Spend less, see more. This is the philosophy behind Pauline Frommer's guides. Written by travel expert Pauline Frommer (who is also the daughter of Arthur Frommer), and her team of hand-picked writers, these guides show how to truly experience a culture, meet locals, and save money along the way. They include industry secrets on how to find the best hotel rooms, and details on alternative accommodations, great neighborhood restaurants, and cool, offbeat finds. They are packed with personality and opinions. Even though most American families will make at least one pilgrimage to Orlando, too many of them end up spending far more than they have to for their vacations. This book initiates you into the world of savvy discount travel shopping, from finding the very lowest airfares to booking theme park tickets through the right sources so you pay less. The book has a complete breakdown of every major theme park's attractions-their best seats, their histories, how to evade their long lines-with opinionated advice on which to hit and which to skip, depending on your taste and age (and the age of your kids).
We'll explore lodgings in depth, starting with the best theme-park-based hotels for your money. We also name reputable renters of palatial digs such as full houses and condos located less than two miles from Disney, which come with screened-in pool, free internet, private game rooms and more - all for less than you'd spend on a cramped hotel room. Pull back the curtain on Orlando and see how the 'magic' is made. You can: slip backstage at Universal Studios and learn how its most complex rides work; explore the Utilidor, Walt Disney World's hidden underground passageways; and, be a dolphin trainer for the day at SeaWorld and more. Avoiding wallet drain for meals in Orlando is only half the battle. We cover secret, lesser-known local restaurants as well as give readers a useable, fun strategy for the best theme park meals. Get out of town and explore the wonders of Central Florida: swim, kayak, see manatees, play astronaut, tickle a 'gator, hold a seance at a spiritual commune, and much more. Winner of Best Guidebook for 2006 from the North American Travel Journalists Association ("Pauline Frommer's New York City").
Table of Contents
A Note from Pauline. 1 America's Playground. The Sights You Must See. The True Character of the Place. Lodging to Make It Possible. Food, Beyond the Chains. The Best "Other" Experiences. 2 The Lay of the Land. Getting Around Orlando. Getting to Know Orlando's Layout. 3 Where to Stay, in or out of the Parks. Home Rentals. Orlando's Hotels. 4 Dining Options Around Town. Walt Disney World. Universal Orlando. U.S. 192 & Lake Buena Vista. International Drive & Convention Center. Downtown Orlando. Winter Park. Dinnertainment. Character Meals. 5 Walt Disney World. Ticketing. Eating on Site. Navigating the Parks. Optional Park Services. The Magic Kingdom. Epcot. Disney-MGM Studios. Disney's Animal Kingdom. The Water Parks. Downtown Disney. Disney's Wide World of Sports. 6 Universal, SeaWorld & Busch Gardens. Universal Orlando. SeaWorld Orlando. Discovery Cove. Busch Gardens Africa. 7 Beyond the Major Parks. International Drive Area. U.S. 192 Area. Downtown Orlando. South of Orlando. East of Orlando. 8 The Other Orlando. How Orlando Works. How Orlando Plays. How Orlando Learns. How Orlando Lives. How Orlando Prays. How Orlando Helps. 9 Outdoor Orlando. Gardens. Natural Springs. Nature Reserves. Golf. Horseback Riding. Hot Air Ballooning and Hang Gliding. 10 Orlando After Dark-and in the Dark. The Theme Parks' Entertainment Districts. Professional Sports. The Performing Arts. Dance Clubs, Bars & Live Music Venues. 11 Shopping: The Good, the Bad & the Discounted. Retail Malls. Outlet Malls. Flea Markets. Antiques. Other Interesting Stores. 12 The Essentials of Planning. Where to Find Tourist Information. When to Visit. Entry Requirements for Non-American Citizens. Customs Regulations for International Visitors. Getting to Orlando. Travel Insurance-Do You Need It? Traveling from Orlando to Other Parts of America. Money Matters. Health & Safety. Packing. Getting Attraction Discounts. Specialized Travel Resources. Staying Wired. Recommended Books & Films. Index. Accommodations. Restaurants.
Author Biography
Jason Cochran is also the author of Pauline Frommer's London. He has written for publications including Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, New York Daily News, New York Post, Travel + Leisure and T+L Family, Budget Travel, Newsweek, TravelAge West, City, Inside.com, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Arena (U.K.), and Who (Australia), as well as Scanorama and Seasons (Sweden). His writing has been awarded the Golden Pen by the Croatian government and was selected to appear in a permanent exhibit in the National Museum of Australia. He also devised questions for the first American season of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (ABC) and, before that, spent nearly 2 years backpacking solo around the world. As a commentator, he has appeared on CNN, CNN Headline News, CNNfn, Australia.com, WOR, Outdoor Life Network, and MSNBC.com. He is an alumnus of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism and New York University's Graduate Music Theatre Writing Program.
