Orlando/Central Florida Area

Amis du Monde: An international festival of art and culture every weekend! Over 100 fine artists and crafters on site with original oils, watercolor paintings, photography and more. Great family fun. Free admission. 5767 Major Boulevard, adjacent to the Mystery Fun House, Orlando.

Central Florida Zoological Park: Native and exotic animals, as well as weekend feeding demonstrations. Admission is $7, adult; half price on Thursdays from 9 a.m.-10 a.m.; $4, seniors (60+); $3, child (3-12). Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Credit cards: MC V. 3755 N. U.S. Hwy. 17-92, Sanford, (407) 323-4450.

Church Street Station: Restaurant, shopping and nightclub complex. Admission price includes shows at Rosie O'Grady's, the Cheyenne Saloon and the Orchid Garden, along with other bars. Admission to other areas, including shops and restaurants, is free. Show admission is $17.95, adult; $11.95, child (4-12); $14.95, AARP members (55+). Hours are 11 a.m.-1 a.m., Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-2 a.m., Friday and Saturday. Credit cards: AE MC V. 129 W. Church St., Orlando, (407) 422-2434.

Cirque du Soleil: A blend of circus art and theatrics with exotic costuming, intricate lighting and original sets and music. Housed in a state-of-the-art theater. Featuring "La Nouba." See Features page for more information.Admission is $62 (plus tax) for adults, $38 (plus tax) for ages 3-9. Shows are Thursday-Mondays, 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.Credit cards: AE MC V. Downtown Disney West Side, Lake Buena Vista, (407) 939-7600.

Disney's Animal Kingdom: 500-acre natural park, consisting of more than 1,000 animals, many of which roam freely. Highlights include Africa, Safari Village, DinoLand U.S.A. and live shows. Admission is $44.52, adult; $36.04, child (3-9). Hours vary. Credit cards: AE MC V. Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, (407) 824-4321.

Disney Quest: Five-story, 105,000-square-foot entertainment center featuring high-tech, interactive games and adventures. Activities are divided into five distinct "zones." Daily admission is $25, adult; $20, child. Hours are 10:30 a.m.-midnight, daily. Credit cards: AE MC V. Downtown Disney West Side, Lake Buena Vista, (407) 828-4600.

Florida Audubon Society's Center for Birds of Prey: Lakeside aviary that houses 20 species of non-releasable eagles, hawks and owls. Also offers a look at other Florida wildlife, and the environment education center shows visitors ways to help injured birds and prevent further injury. Suggested donation for admission and guided tour is $5, adult; $4, children (7-12). Center hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday. Credit cards: MC V. 1101 Audubon Way, Maitland, (407) 644-0190.

Florida Splendid China: 76-acre theme park featuring more than 60 exhibits, actual and miniature size, including the Great Wall, Leshan Buddha, the Forbidden City and the Stone Forest. Also, Chinatown with entertainment. Admission is $28.88, adult; and $18.18, child (5-12); 10 percent off, seniors (55+)/AARP. Park hours are 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m, daily. Show times for Mysterious Kingdom of the Orient is 6-7:25 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday. Credit cards: AE MC V. 3000 Splendid China Blvd., Kissimmee, (407) 397-8860.

Gatorland: 50-acre park featuring reptiles, birds and other animals. Three exciting and educational shows daily. Admission is $16.93, adult; 20 percent off, seniors (55+); $9.95; $7.48, children (3-12). Park hours are 9 a.m.-dusk daily. The first show begins at 9:30 a.m. Credit cards: AE MC V. 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, (407) 855-5496.

Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens: 50 acres of botanical collections, as well as the Leu House Museum. Museum tours for 10-15 people on the hour and half hour. Admission, including tour of the Leu House Museum, is $4, adult; $1, child (K-12). Free admission Mondays, 9 a.m.-noon. Garden hours are 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday. Leu House Museum hours are 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., daily, with tours every half hour. Credit cards: MC V. 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, (407) 246-2620.

Jungle Adventure: Jungle cruise through an alligator-infested swamp. Feed native exotic animals. Four daily wildlife shows. Admission is $11.50, adult; $9.50, senior (60+) and child (3-11). Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Credit cards: AE DS MC V. 26205 State Road 50, Christmas, (407) 568-2885.

JungleLand Zoo: Home of "Nala," the world-famous lioness and hundreds of rare and exotic animals. Includes large selections of big cats, as well as orangutans and birds. Three shows daily. Admission is $11.95, adult; $6.95, child (3-11); $9.95, seniors (55+). Park hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. year round. Credit cards: MC V. 4580 W. Hwy. 192, Kissimmee, (407) 396-1012.

Mount Dora Village: Mount Dora's quiet elegance, reminiscent of a bygone era, offers the Florida visitor a delightful change of pace. The beautiful historic district, shops, tasteful accommodations and water sports on Lake Dora, make Mount Dora the perfect destination. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., daily. Credit cards: All Major. Located off of Old U.S. Hwy. 441 and Donnelly Street, Mount Dora, (352) 383-2165.

Movie Rider: Two motion-simulator theater rides. Admission is $6.95, adults and children; and $7.95, seniors (50+). Hours are 11 a.m.-11 p.m., weekdays; 10 a.m.-midnight, Saturday and Friday, both locations. Credit cards: AE DS MC V. Two locations: 8815 International Drive, Orlando, (407) 352-0050; and 5390 W. Hwy. 192, Kissimmee, (407) 345-0501.

Old Town: 75 unique shops and restaurants, street performances, rides, live musical bands and a Saturday night car cruise show. Admission and parking are free. Prices for rides range from $1-$3. Hours are 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Rides are available noon to midnight. Credit cards: vary by store. 5770 W. U.S. Hwy. 192, Kissimmee, (407) 396-4888.

Orlando Science Center: Fun place for all ages, featuring numerous interactive attractions. Also, features CineDome theater, the largest worldwide. Admission varies, depending on package. Basic range is $9.50-$14.25, adults; $6.75-$11, children (3-11). Hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. CineDome is open Friday-Saturday until midnight. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Credit cards: AE DS MC V. 810 E. Rollins St., Orlando, (407) 896-7151.

Richard Petty Driving Experience: Three driving programs and one ride-along program, where guests can experience the thrill of driving or riding in a stock car around the Walt Disney World Speedway. Admission to speedway is free; programs priced separately. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Credit cards: AE DS MC V. Walt Disney World Speedway, Lake Buena Vista, (407) 1-800-BE-PETTY.

Ripley's Believe It or Not!: The unique and unbelievable, including a dinosaur exhibit, an Egyptian mummy, a miniature collection and more. Admission is $12.95, adult; 8.95, child (4-12). Hours are 9 a.m.-1 a.m. Credit cards: AE DS MC V. 8201 International Drive, Orlando, (407) 363-4418.

SeaWorld Orlando: Marine park featuring whales, dolphins, sharks, seals, shows, Key West area and more. Polynesian dinner show. Admission (including tax) is $44.52, adult; $36.04, child (3-9); 10 percent off, seniors (55+). Parking is $5 cars, $7 RVs, campers. Hours vary. Call for daily schedule. Credit cards: DS MC V. 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando, (407) 351-3600.

Seminole County Convention & Visitors Bureau: A resource for Seminole County visitors, offering information on: attractions, maps, directions, local calendar of events, hotels/ motels, parks and camping, travel posters, slides and photos, press kits, golfing and more. Open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends. Located at 105 International Parkway, near Interstate 4 and Lake Mary Boulevard, at exit 50, Heathrow, (407) 328-5775.

Silver Spurs Rodeo: 103rd edition of the rodeo and the 3rd annual Kissimmee/ Osceola County Chamber of Commerce "RibFest." Rodeo is held twice each year, February and October. Event kick's off this season on Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Admission varies per event. General admission $12. Silver Spurs Arena, 1875 Irlo Bronson Highway/ HWY 192, in Kissimmee, one mile west of the Florida Turnpike, exit 244 between Kissimmee and St. Cloud. Call (407) 847-4052.

Skull Kingdom: Haunted family attraction, featuring more than 12,000 square feet of "fun and fright." Not recommended for children under 7. Admission is $9.95. Hours are noon to midnight, daily. Credit cards: AE DS MC V. 5933 American Way, Orlando, (407) 354-1564.

Sterling Casino Lines: Large and luxurious gaming ship offers 1000 slots and 50 table games. Complimentary buffets and free cocktail and beverage service. Call for pricing information. Two cruises daily from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and 7 p.m.-midnight. Terminal 2, Port Canaveral, (800) ROLL-7-11.

Terror on Church Street: 20-minute haunted tour. Admission is $12, adults; $10, students (17 and under). Hours are 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Credit cards: AE MC V. 135 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, (407) 649-3327.

Titanic, Ship of Dreams: See authentic artifacts and full-scale recreations of Titanic's grand staircase and more. Learn about the history and the inspirational stores of the passengers and crew on board the ill-fated voyage. Storytellers dressed in period costumes bring these stories to life in this first major Titanic attraction. Admission is: adults (12 & older), $14.95 plus tax; children (6-11), $9.95 plus tax; children (5 & under), free. Hour are 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily. Credit cards: AE DS MC V. 8445 International Drive, located in The Mercado, Orlando, (407) 248-1166.

Universal Studios CityWalk: 30-acre entertainment complex offering unparalleled array of restaurants, nightclubs and shops. Admission is free to CityWalk. Individual venues offer a cover charge depending on entertainment. A CityWalk Party Pass that allows entrance into the various nightclubs is $16.95 per person. Hours vary. Credit cards: AE DS MC V. Located adjacent to Universal Studios Florida, Orlando. (407) 363-8000.

Universal Studios Florida: Rides and shows take visitors into the world of television and movie production. Admission (including tax) is $44.52, adult; $36.04, child (3-9); 10 percent off, seniors (55+). Hours vary. Call for daily schedule. Credit cards: DS MC V. 1000 Universal Studios Plaza, Orlando, (407) 363-8000.

Universal Studios Islands of Adventure: Central Florida's newest theme park is made up of five uniquely-themed islands: Seuss Landing, The Lost Continent, Jurassic Park, Toon Lagoon and Marvel Super Hero Island. Each island highlights adventure, storytelling and the most technologically advanced rides, attractions and shows. Admission (including tax) $47.64, adults; $37.10, child. Hours vary. Credit cards: AE DS MC V. Located in Universal Studios Escape, adjacent to CityWalk and Universal Studios Florida, Orlando. (407) 363-8000.

Walt Disney World's Discovery Island: Visitors can learn about Florida's native animal population and other unique animal species in this certified zoological park. Admission (including tax) is $12.67, adults; $6.89, child (3-9). Park hours vary. Credit cards: AE MC V. Lake Buena Vista, (407) 824-4321.

Walt Disney World's Disney-MGM Studios: Live stage shows, movie-themed rides and a backlot tour. Admission (including tax) is $44.52, adult; $36.04, child (3-9). Hours vary. Call for daily schedule. Credit cards: AE MC V. Lake Buena Vista, (407) 824-4321.

Walt Disney World's EPCOT Center: A look into the future of technology. The World Showcase features a slice of culture from 12 countries. Admission (including tax) is $44.52, adult; $36.04, child (3-9). Hours vary. Call for daily schedule. Credit cards: AE MC V. Lake Buena Vista, (407) 824-4321.

Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom: Cinderella Castle serves as the center of Mickey's magical wonderland. Admission (including tax) is $44.52, adult; $36.04, child (3-9). Hours vary. Call for daily schedule. Credit cards: AE MC V. Lake Buena Vista, (407) 824-4321.

WonderWorks: featuring hands-on scientific experiences, such as being in an earthquake and in the Bermuda Triangle. Also, virtual-reality sports and the world's largest laser tag arena and arcade. Admission is $12.95 for adults, $9.95 for seniors and children 4 and under. Hours are 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Credit cards: AE MC V. Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Orlando, (407) 352-0411.

Outside Orlando Area

Bok Tower Gardens Gardens and a historic bell tower housing a 57-bell carillon. Daily recitals at 3 p.m. The carillon plays every half-hour. Admission is $4, adult; $1, child (5-12). Park hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Credit cards: MC V. 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales, (941) 676-9412.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Outdoor adventure park with rides and wildlife. Features the Kumba roller coaster, largest in the Southeast, Adventure Island and Edge of Africa safari. Admission (including tax) is $41.55, adult; $35.15, child (3-9); $34.60, senior and military. Park hours vary. Call for daily schedule. Credit cards: DS MC V. Tampa, (813) 987-5082.

Cypress Gardens: Gardens, the Wings of Wonder Butterfly Conservatory, an antebellum mansion, pontoon lake cruise and more. Admission is $32.81, adult; $27.88, senior (55+)/AARP; $22.21, child (6-17). Each single-day adult ticket purchaser may bring in one children (6-17) free of charge. Park hours are 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. with extended hours during special seasons. Credit cards: DS MC V. 2641 S. Lake Summit Drive, Winter Haven, (800) 282-2123.

Daytona USA: Highly interactive motorsports attraction designed to entertain and educate race fans. Includes 14 attractions within a 50,000-square-foot facility. Admission is $12, adult; $10, senior (60+); $6, child (6-12). Track tour, $6. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., daily. Tickets are not sold after 6 p.m. Credit cards: MC V. 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, (904) 254-2700.

Fantasy of Flight: Aviation attraction featuring more than 20 vintage aircraft portraying different areas of aviation and realistic flight simulators, including a re-creation of World War II bombing mission aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress. Admission is $24.95, adult; $21.95, senior (60+); $13.95, child (5-12). Park hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Credit cards: MC V. Polk City, (941) 984-3500.

Florida Aquarium: Three-level, 152,000-square-foot facility. Visitors can discover more than 5,300 plants and animals, representing more than 600 species native to Florida. Admission is $10.95, adults; $9.95, seniors (ages 50+); $5.95, children (3-12). Hours are 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., daily. Credit cards: AE DS MC V. 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, (813) 273-4000.

Florida Citrus Tower: 23-story observation tower. On a clear day, visitors can see for 35 miles, including views of Walt Disney World, area lakes and citrus groves. Admission is $3.50, adult; $1, children (3-15). Tower hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Credit cards: MC V. 141 U.S. Hwy. 27, Clermont, (352) 394-4061.

House of Presidents World Famous Wax Museum: Life-size wax figures of all U.S. Presidents; White House-scale replicas of entire building and various rooms; plus Presidential Gallery of Memorabilia. Admission is $8, adult; $4, child (4-11). Hours are 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., daily. Credit cards: DS MC V. 123 N. U.S. Hwy. 27, Clermont, (352) 394-2836.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: Experience the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex's newest attractions - Robot Scouts, an interactive robotic space probe guided tour; the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge exhibit, a showcase of Florida's natural resources; and Quest for Life, a film exploring the age-old question, "Is there life out there?" Special access badges available. Admission is free. Bus tours are $14, adults; $10, children (3-11). IMAX movies are $7.50, adults; $5.50, child (3-11). Tour and IMAX movie, $19, adults; $15, child (3-11). Hours are 9 a.m.-7 p.m., excluding launch days. Tours begin at 9:30 a.m. and depart every 10-15 minutes after the first tour. Credit cards: AE DS MC V. Cape Canaveral, (407) 452-2121.

Silver Springs: World-famous glass-bottom boat ride through Florida's largest artesian spring. Also, the Lost River voyage down the Silver River, animal shows, petting zoo, car display. New to the park is the World of Bears, the world's largest habitat for bears, and Kids Ahoy! Playland. Admission is $29.95, adult; $20.95, child (3-10). Park hours are 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., daily. Credit cards: AE MC V. 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs, (800) 234-7458.

U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame: A tribute to the first brave flyers who journeyed into space. Rated as one of Central Florida's top three attractions by Fodor's Disney Like a Pro. Admission is $13.95, adults; $9.95, children (6-12). Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., daily. Credit cards: MC V. 6225 Vectorspace Blvd. (just west of Kennedy Space Center at Route 405/U.S. Highway 1), Titusville, (407) 269-6100.

Weeki Wachee Springs: Live mermaid show with photo and interview opportunities. Also featuring a live Bird of Prey show, Wilderness River cruise and an animal petting show. Admission is $16.95, adult; $12.95, child (3-10). Park hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m., daily. Credit cards: AE MC V. 6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, (800) 678-9335.

World Center of Racing Visitors Center: A tour of the entire track and infield from high banks to pit area to garages. Also, photos and memorabilia covering the history of racing in Daytona Beach at the Visitors Center. Tours are $6, adults and children over 6. Tours from 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. on the half hour; Visitors Center is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Credit cards: MC V. 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, (904) 253-7223.

Discount Tickets

Orlando FlexTicket: Special value-priced, three-park ticket to Universal Studios Florida, SeaWorld Orlando and Wet 'n' Wild. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay makes a four-park ticket. Call participating parks for more information. Costs: $99.95, three-park ticket for adults (10 and over) and $82.95 for children (3-9); $129.95, four-park ticket for adults and $107.95 for children. (Three-park ticket valid seven consecutive days; four-park ticket valid 10 consecutive days.) Credit cards: MC V.

Fish Camps

Bass Anglers Guide Service: Large-mouth bass fishing guide. Full-day trip is $250; a half-day trip is $200. Prices include bait and license. Call for reservations. Credit cards: None accepted. 6526 State Road 535, Windermere, (407) 656-1052.

Bass Challenger Guide Service: Guided bass fishing trips in Ranger bass boats. Beverages provided. Full-day trip for 1-2 people is $220; half-day trip is $165. Bait and license additional. Call for reservations. Credit cards: MC V. 2506 Byron St., Orlando, (407) 273-8045.

East Lake Fish Camp: Bass guide service for fishing. Boat rental also available. Full-day trip for one or two people is $225; half-day trip for one or two people is $150. Bait and license additional. Office hours: 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Credit cards: AE DS MC V. 3705 Big Bass Rd., Kissimmee, (407) 348-2040.

Two Rivers Outpost: Gator exhibit, boat rentals, airboat rides, fishing guide service, restaurant, band and cookouts. Airboat rides $15, adult; $8 children (8-under); the fishing guide service is $160, full-day; $100, half-day. Camp opens at 10 a.m. Credit cards: None accepted. 4650 E. State Road 46, Geneva, (407) 349-1110.

Miniature Golf

Bonanza Golf and Gift Shop: Two 18-hole miniature golf courses. Games are $5, adult; $4, child (under 10). Second round is half price. Open 9 a.m.-midnight. Credit cards: MC V. 7761 W. U.S. Hwy. 192, Kissimmee, (407) 396-7536.

Congo River Golf: Elaborate 18-hole and 36-hole courses in a jungle setting. Games are $7.50 for 18 holes; $11.50 for 36 holes. Hours are 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-midnight, Friday and Saturday. Credit cards: MC V. Three locations: 4777 W. U.S. Hwy. 192, Kissimmee, (407) 396-6900 (two courses); 531 W. State Road 436, Altamonte Springs, (407) 682-4077 (one course); and 6312 International Drive, Orlando, (407) 352-0042 (two courses).

Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf: Two elaborately themed courses. Admission to Fantasia Gardens is $6.50 for children and $7 for adults. Admission to Fantasia Fairways is $7 for children and $8 for adults. Hours are 10 a.m.-midnight. Credit cards: AE MC V. Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista (adjacent to Disney's BoardWalk). (407) 824-4321.

Jurassic Putt-Putt: Prehistoric-themed, 18-hole course that features putting challenges and dinosaur obstacles. Prices for games vary. Hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Credit cards: MC V. Mystery Fun House, 5767 Major Blvd., Orlando, (407) 351-3355.

Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf: Two 18-hole miniature golf courses at each location. Mountain caves, footbridges and waterfalls. Games are $7.50 and $7, depending on course. Hours are 9 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Credit cards: None accepted. Two locations: 8501 International Drive, Orlando, (407) 352-7378; and The Crossroads at Lake Buena Vista, (407) 827-1242.

River Adventure Golf: 18-hole miniature golf course. Games are $6.42. Hours are 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Credit cards: None accepted. 4535 W. U.S. Hwy. 192, Kissimmee, (407) 396-4666.

Water Parks

Adventure Landing Daytona: All new water park, featuring a race track, 27-holes of mini-golf and an arcade. Located off of A1A on Earl St., next to the Ocean Center, Daytona Beach, (904) 258-0071.

Blizzard Beach: Water adventure park featuring slides and flumes. Admission is $26.50, adults and children 10 and older; $21.50, children (3-9). Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. through Oct. 30; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 31-Dec. 25. Credit cards: AE MC V. Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, (407) 824-4321.

River Country: Old-fashioned swimming hole on the shore of Disney's Bay Lake. Call for admission prices and hours. Credit cards: AE MC V. Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, (407) 824-4321.

Typhoon Lagoon: Open through October 30, then closed for renovation through Dec. 25. Slides, white-water rafting and the world's largest wave pool. Call for admission prices and hours. Credit cards: AE MC V. Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, (407) 560-4141.

Water Mania: Family water park with rides, slides and tubing. Admission is $25.95, adults and children 10 and older; $18.95, children (3-9). Second day is free. Restrictions apply. Open daily. Hours vary. Call for information. Credit cards: AE DS MC V. 6073 W. Hwy.192, Kissimmee, (407) 396-2626.

Wekiva Falls Resort: Tunnel flume rides, fossil hunting, tubing, canoeing, fishing, swimming and camping. Admission is $5, adults; $3, child (2-11). Hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m., daily. Credit cards: None accepted. 30700 Wekiva River Rd., Sorrento, (407) 830-9828.

Wet 'n Wild: Tubing river, slides, flume and a wave pool. Admission is $28.95, adults and children 10 and older; $22.95, child (3-9). 9 a.m.-7 p.m. April 17-28, but hours vary. $10 off after 4 p.m. Credit cards: AE DS MC V. 6200 International Drive, Orlando, (407) 351-1800.

Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Center: For a great time, just add water. Enjoy every type of watersports imaginable, including waterskiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, barefooting and more. Prices vary. Hours are seasonal. Current hours are 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Credit cards: AE MC V. Located at the Contemporary Resort, 4600 World Drive, Lake Buena Vista, (407) 939-0754.