Experience Universal Orlando in One Day

Time is winding down on your Orlando vacation getaway and you still want to experience Universal Orlando to its fullest. That means visiting as many attractions, restaurants and live entertainment venues as you can at Universal Studios, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk in just one day. Impossible? Not if you plan ahead and follow the Universal Orlando time-saving tips below:

• Schedule your Universal Orlando vacation during times when attendance is lightest – from mid-September until just before Thanksgiving, after Thanksgiving until a week before Christmas and mid-January until just before Presidents’ week in February.

• Arrive at Universal Orlando early – at least a half hour before it officially opens – so you can get a jump on the crowds.

• Use Universal Orlando theme park maps and tip boards to develop a plan in order to visit as many attractions as possible.

• Don’t follow the crowd – Many people will go to the right and move clockwise throughout either Universal Studios or Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park, so try going left and moving counterclockwise.

• If you want to experience The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, make it your first stop since it is the most popular attraction at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and draws some of the longest lines.

• Avoid driving to or from Universal Orlando on Interstate 4 during rush hour, which usually runs from 7 to 9 AM and 4 to 7 PM.

• Stay at one of Universal Orlando’s luxurious resorts – Hard Rock Hotel, Portofino Bay Hotel or Royal Pacific Resort – and enjoy Universal Express ride access, which allows you to bypass the lines at both Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

• If you are not staying at a Universal Orlando onsite resort, you can still take advantage of Universal Express PLUS, which allows you to enjoy one Express access to each attraction.

• Buy preferred parking for a few extra dollars and you will be able to park in the parking area nearest to the entrance of Universal Orlando theme parks.

• Better yet, take advantage of valet parking, which costs $18 per day. Just follow the signs to “Valet Parking” once you enter Universal Orlando.

• Eat a good breakfast before you get to Universal Orlando. Once there, try to eat lunch a little earlier or later than usual to avoid crowds (before 12 PM or after 2 PM).

• Take advantage of Universal Orlando’s “child swap program” by going to the designated child swap area at each attraction. Essentially one member of your party can watch the kids while the rest of your group enjoys the ride. After the ride, you just swap places.

• If you are planning to dine at one of Universal CityWalk’s themed restaurants, make reservations well in advance if possible.

“In addition to the tips above, make sure you purchase Universal Studios or Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park tickets in advance online and avoid long lines at ticket windows, while enjoying substantial savings in the process,” said Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing for HotelsCorp.com.

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SeaWorld Orlando 2007 Thrill Ride Guide

Although SeaWorld Orlando is well known for its amazing live shows (such as Believe and Blue Horizons), as well as its animal habitats, the world’s most popular marine adventure park also boasts several not-to-be-missed thrill rides such as the Kraken roller coaster, Journey to Atlantis water flume ride and Wild Arctic simulated ride.

Named after a mythological sea monster and billed as Orlando’s “tallest, fastest, longest and only floorless roller coaster,” Kraken opened at SeaWorld Orlando in 2000. The ride takes about 3 ½ minutes and reaches speeds up to 65 miles per hour and a height of 151 feet as it loops its way high over Serpent’s Lagoon. Kraken, which features two loops, a corkscrew, zero-G roll and three tunnels, was designed by renowned Swiss roller coaster architects Bolliger and Mabillard. Nestled in the Northeast area of SeaWorld Orlando, Kraken is located behind the Pacific Point Preserve. Note: Kraken has a height restriction of 54 inches. In addition, be sure to read all of the health restrictions posted at the entrance to Kraken.

A one-of-a-kind “watercoaster,” Journey to Atlantis takes you on a water flume adventure aboard an eight-passenger boat that features a re-creation of the mythical city of Atlantis and a 60-foot-drop into a splash pool (prepare to get soaked!). Journey to Atlantis is similar to Splash Mountain at Disney’s Magic Kingdom and Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Opened at SeaWorld Orlando in 1998, Journey to Atlantis lies adjacent to Pacific Point Preserve. Note: You must be at least 42 inches tall to ride Journey to Atlantis and health restrictions are also posted at the entrance to the ride.

Wild Arctic features a simulated jet helicopter ride to “Base Station Wild Arctic,” a walk-through animal habitat that features polar bears, walruses, beluga whales and harbor seals. Note: Wild Arctic has a height restriction of 42 inches. However, you have the option of bypassing the simulated ride and walking straight to the animal habitat.

Other attractions at SeaWorld Orlando include Shark Encounter, Dolphin Cove, Stingray Lagoon, Pacific Point Preserve, Clyde & Seamore Take Pirate Island, Shamu’s Happy Harbor, Odyssea, Penguin Encounter, Pets Ahoy!, Manatees: The Last Generation?, Sky Tower Ride, Tropical Reef, Key West Dolphin Fest, Clydesdale Hamlet and Turtle Point, among others.

“With world-class thrill rides, live shows, animal habitats and much more, SeaWorld Orlando definitely has something for everyone in the whole family to enjoy,” said Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing for HotelsCorp.com. “And by planning ahead and purchasing your SeaWorld Orlando tickets before you arrive in Orlando, you and your family will enjoy significant savings on your vacation getaway.”

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Universal Orlando from A to Z

With two amazing theme parks – Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure – as well as the Universal CityWalk entertainment complex and three luxurious hotels – Hard Rock Hotel, Portofino Bay Hotel and Royal Pacific Resort – Universal Orlando definitely has something for everyone. Below are just a few of the Universal Orlando rides, attractions, restaurants, specialty shops and annual events that you can discover and explore during your vacation getaway to Universal Orlando . . .

Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man: A one-of-a-kind indoor thrill ride at Marvel Super Hero Island in Universal’s Islands of Adventure that combines live action and state-of-the-art special effects.

Bob Marley Reggae Fest: A celebration of the music of legendary Reggae singer Bob Marley at Universal CityWalk that features lively performances from some of today’s top Reggae superstars.

CityWalk: A 30-acre entertainment complex at the entrance to Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios that features a variety of themed restaurants such as Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and Hard Rock Café, as well as specialty shops and Universal Cineplex.

Dueling Dragons: The world’s first inverted, dueling roller coasters (Fire Dragon and Ice Dragon) at The Lost Continent in Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Earthquake – The Big One: An indoor thrill ride at San Franciso/Amity in Universal Studios that allows you to experience an earth-shattering quake that measures 8.3 on the Richter Scale!

Fievel’s Playground: A themed play area at Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone in Universal Studios that is based on the classic animated adventure, An American Tail.

Grinchmas at Universal Studios: An annual holiday celebration at Seuss Landing in Universal’s Islands of Adventure that features a tree-lighting ceremony, Whoville Whobilation musical show and more.

Halloween Horror Nights: An immensely popular annual fright fest held at both Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Islands of Adventure: One of Universal Orlando’s two world-class theme parks that features five uniquely themed islands – Jurassic Park, The Lost Continent, Marvel Super Hero Island, Seuss Landing and Toon Lagoon.

Jurassic Park River Adventure: A water-based ride at Jurassic Park in Universal’s Islands of Adventure that features animatronic dinosaurs, a “Raptor Containment Area” and 85-foot plunge into a splash pool.

Kingpin’s Arcade: An immense video-game arcade that lies next to Dr. Doom’s Fearfall at Marvel Super Hero Island in Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Lost Continent: One of the five “islands” at Universal’s Islands of Adventure that features such attractions as Dueling Dragons, Poseidon’s Fury, The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad and The Flying Unicorn.

Mardi Gras at Universal Studios: The largest Mardi Gras celebration outside of New Orleans with live concerts, colorful parades, delicious cuisine, plenty of beads and much more.

New York: One of six themed areas at Universal Studios that features Twister . . . Ride It Out, Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride and The Blues Brothers.

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish: An aerial adventure that soars you high over Seuss Landing in Universal’s Islands of Adventure aboard Dr. Seuss-inspired, fish-shaped vehicles.

Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges: A thrilling whitewater rafting adventure at Toon Lagoon in Universal’s Islands of Adventure that winds its way around the Me Ship, The Olive play area.

Quint’s Surf Shack: A themed specialty store located in the San Francisco/Amity area of Universal Studios.

Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride: An incredible, indoor “psychological” thrill ride that features an army of “warrior mummies” at the New York area of Universal Studios.

Shrek 4-D: A thrilling, state-of-the-art 4-D adventure that takes you along with Shrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona on a new adventure as they battle the evil ghost of Lord Farquaad.

Terminator 2: 3-D: An amazing indoor attraction at the Hollywood area of Universal Studios that combines live action, state-of-the-art 3-D technology and incredible special effects.

Universal Studios: One of Universal Orlando’s two world-class theme parks and known as the “No. 1 movie studio theme park in the world.”

Velvet Sessions: An award-winning rock ‘n’ roll cocktail party held at Velvet Bar in the Hard Rock Hotel that features live music from some of today’s hottest bands.

Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone: One of six themed areas at Universal Studios and home to E.T. Adventure, A Day in the Park with Barney, Fievel’s Playland, Curious George Goes to Town, Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster and Animal Actors on Location.

X (a.k.a. Destination X): An annual pro wrestling pay-per-view event from Total Nonstop Wrestling (TNA) that is scheduled to be taped at the Universal Studios’ IMPACT! Zone soundstage on March 11, 2007.

Yertle the Turtle: A character from one of Dr. Seuss’ famous children’s books and resident of Seuss Landing at Universal’s Islands of Adventures.

Zydeco Hellraisers: One of the talented New Orleans bands scheduled to appear at Mardi Gras at Universal Studios, which takes place nearly every Saturday night until mid-April.

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What's New at Universal Orlando for 2007

Several exciting new attractions, restaurants and live entertainment venues are scheduled to open during 2007 at Universal Orlando, which features two world-class theme parks – Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure – as well as three luxurious resorts – Hard Rock Hotel, Portofino Bay Hotel and Royal Pacific Resort – and the 30-acre Universal CityWalk entertainment complex.

For instance, the internationally renowned Blue Man Group will start performing at a 1,000-seat theater at Universal Studios on June 7, 2007. Founded in 1987 on the streets of New York City, Blue Man Group has evolved into a totally outrageous, multisensory production that mixes elements of live music, theater, art, science, vaudeville and humor into an award-winning show unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Blue Man Group has been variously described by critics as “hilarious,” “groundbreaking” and “visually stunning.” Tickets for the Blue Man Group are currently on sale.

Universal Orlando also has announced a partnership with NBC to broadcast a daily daytime TV talk show, iVillage Live, at an Islands of Adventure theater (formerly the Toon Amphitheater). The iVillage Live show, which will feature rotating hosts, special guests and audience interaction, will be broadcast five days at week on select NBC stations, as well as Bravo and ivillage.com.

In addition, Hard Rock Hotel has recently completed a $6.8 million renovation of its 650 guestrooms and suites. All rooms at Hard Rock Hotel now feature MP3 landing stations and 32-inch flat panel TVs. Meanwhile, the Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando has been named the official host hotel of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, which will take place at Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando from March 12-18, 2007.

At Universal CityWalk, the NASCAR Café recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation and reopened on February 1, 2007, as NASCAR Sports Grille. In addition to boasting a variety of NASCAR memorabilia, the 25,000-square-foot NASCAR Sports Grille features a 37-foot media wall, booth-side interactive plasma TV screens, a diverse menu full of new entrees and a NASCAR retail shop. The NASCAR Sports Grille serves lunch and dinner daily.

Finally, Universal Orlando has begun to serve healthier dining options at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure with the goal of removing all trans-fat from park food offerings by the end of 2007. For instance, side salads and trans fat-free fries, as well as healthy beverage choices, are now available at many Universal Orlando restaurants. All kids’ meals throughout Universal Orlando also now provide healthier options.

“With all of the new entertainment options available at Universal Orlando theme parks, it’s more important than ever to plan your itinerary in advance to make the most out of your Orlando vacation,” said Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing for HotelsCorp.com. “For instance, you can enjoy significant savings by purchasing discount Universal Orlando theme park tickets online before you arrive in Orlando.”

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2007 Universal Orlando Thrill Ride Guide

Universal Orlando’s two world-class theme parks – Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure – each boast one-of-a-kind thrill rides such as Incredible Hulk Coaster, Dueling Dragons, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Jurassic Park River Adventure, Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride and much more. A diversity of thrill rides can be found in abundance at Universal’s Islands of Adventures, which features five uniquely themed islands – Jurassic Park, The Lost Continent, Marvel Super Hero Island, Seuss Landing and Toon Lagoon.

Experience classic roller coasters like Incredible Hulk Coaster, which speeds you from zero to 40 miles per hour in just two seconds aboard a “gamma ray accelerator” at Marvel Super Hero Island; and Dueling Dragons, the world’s first inverted, dueling roller coasters - Ice Dragon or Fire Dragon – that reach speeds up to 55 miles per hour (“Past this point of no return, your only choice is freeze or burn!”). In addition to Incredible Hulk Coaster, Marvel Super Hero Island is home to The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, a fascinating indoor thrill ride that features a great mix of 3-D special effects and live action as Spider-Man battles assorted villains; and Doctor Doom’s Fearfall, a “free-fall thrill ride that sends you speeding 150 feet high straight into the air and then hurls you back down just as quickly.

Universal’s Islands of Adventure also features several thrilling water-based rides (prepare to get soaked!) such as Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls and Jurassic Park River Adventure. Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges is a Toon Lagoon raft ride that spins you through some serious rapids as you wind your way around Me Ship, The Olive play area. The highlight of Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, an exciting water flume ride also located in Toon Lagoon, is a 75-foot plummet down the falls. At Jurassic Park River Adventure, take an amazing boat ride as you try to escape from the Raptor Containment Area full of animatronic dinosaurs and shoot down 85 feet into the pool below.

Even though Universal’s Islands of Adventure is home to all the roller coasters at Universal Orlando, several not-to-be-missed thrill rides can be found at Universal Studios as well such as Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride, a state-of-the-art “psychological” thrill ride where you must battle an army of “warrior mummies” and other obstacles as you cruise through total darkness at speeds up to 45 miles per hour. Other classic thrill rides at Universal Studios include Twister . . . Ride It Out, a live action/simulated ride based on the 1996 hit movie, and Earthquake – The Big One, which allows you to experience an earth-shattering quake complete with crashing subway cars, exploding gas trucks and collapsing ceilings.

“In addition to a great variety of thrill rides and attractions, Universal Orlando boasts three world-class hotels, numerous dining opportunities and CityWalk, a spectacular entertainment complex that features some of the hottest nightlife in Orlando,” said Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing for HotelsCorp.com. “And by purchasing your tickets to Universal Studios or Universal’s Islands of Adventure before you arrive in Orlando, you and your family will enjoy incredible savings on your Orlando vacation.” Note: Be sure to check height and medical restrictions that are listed at the entrance to each of the thrill rides at Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventures.

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Mardi Gras at Universal Studios 2007

Universal Studios, one of two amazing theme parks at Universal Orlando in Orlando, Florida, boasts the largest Mardi Gras celebration outside of New Orleans – complete with a live concert series that features a diversity of musical stars, colorful parades full of floats (plenty of beads will also be thrown around!), elaborately costumed characters and delectable “Big Easy” cuisine such as jambalaya and shrimp gumbo.

In addition, Mardi Gras at Universal Studios features live performances from some of the French Quarter’s most talented musicians through the “Celebrate the Music of New Orleans” program. New Orleans musicians scheduled to appear include Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone, T-Broussard and the Zydeco Steppers, Brian Lee and The Blues Power Band, Billy Iuso and The Restless Natives, Lil’ Malcolm and The House Rockers, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Dopsie and The Zydeco Hellraisers, Chris Klein and The Boulevards, Lil’ Brian and The Zydeco Travelers, Soul Project and Mem Shannon and The Membership.

Known as the “ultimate street party,” Mardi Gras at Universal Studios takes place nearly every Saturday night from early February to mid-April. Admission to Mardi Gras at Universal Studios is $44.95 plus tax. Live concerts in the Universal Studios Mardi Gras Concert Series begin at 8:30 PM.

“This yearly event is a wonderful addition to the dynamic rides and shows at Universal Studios Florida. Both locals and visitors alike enjoy the nationally recognized musical acts that headline the Mardi Gras events,” said Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing for HotelsCorp.com. “In addition, Universal CityWalk hosts an official Mardi Gras after-party that includes free admission to select nightclubs, including Pat O’Brien’s, the official Mardi Gras Headquarters of CityWalk.”

2007 Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Concert Schedule

• Donna Summer – February 10, 2007
Known as the “Queen of Disco,” this Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter’s slew of hits include “Hot Stuff,” “Last Dance” and “She Works Hard for the Money.”

• Huey Lewis & The News – February 17, 2007
The quintessential ‘80s rock band, Huey Lewis & The News charted frequently with such classics as “I Want a New Drug,” “Do You Believe In Love,” “Hip to be Square” and “If This is It.”

• Taylor Hicks – February 24, 2007
Winner of the fifth season of American Idol, Taylor Hicks recently released his debut album, which has proven a big hit with his hardcore fan base – known as the “Soul Patrol.”

• Wynonna – March 3, 2007
Award-winning country music singer Wynonna Judd (daughter of Naomi and sister of Ashley) boasts several No. 1 hits, including “I Saw the Light,” No One Else on Earth” and “She is His Only Need.”

• The Doobie Brothers – March 10, 2007
A classic rock band, The Doobies continue to entertain audiences of all ages with such tunes as “Takin’ it to the Streets,” “Black Water,” “Listen to the Music,” “It Keeps You Runnin’” and “What a Fool Believes.”

• The Temptations & The Four Tops – March 17, 2007
Two legendary groups from the Motown era combine for a one-of-a-kind concert experience that will feature such classics as “My Girl,” “Get Ready,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” The Way You Do the Things You Do” and “Baby, I Need Your Loving,” among many others.

• Sean Paul – March 24, 2007
An extremely popular and talented Jamaican dancehall reggae artist, Sean Paul has reached the charts with such hits as “Gimme the Light,” “Get Busy,” “Like Glue” and “Temperature.”

• Daughtry – April 7, 2007
Although Chris Daughtry finished fourth place during the fifth season of American Idol, the rock singer formed his own band Daughtry and released an album (full of hits such as “It’s Not Over” and “Breakdown”) that has already reached No. 1 on the Billboard Charts.

• KC & The Sunshine Band – April 14, 2007
Founded in the early ‘70s, KC and the Sunshine Band scored a number of disco hits such as “Get Down Tonight,” “Shake Your Booty” and “That’s the Way (I Like it).”

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2007 Guide to Orlando Spectator Sports

Central Florida sports fans – visitors and residents alike – will have plenty to cheer about during 2007 with such popular spectator sports as the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association (NBA), Orlando Predators of the Arena Football League (AFL) and the University of Central Florida (UCF) Golden Knights football team. Orlando is also bustling with baseball action during Spring Training as the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros come to town this spring, as well as Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp starting in late July.

The Orlando Magic play all their home games at the 17,500-seat Amway Arena (formerly known as the TD Waterhouse Centre) in downtown Orlando. Founded in 1989, the Orlando Magic advanced to the NBA Finals during the 1994-95 season. Many basketball superstars have played for the Orlando Magic over the years such as Shaquille O’Neal, Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway and Tracy McGrady. The current Orlando Magic roster includes Dwight Howard, Grant Hill, Jameer Nelson and J.J. Redick. Brian Hill is the head coach of the Orlando Magic, which compete in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference. The Magic’s 2006-07 regular season schedule concludes on April 18, 2007, against the Miami Heat. Construction on a new, 20,000-seat Orlando Magic Arena in downtown Orlando is scheduled to begin in early 2008.

Founded in 1991, the Orlando Predators, who captured the Arena Bowl Championship in 2000, compete in the 19-team AFL. The Predators have made the playoffs 15 years in a row and compete in the Southern Division of the National Conference against the likes of the Austin Wranglers, Dallas Desperados, Georgia Force, Las Vegas Gladiators, New Orleans Voodoo and Tampa Bay Storm. The 16-game regular season includes eight home games at the Amway Arena (a.k.a. “The Jungle”) and runs from early February to late May. Jay Gruden is the head coach of the Orlando Predators, which finished the 2006 AFL season with a 10-6 record and lost to Chicago in ArenaBowl XX. The Predators open the 2007 season on March 2, 2007, against the Tampa Bay Storm.

The UCF Golden Knights football team competes in Conference USA against such teams as East Carolina University, Marshall University, Rice University, Southern Methodist University, Tulane University, University of Alabama Birmingham, University of Houston, University of Memphis, University of Southern Mississippi, University of Texas-El Paso and University of Tulsa. George O’Leary is the head coach of the Golden Knights, which finished with a record of 4-8 during the 2006 season. The Golden Knights formerly played their home games at the Citrus Bowl in downtown Orlando but a new stadium is currently under construction at the UCF campus. The 45,000-seat Bright House Networks Stadium is set to be completed in time for the Golden Knights’ home opener against the Texas Longhorns on September 15, 2007.

Central Florida is also the site of Major League Baseball (MLB) Spring Training when the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros arrive in February 2007. The Braves play 16 home games at a 7,500-seat, state-of-the-art ballpark within Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, while the Houston Astros compete at the recently renovated Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee. The Braves’ Spring Training season runs from February 28 to March 29, 2007, while the Astros will be here from March 1 to March 31, 2007. In addition, the 2002 World Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers spend Training Camp at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex starting in late July. Practices are open to the public and admission is free for Buccaneers Training Camp.

Other spectator sports scheduled to take place in the Orlando area over the next year include the Capital One Florida Citrus Bowl, which pits the second-ranked college football teams of the Southeastern and Big Ten conferences at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium on New Year’s Day; the Silver Spurs Rodeo, the largest rodeo East of the Mississippi, which takes place at the Silver Spurs Rodeo in Kissimmee from February 16-18, 2007; and the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club (March 12-18, 2007) and Walt Disney World Resort Classic (November 1-4, 2007), two immensely popular golf tournaments that draw some of the world’s top professional golfers on the PGA tour.

Orlando visitors should plan ahead and pre-order tickets for spectator sports they wish to attend during their stay, according to Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing for HotelsCorp.com.

“Tickets to sporting events, as well as theme park tickets, can often be added to discount vacation packages, allowing families to enjoy significant savings on their Orlando vacations,” said Collins.

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Orlando: A World-Class Golf Destination

With dozens of championship golf courses, Central Florida has evolved into a true golfer’s paradise. Whether you are a beginner who wants to take lessons at one of the area’s renowned golf academies or a more experienced golfer who seeks new challenges, you will find a golf course in the Orlando area to meet your specific needs.

Walt Disney World Resort itself boasts five championship golf courses: Osprey Ridge, Palm, Magnolia, Eagle Pines and Lake Buena Vista. Designed by legendary architect Tom Fazio, Osprey Ridge is arguably the most difficult course at Disney World. The Palm course has been rated 4 stars by Golf Digest. The Magnolia course is known for the abundance of beautiful Magnolias that line the fairways. Eagle Pines is a par-72, 18-hole course designed by Pete Dye. Opened in 1971, the par-72 Lake Buena Vista course features 6,819 yards of golf. Disney World also offers the nine-hole, par-36 Oak Trail golf course.

Plenty of championship-caliber golf courses lie just minutes from Walt Disney World Resort. For instance, the award-winning MetroWest Golf Club was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and offers a wide range of challenges, including numerous bunkers and plentiful water hazards, as well as expansive fairways. Celebration Golf Club, which lies just 5 minutes from Disney World, was also designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., along with his son Robert Trent Jones Jr. ChampionsGate Golf Resort boasts 36 holes of championship golf and is also home to the world-renowned David Leadbetter Golf Academy. Designed by Ron Garl and Howard Swan, the par-73 Eagle Creek Golf Club boasts five par 5 holes. The new Shingle Creek Golf Club has already received the “Greens of Distinction” award from Corporate & Incentive Travel magazine.

Two area courses, Grand Cypress Golf Club and The Golden Bear Club at Keene’s Pointe, were both designed by “The Golden Bear” himself, Jack Nicklaus. The award-winning Grand Cypress Golf Club features three nine-hole courses, as well as the 18-hole New Course. It is also home to the Grand Cypress Academy of Golf. Amenities at the Golden Bear Club at Keene’s Pointe include a 24,000-square-foot clubhouse, full-service restaurant, fully stocked pro shop and driving range.

Orlando also hosts several golf tournaments on the PGA tour such as the Arnold Palmer Invitational (formerly known as the Bay Hill Invitational) at Bay Hill Golf Club in March and the Walt Disney World Resort Classic (formerly known as the FUNAI Golf Classic) at Walt Disney World Resort’s Palm & Magnolia Courses in mid-October. Both of these immensely popular tournaments draw some of the top professional golfers in the world such as Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh and Phil Mickelson.

“The presence of championship golf courses, along with world-class theme parks, makes Orlando the ideal destination for family vacations,” said Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing for HotelsCorp.com. “Visitors can choose from a variety of discount vacation packages that allow them to experience Disney World and also enjoy some quality time on the links during their stay.”

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