Although there is much to see in Orlando, one cannot visit the area without being exposed to at least part of Walt Disney's dream. In the 1960s, Disney bought up about 30,000 acres of woods and cattle pastures near the town and turned it into Walt Disney World. Today, nearly a fifth of the Orlando population is employed by the Disney organization.

Walt Disney World contains four theme parks. The Magic Kingdom, opened in 1971, is home to the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, and other attractions to thrill young and old. EPCOT -- the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow -- is something like a permanent world's fair, with exhibits from corporate sponsors and from countries around the world. Disney-MGM Studios, which opened in 1989, gives visitors an glimpse into the world of filmmaking with rides based on classic films. Disney's Animal Kingdom, which opened in the late 1990s, is part zoo, part theme park. Those who get tired of the bustle of amusement park rides can visit Downtown Disney, which includes Pleasure Island, with night spots designed for adults who want to continue to have a good time after the kiddies have been put to bed.

Orlando is more than Disney, however. Universal Orlando contains the 400-acre Universal Studios, with attractions based on Universal films, and Islands of Adventure, which is more like a conventional amusement park. SeaWorld of Florida is a 200-acre marine park that combines entertaining animal shows with educational exhibits. Adjacent to SeaWorld is Discovery Cove,a limited-access attraction that permits a few lucky visitors to swim with dolphins.