In the heart of Orange County in Florida lies one of the most talked about and popular cities in the world: Orlando. Just forty years ago Orlando was a small and quiet rural town, today it is a powerhouse that attracts 52 million tourists a year. So what changed? Well the theme parks came to town. When Walt Disney World and Universal Studios opened theme parks here, the floodgates were opened and its developed into what could be seen as the theme park capital of the world! But while your visit here will probably be based around these attractions, it does not mean thats all the city has going for it. Downtown Orlando is a cultural wonderland, and there are numerous parks, gardens and museums to visit. Hiring a car is definitely the best way to explore the city, and in fact Orlando is known as the largest car rental market in the world. So jump on board, hire a vehicle and enjoy a driving holiday in Orlando. Some of the places you could visit are:

1. Walt Disney World Resort

A few kilometres south of Orlando in Lake Buena Vista, this is basically the mother of theme parks and the flagship of the Disney Empire. Designed not just for children, but to bring out the child in all of us, the attractions of this resort will simply blow you away. Get entranced by Cinderella like landscapes in the Magic Kingdom, hang out with all your favourite cartoon characters at Mickeys Toontown, and experience life in the future in Tomorrowland. Just dont expect returning to reality to be easy!

2. Universal Studios Orlando resort

This is where the blockbusters come to life! Universal Studios are behind a lot of the biggest movies to come to your screens, and this is where you can live the dream. 'Ride the Movies' through rides inspired by the films, explore the Island of Adventure, indulge in the 20 screen AMC movie complex and enjoy restaurants, shops and clubs of a world class standard.

3. Sea World

You wont find more real attractions than at Sea World. Divide your day between huge rollercoaster rides, a 400 foot tall rotating observation tower, and of course all the delights of the animal exhibits. Underwater tunnels let you get up close and personal with sharks and other dangerous animals of the deep, while in other areas you can feed dolphins, observe sea lions and seals and touch sting rays. An exciting and educational day out.

4. Ripleys Believe It or Not Orlando Odditorium

Yes, even the bizarre and strange has a home in our world... and that home is Ripleys Believe it or not Odditorium! The flagship of the Ripleys franchise, the weirdness begins before you enter the building , which is tilted at a drastic angle as if it is sinking into a hole. Expect the surprises to keep coming once you get inside...

5. Downtown Orlando

There is a buzz to this growing centre that will impress and excite all tourists. There are more restaurants, bars and nightclubs than you can poke a stick at, and theatres and concert venues mean something is always going on. Lake Eola is a large park nearby which is a relaxing place to escape the hustle of the streets. Built around a swan shaped lake, many choose to hire a paddle boat and enjoy some peace on the water.

Gavin Wyatt