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Florida Forever

By on May 30, 2009

Watch your kids’ eyes light up when you mention the holiday mecca of Florida. With theme parks galore,  beautiful beaches, numerous  water sports and eco parks to keep the whole family entertained, it’s no wonder Florida is the no. 1 family resort in the world.

Florida takes themed holidaying to its limits. Step off the plane and head for International Drive. I-Drive puts you in the center of Orlando’s and the world’s most famous theme parks and attractions and lays out a smorgasbord of entertainment for you.

The happy dollars and fierce competition between parks means not only are you in family-friendly heaven, but it’s financially agreeable too. 

Disney World resort needs no introduction, with its four parks and network of hotels, it is a world unto its own. Your children will love you forever, or at least until you refuse to buy them that first car.

This summer ‘Manta’, a new mega attraction combining real underwater encounters with giant manta rays and a ‘face down’ manta-inspired flying coaster is set to wow the summer crowd at Seaworld. Opposite, Aquatica, Seaworld’s newly opened water park brings water slides into the 21st century. 

Just down the road Universal Orlando has ‘Universal Studios’ and ‘Islands of Adventure’ where Cartoon heroes and children’s stories come to life from the tot-pleasing ‘Seuss Landing’ and teen-thrilling ‘The Hulk’ ride to everyone’s favorite ‘Jurassic Park’.

However, Florida is much more than magical kingdoms. Its beautiful broad beaches are a treasure of the new world. Exchange your Delorean for a rental and explore this wondrous state by car, cruising the gulf coasts through the relaxed Fort Meyers to the Everglades.

Going west from Tampa, if it’s the simple life you’re after, Clearwater Beach, four miles of white sandy beaches hits the spot. On the south gulf coast, stay at Fort Myers. Thomas Edison liked Fort Myers so much that he actually moved his house there. The Imaginarium Hands-On Museum and Aquarium offers a bit of an edutainment in keeping with their famous resident.

East of Orlando lies Florida’s Space Coast, home to the space shuttles’ launch pad. Kennedy Space Center competes with the beautiful beaches for popularity. Located on a barrier island, only six miles long and less than a mile wide, Cocoa Beach is perfect for surfing. Take a quiet kayak exploration off the Banana River islands, and keep  an eye out  for  whales migrating.

Further south of The Florida Keys, Key Largo, Marathon, Islamorada, Lower Keys, and Key West have some of the most unspoiled waters of the world. Theater of the Sea is located in Islamorada and offers the opportunity to swim with dolphins, stingrays and sea lions in their beautiful salt water tropical lagoon.

Miami adds another flavor to this holiday state. Exotic, latin and home to SoBe (South Beach) with its deco hotels and designer guests. 

Whether your brood have a hankering for kitesurfing over turquoise waters, frolicking with cartoon friends, or simply writing their name in the sand; the sunshine state offers it all. Perfect weather, pristine beaches and water sports galore; Florida is the ultimate family destination for fun in the sun. 

FLIGHT PLAN

Travel  to  Florida with  American  Airlines. Their extensive network  across the Sunshine  State from Orlando to Miami takes you where you want to  go. Prices from ¥87,000 return from Narita including all surcharges. For more details, check their website.

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