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LAKE EOLA PARK
Perfect for a quick getaway from the adrenaline-high crowd, Lake Eola Park (512 East Washington Street) offers tranquility in nature. Take a leisure stroll along the lake’s walking paths as swan boats and real-life swans grace by.
In Lake Eola sits the Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain, more commonly referred to as ‘Centennial Fountain’ and ‘Lake Eola Fountain’. This unofficial icon of Orlando city was built in 1957, and named after its creator. Every night at approximately 8pm, the fountain comes to life in a synchronised water and musical light show. Entertain the little ones with concerts and plays at the Walt Disney Amphitheatre
and playgrounds. Pick up seasonal fresh produce, admire handmade crafts and enjoy live entertainment at The Orlando Farmers Market, every Sunday, from 10am to 4pm. Visit www.orlandofarmersmarket.com for updates on upcoming events.
ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART
Founded in 1924, Orlando Museum of Art (www.omart.org) has been the heart of Florida’s art scene for close to 90 years. The museum is committed to the collection and preservation of great works, exhibiting art pieces of a wide variety from around the globe.
From budding artists to art enthusiasts, grown-ups to the little ones — Orlando Museum of Art offers a wide variety of creative activities to inspire and engage diverse individuals. Unlimited gallery tours, world-class enrichment programmes,
art camps, lectures and studio classes
are available throughout the year. The museum is open daily except on Mondays
and major holidays. Tuesdays to Fridays, 10am to 4pm. Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 4pm. Admission prices: Children and college students at AU$4.70/NZ$5, adults at AU$9.35/NZ$10.
WELLS’ BUILT MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE
The museum is an ode to Orlando’s African American heritage, located in the heart of Orlando’s historic Parramore district (511 West South Street). Originally known as Wells’ Built Hotel, the 1929 building served its purpose of hosting African American performers during the Segregation era. It took on its new identity as a museum only in June 2009. Exhibits include the African American community’s memorabilia, artifacts from local collectors, and galleries on the Civil Rights movement in Orlando. The building was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on the 4th of February, year 2000.
BASILICA OF THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF MARY, QUEEN OF THE UNIVERSE
With the opening of Walt Disney World Resort and many other attractions in the 1970s, the Basilica of the National Shrine
of Mary was built at 8300 Vineland Avenue (maryqueenoftheuniverse.org) to service its booming Catholic tourists.
This humble yet majestic Latin Rite basilica has a 2000-seat church, Rosary Garden, Mother & Child Outdoor Chapel, Blessed Sacrament Chapel and the Museum of Christian Art. It is now a tourist attraction of Orlando. Welcoming visitors
from all lands, the shrine of Virgin Mary holds choir performances, guest lectures, exhibitions and cultural activities for people of every age group.
CHURCH STREET STATION
The historic Church Street Station was constructed in 1889 by South Florida Railroad. Also known as Old Orlando Railway Depot, it has served several railroads in
its heyday until passenger services were transferred to Orlando Health/Amtrak station in 1926. Located at the heart of Church Street District (127 West Church Street), the station was gradually transformed into an epicentre of restaurants, cafes and retail shops. The opening of the bustling sports and entertainment hub Amway Center (www.amwaycenter.com) breathed new life into Church Street. More hip locals and tourists congregate at the station’s bars for nights of revelry to be had.
ORLANDO EYE
One of the latest attractions creating buzz
in Orlando is the Orlando Eye. As the tallest structure on South International Drive, Orlando Eye offers a refreshing way to experience the city. The 30-capsule wheel literally brings your perspective of Orlando’s beauty to new heights as the biggest observatory wheel on the east coast of the USA. Aptly nicknamed ‘The City Beautiful’, Orlando viewed from above takes your breath away with its gorgeous skyline of theme parks, lakes and landscapes. Ticket prices start as low as AU$18.70/NZ$20 for general admission, to AU$92.70/NZ$99 for a combination of Orlando’s top 4 attractions.
ENDLESS VACATION 7
Bonus Orlando’s Landmark Feature:
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Dreams come true at Walt Disney World, the world’s biggest and most loved theme park destination. While this amusement park is not exactly within the city of Orlando, its proximity of 34 kilometres to downtown Orlando has it crowned as an iconic landmark of Orlando.
Bustling with squeals of delight and laughter, Walt Disney World is a gigantic magical land with 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, 4 golf course, 1 nine-hole walking golf course, 2 themed miniature golf course, a shopping district, and a generous sprinkle of other entertainment hotspots. Magic Kingdom is the first of Walt Disney theme parks, and no doubt the most popular of all.
With endless exciting rides and attractions, animals, world-class shopping and dining experiences to offer, Walt Disney World creates unforgettable moments for friends and family alike. All theme parks open daily at 9am, with a range of ticket packages to select from. Visit disneyworld.disney.go.com/tickets for more details.