large wave pool surrounded by a small man-made beach. The beach is very comfortable, with a multitude of beach chairs and umbrellas. Cabanas are available to rent, however the bathrooms are large and have showers. In addition, there is a locker rental facility per personal items, so we didn’t see the need for the cabana.
Our favorite attraction was the water rapids. This is similar to a lazy river, however the current is very strong and everyone enjoyed it. Even small children will enjoy this and life vests are available for those who want them. Other attractions include a slide where you zip through a dolphin pool, however you cannot really see the dolphins since you are traveling too fast. This one was a bit disappointing for the kids. There is a also a wet playground area which the adults enjoyed more than the kids. A variety of slides, water guns and massaging jets provided relaxation as well an entertainment. A lazy river, and several other water slides complete the park.
The selection of food is ample. For a fixed price of $19.95 you can enjoy unlimited entries into a buffet area where many items are available. You can choose between the standard burgers, hotdogs, barbequed chicken, a variety of salads and breads, mac and cheese, baked beans, corn on the cob, and several yummy desserts. This price allows you to come and go as you please into the dining area and includes free pepsi products throughout the park. Othe dining option prices are available and the kid’s prices vary with age. We saw a couple of sit down style restaurants, but did not eat there.
Parking runs between 10-12 dollars. Entrance fees vary, as several programs are available. You can purchase combo tickets for Seaworld and Busch Gardens as well. If you book online you can purchase tickets and avoid the lines.
In retrospect we all had a good time at the park. If you decide to visit, go with a friend as many of the rides can seat two or three people. It will also provide for a better park experience.
Was this helpful? YES - NO
48% of users found this review helpful.

GOT AN OPINION? REVIEW!

Return to USA Reviews