Neighborhood: Walt Disney World

Twenty miles south of Orlando this wonderland covers 43 square miles, and includes four separate theme parks: the original Magic Kingdom; EPCOT; Disney-MGM Studios; and Animal Kingdom. Plus water parks, hotels, campgrounds, lots of restaurants, fireworks and fun.

One of the first theme parks to open in Orlando, Sea World has been operating here for more than 30 years. The 200 acres of attractions and animal shows make this a perennial favorite with Florida visitors. Many new attractions and rides have been added to the original fun including a laser-fireworks-water extravaganza and high-tech thrill rides

Neighborhood: Universal Studios

The world's favorite films and film stars come to life here, and 40 amazing and amusing rides, shows and attractions await.

A virtual interactive Terminator 2:3-D adventure has its own set of thrills, as does an encounter with Jaws, a trip Back to the Future, and a voyage beyond the stars in an E. T. Adventure.

Neighborhood: Kissimmee

If you got it, the saying goes, flaunt it, and Florida's got 'gators. Take a trip to this 70-acre park and see thousands of alligators, and the kindred crocodile, up close. Visit breeding pens, nurseries and rearing ponds. Children love the site's mini water park, and the petting zoo boasts goats, lamb, and other barnyard animals. Make sure to trod the 2000-foot boardwalk winding its way through a cypress swamp. If you get hungry, grab a bite at the on-site Pearl's Smokehouse. The menu features Smoked Alligator Ribs and Deep-Fried Gator Nuggets.

Neighborhood: South of US27 at I-4

This attraction has operated for more than 60 years, and it remains one of the state's most popular parks. It offers extensive gardens, paddle-wheel boat rides and water-skiing shows. The Birdwalk Aviary lets visitors meet lorikeets up close. Inside the Butterfly Conservatory, you'll find more than 1,000 butterflies. At Cypress Gardens, you'll also encounter zoo animals and have fun on fair-style rides. You can also dine in the park cafes and poke through gift shops.

Neighborhood: North of Altamonte Springs

Set in a park of more than 100 acres, this 21-acre zoo housing more than 400 animals is in fact a privately held charitable organization dedicated to the conservation of exotic species as well as species native to Florida. You'll encounter cheetahs, pumas, alligators, snakes, macaws, hawks, owls and many other animals. The zoo also offers a variety of educational and kid-friendly classes and events.

In a tribute to the thrilling history of United States space exploration, the Space Center welcomes visitors to climb aboard a full size space shuttle replica, view moon rocks, and get a hands-on look at the science beyond the drama. The Rocket Garden features eight massive rockets from past eras and an IMAX Theater shows movies on a five-story screen. The entrance fee covers everything, including guided bus tours around the massive complex. The complex is also home to the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge.