Attractions in Orlando

Aquatica -- SeaWorld's Waterpark opened in March 2008. The one-of-a-kind park will include up-close animal experiences, high-speed thrills and wide, sandy beaches. Aquatica is the first new water park to open in Orlando in 12 years. It features 36 water slides; six rivers and lagoons and more than 80,000 square feet (7,432 square meters) of beach area. Guests are immersed with live animals in the park, including Commerson's dolphins, brilliant macaws and colorful fish.

Busch Gardens Africa unveiled an exotic jungle area in the theme park, called Jungala. The four-acre (1.6-hectare) attraction area is be located in the existing Congo area and includes tiger, orangutan and gibbon habitats mixed with dense landscaping. Two signature rides have been added including a zip line experience with three different flight patterns, and a ride launching guests above a towering waterfall. A three-story family climbing area letting visitors explore different layers of jungle life and a children's water-play area has also been constructed. Two new restaurants, Bengal Bistro and Orang Café, opened in the themed area.

SeaWorld Orlando announced the next generation of SeaWorld thrills with Manta -- a new mega-attraction which will seamlessly transition guests from the awe of encountering rays in underwater flight into the sensation of actually being one. Swooping over sea and sky, Manta will inspire riders with amazing underwater animal habitats, then soar them face-down, in a horizontal position, aboard a manta-inspired flying coaster. Manta opens summer 2009.

Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Studios Florida unveiled a new ride based on FOX's blockbuster hit series, The Simpsons. Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson -- stars of TV's longest running series -- ride along with guests in the new attraction, which takes them on a hysterical, almost unimaginable adventure.

Walt Disney World
Disney-MGM Studios theme park has been renamed Disney's Hollywood Studios. The new name, which reflects how the park has grown from representing the golden age of movies to a celebration of the new entertainment that today's Hollywood has to offer, debuted in Jan., 2008. The park will unveil the following attractions throughout the year:

Toy Story Mania! involves an interactive "Toy Story" competition inspired by the film. 3-D glasses put guests in the middle of the action as they board vehicles and zip into a world of exciting midway-style games hosted by their favorite characters. The ride opened in summer 2008.

"Block Party Bash" encourages guests to play, party and dance at the new interactive Disney parade, which opened in March, 2008.

"Playhouse Disney -- Live on Stage!" introduces a whole new cast of friends engaging children in singing, clapping and dancing. The new show opened in Feb., 2008.

At "The American Idol Experience," guests will experience the challenge of auditioning, the rush of performing and the thrill of judging performances live on an interactive set. Guest performers with the highest votes will win a guaranteed reservation for future "American Idol" auditions. The attraction is slated to open in Jan., 2009.

Breakfast with Mickey. Share a smile with Mickey Mouse and his friends at a Walt Disney World^® character breakfast.

Journey to Atlantis at SeaWorld^® Orlando. Brave twists, turns and watery falls of mythical proportions as you explore the mysterious lost city of Atlantis aboard this thrilling water coaster ride at SeaWorld Orlando.

Dinner for Two at Hemingway's. It's just the two of you, enjoying a sumptuous and romantic meal in an authentic Key West setting at Hemingway's.

Find the Perfect Gift. Discover the perfect item for a loved one, something you know they'll treasure forever, and buy it for a song at an area outlet mall.

Finally Relaxing. Let all your cares melt away while getting a massage at the Mandara Spa at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel.

Discover a New Favorite. Feel yourself unwind as you dance the night away to your favorite song, and find a few new ones at upscale lounge Blue Martini.

Lose Yourself on the Green. Play 18 holes at Eagle Creek Golf Club, and finally lose your handicap.

Get Cultured at the Orlando Ballet. Buy a ticket, take a seat and let yourself be transported from the grace of Swan Lake to the romance of fair Verona at the Orlando Ballet.

Get Animated at Universal Studios Florida^®. Brace yourself for a wild ride with Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson, stars of TV's longest running series, The Simpson's at Universal Studios Florida.

Reconnect with the Ones You Love. After a long day of activities, sit down for a much-needed family meal prepared in the comfort and convenience of an elegant vacation home.

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art features the most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany in the world. The museum is open to the public at no charge on certain holidays and on Friday's from 4 - 8 p.m. For more information, visit morsemuseum.org or call 407-645-5311.

CityArts Factory is home to four separate and unique art galleries, bringing together visual and performing arts in the heart of downtown Orlando. The venue also houses a classroom, an artist's studio and an 8,000-square-foot (2,438-square-meter) event and performance space. For more information, visit cityartsfactory.com or call 407-648-7060.

Grand Bohemian Gallery, located in downtown Orlando's upscale Grand Bohemian Hotel, showcases a wide array of artwork from local contemporary art glass and jewelry to European paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries and sculptures. For more information, visit grandbohemiangallery.com or call 407-581-4801.

Millenia Fine Art offers the largest collection of museum-quality paintings and sculptures in the Southeast. Collections include basket work, photography, lenticulars and glasswork. For more information, visit milleniafineart.com or call 407-304-8100.

Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts provides a place where the public can view the works of artists from African decent and celebrates the life and works of the famous Florida novelist for which the museum was named. For more information, visit zoranealehurstonfestival.com or call 407-647-3307.