Family holidays to Orlando, Florida, can include so many attractions that it is impossible to list very many of them at one time. In addition to the usual ones of Disney World, Epcot, Sea World, and so many more, there are others that are unusual and worth mentioning.

WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER at Universal’s Islands of Adventure is extremely popular since it just opened in June 2010 and has so much appeal to the readers of the spectacular book series by J. K. Rowling and those who have seen the Warner Brothers movies. Taking the art of storytelling to breathtaking levels, this theme park is the most detailed of any that exist. Everything stays true to the Harry Potter land and comes to life in an amazing way. Hogwarts Castle at the end of the village towers high on a hill and gives a visiting “muggie” a thrilling experience when meandering through the hall. There is also the robotics Forbidden Journey ride with scenes projected on the screens that takes riders flying along with Harry and his friends.

DISCOVERY COVE is a tropical park where you can snorkel, swim with the dolphins, and float down the river. There is also a waterfall, a cave, bird aviary, and more. It may seem expensive, but the admission includes an unlimited 14-day ticket to either Busch Gardens or Sea World, parking at Discovery Cove, all your food and drinks, and a free photo of your group. “Snack shacks” offer free soft drinks, coffee, beer, ice cream, cookies, chips, and hot pretzels all day long. Transfers leave from a bus stop located outside Seaworld.

HOOP-DEE-DOO REVUE is an all-you-can-eat country cooking dinner with a two-hour family-friendly show that is often corny but makes everyone laugh! If the children don’t like the meal that is served, they can order chicken fingers or hot dogs. This is a knee slapping, foot stomping show with silly jokes that appeal to young children, teenagers, adults, and the elderly.

The RICHARD PETTY DRIVING EXPERIENCE at the Walt Disney World Speedway lets you get behind the wheel or ride shotgun in a 600 HP stock car and zoom around the track at breakneck speeds. There are different packages available with the least expensive being three laps for $109 USD and going up to $1299 USD for 30 laps over three sessions. Although expensive, this presents memories for a lifetime for NASCAR lovers. The more expensive programs last about 2.5 hours. Spectators are welcome with free admission.

BOB’S BALLOONS is a hot air balloon ride for 45 to 60 minutes with a small group. The baskets hold anywhere from 6 to 20 people. This is a smooth safety-oriented flight at a low height in order to see the wildlife and take pictures. The weather is such that flights are in the early morning. It is interesting to watch the half hour inflation of the balloon and, if you want to, assist in disassembling the balloon later. Afterwards you are treated to snacks, juice, cheese and crackers, and champagne where you get to keep the glass as a souvenir.

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