| When we consider the attractions on offer in Orlando | | | | For a more natural experience, Bok Tower Gardens is |
| and the surrounding area, one can't help but | | | | located near Lake Wales and is home to a botanical |
| immediately be drawn to the household names such | | | | gardens and a historic tower. The gardens are named |
| as Walt Disney World, Universal and SeaWorld. Yet, | | | | after Edward Bok who founded them in 1921 as a bird |
| the area boasts far more than those out of the | | | | sanctuary. The site is still home to over a hundred bird |
| country realise, and in response to the increasing | | | | species, and assorted wildlife, whilst the Singing Tower |
| number of cheap flights to Orlando I decided to write | | | | is built from marble and contains carillon bells which are |
| about 5 of the lesser-known attractions in the area. | | | | rung daily. |
| 1. Gatorland | | | | 4. SAK Comedy Lab |
| Despite the huge popularity of SeaWorld, Orlando also | | | | For comedy fans the SAK Comedy Lab is located in |
| caters for freshwater fans - and Gatorland is a | | | | central Orlando and is famed for its improvisational |
| must-see for those wanting to get up-close and | | | | comedy and theatre. Seasonal shows occur around |
| personal with the toothy species. Dating from 1949, | | | | the year, but the 'Dual of Fools' - featuring two teams |
| today the theme park and reserve is hoe to | | | | improvising against each other - is its long running |
| thousands of alligators and crocodiles and includes a | | | | attraction. Other past shows include an improve game |
| breeding marsh, educational facilities and wrestling | | | | show, and a humorous Broadway send-up: Fourplay: |
| shows. | | | | The Improvised Musical. |
| 2. The Holy Land Experience | | | | 5. Medieval Times |
| For a theme park with a difference, The Holy Land | | | | One truly American tourist tradition is the medieval |
| Experience is a theme park and museum that literally | | | | re-enactment. Medieval Times (which can be found |
| immerses the visitor into biblical times. Walk among | | | | around the US) is a dinner theatre where diners can |
| ancient streets and witness lifelike re-enactments of | | | | eat a 'royal' feast in the presence of sword fights and |
| key moments within the bible. To some, it may seem | | | | jousting. After being seated in a corner of a mock-up |
| like an overblown cash-in on a religion, but to others it is | | | | medieval castle, guests root for a knight as they do |
| no doubt a unique, enjoyable and educational day. | | | | battle while you eat. |
| 3. Bok Tower Gardens | | | | |