The Magic Kingdom park is what usually springs to mind for most people when you mention Disney World (or Walt Disney World Resort, to give it its full name), probably because it was the first of the four parks to be opened (in 1971). The park does get busy, so get there early and you'll see so much more. Stop by the home of the world's most famous mouse in 'Mickey Toontown Fair' and have a look at where the big cheese actually lives. Take a thrill ride across the galaxy on 'Space Mountain', explore the ghostly happenings at the 'Haunted Mansion', or prepare to get wet with Brer Rabbit and friends on 'Splash Mountain'. Do try and catch one of the wonderful parades featuring some of your favorite Disney characters, and don't come home before you've seen the fireworks high above Cinderella Castle. It's a long day, but an absolute must!

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Disney's Animal Kingdom, opened in 1998, is the most recent addition to Walt Disney World Resort and is the largest Disney theme park in the world. Animal conservation was a subject close to Walt Disney's heart and the creators of the park have designed it around this theme, which makes the Animal Kingdom a great combination of the magic and fun of Disney and the beauty and splendor of Mother Nature. Ride 'Kilimanjaro Safaris' where the animals are almost close enough to touch. Come face to face with a magnificent troop of gorillas, or travel back in time on 'Dinosaur'. Asia is the newest area of the park where you can cool off on 'Kali River Rapids'. Make sure you get there early when the animals are at their most active and don't miss the 'Lion King Stage Show' and the highly amusing 'It's Tough To Be A Bug'.

Disney MGM Studios

Take a journey through 'tinsel town', courtesy of the Disney MGM Studios, where the theme is Hollywood classic movies and popular television entertainment. Battle imperial star-fighters in the 'Star Tours' motion simulator, then take your seats for the exciting live show 'Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular', Jim Henson's 'Muppet 3D Movie', and other superb live shows like 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'. The afternoon parade features characters from the latest animated Disney blockbuster. For lovers of roller coasters, don't miss the 'Rock 'N' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith'. The highlight for many guests is the nighttime show 'Fantasmic!', as Mickey Mouse battles evil fantasy villains with a barrage of fireworks, water and lasers.

Epcot

The Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow - known by its acronym EPCOT - was the second park to be built and opened in 1982. With its dual themes of international culture and technological innovation, EPCOT is a showcase for cutting edge technology and an eclectic mix of international entertainment and cuisine. In 'Future World', you get an enthralling look at the very latest developments in science and technology and their impact on our modern world, all presented in a fun and often interactive setting. Make sure you see 'Honey I Shrunk the Audience' - Disney's 3D magic is not to be missed! 'World Showcase', on the other hand, features the traditions and cultures of people from around the world. Eat and drink your way around the globe in a day and be sure to stay for 'Illuminations: Reflections of Earth', performed every night around the 'World Showcase Lagoon' - it's truly a breathtaking event.

Pleasure Island

If it's clubbing you're into, then head over to Downtown Disney Pleasure Island. 'Mannequins' is a dance palace of epic proportions for over 21s, but there's jazz, comedy, hip hop, and country and western on offer as well. Visit the 'Adventurers Club', a little on the wacky side with its off the wall look at life in the 'Raj', then head outside with your family for a non-stop street party with live shows and fireworks. Look out for some very well known bands playing on the West End Stage and don't forget to stay late!

Downtown Disney West Side

The 'West Side' features a huge Virgin Megastore for cheap CDs, a 20 cinema complex to catch the latest films, live music at the 'House of Blues', and numerous excellent eateries like 'Wolfgang Puck Café' and Bongo's Cuban Care'. 'Disney Quest Indoor Interactive Theme Park' is a video game fanatics dream come true, with 5 floors of high tech entertainment! The amazing 'Cirque Du Soleil', a mix of street theatre and circus artistry, is hard to describe and although it's not the cheapest ticket in town, it's worth every penny.

The Disney water parks - 'Blizzard Beach' and 'Typhoon Lagoon' - are great fun and suitable for all ages. Make sure you have sun block with you and keep re-applying it at regular intervals. In the blazing heat of the summer 2-3 hours without any shade is plenty, so don't be tempted to overdo it, especially on your first day! Remember to drink plenty of water too..

Disney's 'Blizzard Beach Water Park' is a highly unusual ski resort where the snow has melted and turned the place into a Mecca for water rides and slides - look out for the one and only 'Summit Plummet' and hang onto that swimsuit!

Disney's 'Typhoon Lagoon Water Park' is home to the biggest surf wave ever to hit Florida and is a tropical paradise full of slick flumes and giant slides like the 'Humunga Kowabunga'. Make sure you take time to snorkel 'Sharks Reef'.

Disney Quest

'Disney Quest' is an indoor interactive theme park, combining cutting-edge entertainment technologies such as virtual reality and 3-D with Disney stories and characters to create a unique experience. Climb into a real river raft, ride the rapids and avoid hungry dinosaurs in the 'Virtual Jungle Cruise'. Design your own roller coaster and then ride it on 'Cyberspace Mountain'. Explore five floors of virtual fun with over 250 attractions, rides and games.

Universal Studios

Park number one is where Hollywood, movies and television come alive in numerous rides, shows and attractions. 'Jaws' is always good value, as is the revamped 'ET'. The 'Back to the Future' ride is still one of the best simulator rides ever and 'Terminator 2:3-D' is definitely worth the wait. 'Twister' will put the wind up you and if you're a sucker for 'Lassie', head over to 'Animal Planet Live'. 'Men in Black Alien Attack' is the newest addition - how it ends depends on the amount of aliens you happen to ZAP! It's a very full day and lots of fun.

Islands Of Adventure

Park number two is an all-new theme park definitely designed for the 21st century. You'll experience some of the world's most advanced ride and show technologies on five exciting islands. 'Seuss Landing' is where you'll see The Cat in the Hat, hurtle around the 'Last Continent' on 'Dueling Dragons' and ride a monster of a water ride in 'Jurassic Park'. 'Toon Lagoon' is full of high spirited cartoon fun and 'Marvel Super Hero Island' is where you'll find 'Spider-Man' (the best ride of its kind in the world), as well as the 'Incredible Hulk Coaster' with its cheek-chattering inverted turns and loops.

City Walk

This is Universal's nighttime entertainment complex where you can enjoy a top notch dinner at 'Emerils', a cocktail at Jimmy Buffet's 'Margaritaville' or dance the night away at 'The Groove'. There's also a 20 cinema complex with stadium seating that serves wine and beer - who cares if the film's not great! Look out for top name acts at 'Hard Rock Live' and check out the infectious beat at 'Motown Café'. You have to walk through 'CityWalk' to exit the two main theme parks, so maybe take a break from the crowds and stop for dinner or a drink at the end of a very enjoyable day.

Sea World

This Orlando favorite draws visitors back time and time again year after year. Grab a show schedule upon arrival and plan your assault on the park. Touch and feed dolphin, pet some perfectly harmless sting rays or get face to face with Shamu the Killer Whale and family. If it's a hot day, a front row seat at the whale show is a guaranteed way to cool off, then dry your clothes in 60 seconds flat on the all new 'Kraken', a roller coaster without a floor! 'Journey to Atlantis' is part water ride, part roller coaster and 'Wild Artic' also features a somewhat bumpy ride en route to some very cool encounters.

Wet'n Wild

Orlando's original 'Beach Within Reach' is very conveniently located on International Drive right in the heart of 'Touristville'. It's well known for some great multi-person rides where the whole family or group can splash around together. All ages are well catered for; there's a very safe water playground where toddlers can paddle and slide in complete safety. 'Der Stuka' is quite a ride, as is 'The Bomb Bay' - the names say it all! If you aren't into a daredevil descent, then head over to the aptly named 'Lazy River', the best place in town to get a tan. 'The Surge' is a great place for a family get together as is the 'Bubba Tub', and it's a lot more fun than riding on your own.

Bush Gardens

Located in Tampa and an hour's drive from Orlando, Busch Gardens is a 335 acre African themed park featuring cleverly designed animal attractions, thrilling rides and live entertainment. 'Edge of Africa' is a lot of fun, and so is the off-road adventure on 'Rhino Rally'. The park is best known for an incredible collection of roller coasters like 'Montu', 'Kumba' and the new dueling wooden roller coaster 'Gwazi'. The 'Tanganika Tidal Wave', is, as the name suggests, a good way to cool off, but if that sounds a bit too over the top, then grab a cool beer instead - the park is owned by Budweiser, so there's no shortage of refreshment here!

Kennedy Space Center

The home of America's space program, the Kennedy Space Center features a variety of exhibits, shows and tours which are both interesting and informative. An hour's drive from Orlando, it's very family friendly and whether you're of the Apollo generation or a Shuttle space cadet, there's plenty to enjoy. Don't miss the stunning Imax movie or the 'Spaceport USA' bus tour which gets you out to the observation gantry overlooking the biggest rockets you're ever likely to see. If you're not careful, this could be the most fun you ever had in a science lesson!

Gatorland

'Gatorland' is a reasonably priced and entertaining half day attraction that kids particularly will enjoy. This is gator capital of the world, home to over 5000 of Florida's original residents. The park is very concerned with the conservation of the Florida alligator, so fun shows like 'Jumparoo' and 'Gator Wrestling' have an educational side to them as well. A lot of the activity centers around a beautiful breeding marsh, which is also a haven for hundreds of birds - amateur ornithologists will be in their element. 'Jungle Crocs of the World' features some more fearsome imports and feeding time is not to be missed!

Daytona Beach

For something completely different, the world famous Daytona Beach is definitely worth the drive - literally! While the surf may be a little rough, you can actually enjoy this beach from the comfort of your car, since it's one of the few beaches in the world which you can drive onto and park. Take I-4 east for about 60 miles. Daytona is approximately 1 ½ hour's drive from Orlando.

Cocoa Beach

Located on Florida's Space Coast (named after the Kennedy Space Center), you'll find lots of amenities and a seemingly endless stretch of sand. Cocoa Beach is approximately one hour's drive from Orlando. Head east on Bee Line Expressway (Hwy 528).

New Smyrna Beach

One of Orlando's closet beaches, New Smyrna features a historic district, as well as shops, marinas and restaurants. New Smyrna Beach is about one hour's drive from Orlando.

St. Petersburg & Clearwater

Florida's Gulf coast beaches are where all you beach lovers will want to be! A ninety minute drive from Orlando, the towns of Clearwater and St Petersburg are on a peninsula bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the west and Tampa Bay to the east. There are 35 miles of beautiful white-sand beaches on some 20 barrier islands. If lazing on the beach isn't for you, then why not hire a speedboat, go sailing or take a fishing trip? St Petersburg has an attractive and lively downtown area located on the waterfront, offering plenty of opportunities for shopping and dining.

Golf Courses

The following golf courses are all within 7 miles of the villa:

Highlands Reserve Golf Club: rated 3.5 stars by Golf Digest's 'Places to Play' guide. Visit www.highlandsreserve-golf.com to find out more.

ChampionsGate Golf Resort: regarded as one of the top golf courses nationwide. This 36 hole resort was designed by Greg Norman. One course, the International, is a links style course reminiscent of the top UK courses: the other, the National, is an American style course. www.championsgategolf.com

Ridgewood Lakes Golf Club: listed amongst the top 30 golf courses in Florida. Web site: www.ridgewoodlakesgolf.com

Mystic Dunes Golf Club: ranked Orlando's number two after ChampionsGate. See www.mysticdunesgolf.com for details.

Celebration Golf Club: renowned club which has hosted several prestigious tournaments in recent years. Go to www.celebrationgolf.com