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In Orlando, it's all about the Mouse. There wasn't much of anything going on in central Florida until 1971, when Walt Disney World opened its doors and turned Orlando into one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world. In the footsteps of its mega-success, still more theme parks sprouted up all around - Epcot Center, SeaWorld, Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios, MGM Studios and more. Still, the city and surrounding areas have plenty to offer that isn't already Disney-fied, including museums and science exhibits (Kennedy Space Center is a short trip), terrific restaurants and world-class golf.

If you're staying within the Disney colossus, getting from place to place is easy on the free transportation system that connects the properties and runs continuously throughout the day. Outside Disney, the I-Ride Trolley ($1 one-way; $3 day pass) runs all along International Drive, hitting many of the prime resort areas, and the city bus system - LYNX ($1.50 one-way; $3.50 day pass) - offers extensive service.

Orlando International Airport is 15 miles north of the downtown area and 25 miles northeast of Disney World. It offers LYNX service to downtown and International Drive, while taxis can run $35 to downtown and $60 to Disney.

Work Seriously on Your Golf Game
The Arnold Palmer Golf Academy at Bay Hill Club - annual site of the PGA Tour's Bay Hill Invitational - offers programs ranging from a half-hour individual lesson and golf-swing analysis to a five-day intensive academy, with four hours of instruction each day on fundamentals, practice and strategy.

Get Up Close with Arena Football
The two-time Arena Bowl champion Orlando Predators, who share the TD Waterhouse Center with the NBA's Magic, have a surprisingly devout following in the area, often selling out games to fans eager to see their game of smashmouth football.

Sample Sports -Themed Restaurants
Among the many restaurants, bars and shops at Universal Studios CityWalk are NBA City and NASCAR Café. The food is nothing special, but die-hard hoops and racing fans will love the wealth of memorabilia and merchandise available at both places.

Test Your Own Sports Skills
Visitors to the sprawling field house and fitness center at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex can play football, basketball, hockey, lacrosse and much more. The facility also includes The Ballpark at Disney's Wide World of Sports, which serves as the spring training site for the Atlanta Braves.

Root for the Gator
The 110-acre Gatorland Zoo (the "Alligator Capital of the World") opened in 1949 and features an array of wildlife throughout its grounds, but the real draw is "Gator Wrestlin' Florida Cracker style," where wranglers try to get a 6-8 ft. gator in a sleeper hold.

Walt Disney World
World Dr. at W. Buena Vista Dr., Orlando, FL 32801
407-939-6244
The granddaddy of 'em all is still the king of Orlando attractions. Theme parks include the original Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom. Add in two water parks, multiple resorts, the Downtown Disney area, the Wide World of Sports complex, spas, golf courses... well, there's something for everyone.
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/index

Sea World
7007 Sea World Dr., Orlando, FL 32821
There's a reason so many Orlando visitors come here. The rides, the shows, the animals are captivating. You can touch the dolphins and get near enough to sharks to count their teeth. The rides are the equal of any you'll find in a water park. Dine on a patio while Shamu does his tricks in an adjoining pool or in an underground restaurant while sharks swim by in their aquarium home. SeaWorld is located 14 miles south of downtown Orlando. There is ample parking.
http://4adventure.com/seaworld/fla/default.aspx

Universal Orlando
1000 Universal Studios Plaza, Orlando, FL 32819
407-363-8000 or toll-free 877-801-9720
It's hard to beat this place for family fun - half studio tour (Universal Studios Florida), half amusement park (Islands of Adventure), it has something for everyone. Tour behind the scenes at a working studio. Then board the hair-raising, themed roller coaster rides. Universal Orlando is located nine miles southwest of downtown Orlando. There is ample parking.
http://www.universalorlando.com/index.html

Orlando Science Center
777 E. Princeton St., Orlando, FL 32803
407-514-2000 or toll-free 888-672-4386
The largest museum of its kind in the southeast invites visitors to tour Florida's swamplands, explore the plains of Mars and "tour" the human body. Don't miss the planetarium show. The museum is located three miles north of downtown Orlando. There is ample parking or take a taxi.
http://www.osc.org/

Wet 'n Wild
6200 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819
407-351-1500 or toll-free 800-992-9453
The nation's premier water park is located in this landlocked city. Bring your swimsuit. Every hair-raising roller coaster, waterfall or toboggan-type ride takes you through cascades of water. There's nothing like dropping down a chute and sending up a wave of water two stories high. The amusement park is located eight miles southwest of downtown Orlando. There is ample parking or take a taxi.
http://www.wetnwild.com/Orlando/Main/Main.asp

Harry P. Leu Gardens
1920 N. Forest Ave. Orlando, FL 32803, 407-246-2620
Amid the glitter and lights of Orlando is this 50-acre oasis of serenity. A series of paths wind through this botanical garden on the shores of Lake Rowena, along which bloom palms, moss-draped oaks and giant camphors. The gardens are home to more than 50 varieties of camellias, among the largest collections in the world. You'll pass azaleas, orchids and 75 types of roses - which you are advised to stop and smell. The gardens are located four miles northeast of downtown Orlando. There is ample parking or hail a cab.
http://www.leugardens.org/