Florida is often described as America's playground and with Orlando at its heart there is certainly plenty to do when it comes to theme park frivolity and fun! Although the Sunshine State offers some of the most spectacular natural sights, such as the Everglades, the Florida Keys and the marvelous Gulf of Mexico coast it is the theme parks of Orlando that draw visitors in their millions.

Ever since the Disney World resort opened its doors in 1971, the region has prospered attracting a series of other theme parks and entertainment options in addition to the Disney offerings. It is certainly the undisputed theme park heaven, offering adults and kids of all ages the opportunity to enjoy an action-packed holiday of a lifetime.

Disney World resort consists of four theme parks and two themed water parks. The first of the parks to open was the Magic Kingdom in 1971 followed 11 years later by Epcot. Disney’s Hollywood Studios opened to a huge fanfare in 1989, and the most recent addition to the Disney family Animal Kingdom threw open its doors in 1998. The themed water parks of Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon offer a superb relaxing alternative and many people intersperse theme park visits with days spent splashing around and topping up their tans. Guests staying on resort get to use the water parks as part of their accommodation deal.

Indeed, there are many different types of accommodation in Orlando and Kissimmee to suit a full range of budgets, from budget motels to luxurious five-star Disney hotels situated at the heart of the resort. Most of the larger off-park hotels offer free shuttle services to the theme parks, but for the ultimate experience many guests choose to stay on resort and get benefits such as early entry to the parks. Universal, has two parks in Orlando and also offers top-notch on-resort accommodation, such as the Hard Rock hotel offering its own range of benefits.

Although the majority of Orlando visitors devote their entire holiday to staying within the vicinity of the theme parks, many holidaymakers choose to combine their break with a few days or longer in one of Florida's other popular destinations such as the Keys, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, The Everglades or the Gulf Coast. All offer an alternative to the furious theme park pace, and a tranquil taste of the Sunshine State. Whether it’s the natural beauty or the manufactured theme park thrills that appeal, both are in ample supply in the Sunshine State of Florida.