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Orlando Accommodation - Vacation Rentals
As a family, we have been visiting Orlando since 1998, where we have stayed in numerous hotels on the US192 in Kissimmee. Anyone who has visited Orlando will know that there is never a shortage of affordable and clean accommodation in this area. We decided to spread our wings a little and make the most of our holidays in Florida. So our third trip involved renting a private villa. Now to some, this may not appeal, but let me tell you something, this is a resource that is not given justice that it deserves. Most are located in small communities along the main areas of Orlando close to Disney World. The first villas we ever heard of were in an area called Lake Buena Vista, but since then have spread rapidly to other popular areas along the US27 and the US192. All are within an easy drive to all the major attractions that Orlando has to offer. New villas offer more than ever before. Take a look http://www.orlandovillas4u.co.uk
Although probably the theme park capital of the world, a vacation in Orlando, Florida does not mean these are the only attractions to keep visitors amused. Orlando also has markets, shows, art galleries, exhibitions, beautiful lakes and parks, all easily available for the visitor who wants something a little different. Whilst many people that visit are first timers, more are returning for their second, third or more time as there is always something new to see.
Orlando is a warm and welcoming place that enjoys looking after people with its many shopping malls, restaurants, clubs and bars. Of course this article can only brush the surface of what you can see and do on an Orlando vacation but there is so much more than just theme parks that it would be a shame not to mention them.
Although Zoos have taken a bit of criticism in recent years, their value to education and the preservation of species cannot be dismissed and the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford is one of these. The zoo has a charity status and is dedicated to the preservation of all exotic animals, including those that are only found in Florida.
For anyone that appreciates the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany then a large collection of his works is exhibited the Museum of American Art, where it has been housed since the early 1940's. The famous chapel interior commissioned for the World's Columbian Exhibition back in 1893 is also here along with many items of Tiffany jewelry, leaded glass, ornaments and clayware.
Whilst it may seem that Orlando has been created for the entertainment of children that could not be further from the truth as there is plenty here for everyone. Vibrant Night life is also popular on vacations to Orlando with music and dance available at some of the favorite venues which include Downtown Disney's Pleasure Island, Universal City walk, and other clubs.
Another great place to visit about twenty minutes drive from Orlando Airport is The Orlando Science Center, originating back to 1955; it is a huge complex with over two hundred thousand square feet of exhibition space spanning ten halls. If your preference is in railways then the International Trolley and Train Museum on International drive will be a pleasant surprise with 14 trains running continuously and three waterfalls in a space of about 4,000 square feet.
The Titanic – Ship of Dreams Exhibition can also be found along International Drive; this is a moving, often eerie depiction of the great Ocean Liner with a tour guide depicting a character from the ship with many original items on display. For those who prefer a little peace and relaxation they can visit the beautiful lake Eola Park where there are forty three acres of land to roam freely; it includes a boating lake.
Of course how could anyone possibly visit Orlando without a visit to at least one theme park; and for those of you who are unsure Disney has four; not including the water parks; Universal has its own versions including Seaworld. If you are on you first Orlando vacation, try to visit all the major attractions first because it is almost certain you will return again another year.
Some of the communities are gated and so you need to be granted access to enter by vehicle, others are surrounded by a privacy wall but you can drive on and take a look around. You will be amazed at just how beautiful most of these homes are. Ranging from 3 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms which can usually sleep upto 8 guests, upto 7 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms which have been known to sleep upto 16 guests. Most of theses villas have private heated swimming pools and quite a few now have a Spa or Hot Tub too. Some also have games rooms which are usually the garage that has been converted, although this does seem a little over the top, I mean, how much time do you intend spending playing games when you have your own pool and the whole of Florida to explore' Most of them have some sort of conservation area within the community, which just adds to the ambience of the place, it just makes it that much more difficult to leave at the end of your holiday. We remember our first stay in a Villa, our memories are more than fond. From the minute you walk through the front door, you realise this is just the start. How you laugh at yourself for staying in those what now seem inadequate hotels and just wish you had found somewhere like this years earlier. One of the greatest feelings you get is the feeling of being at home, the kids being able to get away from under your feet and go amuse themselves playing with the things they have just bought. One of the things we have always looked forward to is to be able to have a leisurely meal without having the pressure of having to move on, renting your own home gives you this freedom. By the Pool, in the Nook or more formal at the Dining Room table. How American this all is. From the second you pull on to the drive, you get the sense of being home. No waiting for the bathroom when you are all getting ready to go to the parks for the day, get up, jump in your own shower, dressed and you're away. Luxury Furnishings just add that finishing touch, but it gets better, the pool is cleaned by your very own pool guy, the garden tended to by your very own gardener! What' That's true, you may be living like an American, but you don't have to work like one. Where else can you enjoy a dip in the pool in the privacy of your own villa' Certainly not in an hotel, shared by the other guests! Dining on the Lanai just adds to the experience, the enclosed Pool Screen stops you having to share your food with others. I could just go on and on'' All I can say is next time, Try it for yourself. It's a World's apart from staying in the hotels you are used to. http://www.orlandovillas4u.co.uk
About the Author Andrew P Moore is the owner and contributing writer of http://www.orlandovillas4u.co.uk
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