Orlando – Fun all the way Orlando
Orlando

Orlando

Emirates launched its new service from Dubai to Orlando on September 1 this year, the airline’s 10th US passenger destination, following on from Boston which was launched on March 10 and Chicago on August 5, 2014. The airline has been serving the US for over 10 years, gradually expanding services on a commercial basis to serve the consistently high demand for its flights.

Is there a city more geared towards the pursuit of fun than Orlando? This family-friendly holiday destination in Florida is home to some of the most iconic theme parks in the world, with Walt Disney World Resort being the biggest name of them all.

The “House of Mouse” plays no small role in drawing the crowds, and an estimated 50 million visitors take flights to Orlando every year.

When you’re not rubbing shoulders with your favourite Disney characters, there’s also wildlife spotting at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and seal and dolphin shows at SeaWorld Orlando Florida.

For film fans, you can peruse famous stage sets and memorabilia at Universal Studios Florida.

Away from the resorts, immerse yourself in the city’s dining and nightlife scene.

The “locavore” movement has well and truly taken hold, and there are some supremely talented chefs making the most of local, seasonal ingredients to create a dining experience worth travelling for.

Once you get away from the resorts, the great outdoors of Orlando is a big draw. If you’re feeling active, rent a kayak and take a tour of Shingle Creek, the headwaters of the Florida Everglades.

Alternatively, if you have the time to take a day trip out of the city, try wandering the walking trails of the nearby Ocala National Forest or go wildlife spotting at Wekiwa Springs State Park.

For another way to soak up the Florida sunshine, visit one of the city’s many award-winning golf courses. There’s a reason Tiger Woods is such a big fan of the city.

Make the time to see Orlando’s cultural offerings and your enthusiasm will be rewarded with a range of galleries, museums, science centres and more. The city is home to the renowned Dali Museum and Orlando Art Museum, as well as the Kennedy Space Centre.

Getting there

Emirates launched its new service from Dubai to Orlando on September 1 this year, the airline’s 10th US passenger destination, following on from Boston which was launched on March 10 and Chicago on August 5, 2014.

The airline has been serving the US for over 10 years, gradually expanding services on a commercial basis to serve the consistently high demand for its flights.

Customers on board an Emirates Boeing 777-200LR can experience a wide range of products and services during their flight. All passengers can enjoy over 2 000 free channels of films, TV shows, music, games and podcasts through ice, the airline’s multi-award winning in-flight entertainment system, regionally inspired gourmet cuisine and Emirates’ renowned inflight service from the airline’s multi-national cabin crew from over 120 countries.

First Class passengers will have a private suite which converts into a two metre (6ft7in) bed and dining on demand; Business Class passengers can relax in their lie-flat bed; whilst Economy Class passengers will enjoy a choice of menus including complimentary beverages.

To do

You can’t go to Orlando and not pay a visit to the House of Mouse. Everything you’ve heard about Walt Disney World Resort is true, from the adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters in the theme parks to seeing your favourite characters brought to life by brilliant actors.

It’s hard to pick a highlight, but the Star Wars-themed Star Tours is one of the coolest attractions.

If all of those theme parks leave you in the mood for a more sedate activity, Orlando’s museums offer a welcome change of pace. The Orlando Museum of Art has some stunning 20th century works, including pieces by Andy Warhol, while the Dali Museum, dedicated to the art of Salvador Dali, is a must-visit for any fans of Surrealism.

Sports fans should head downtown to the Amway Centre, one of Orlando’s most famous landmarks. The stadium hosts various sports events and concerts throughout the year. Yet it’s best known as the home of Orlando’s National Basketball Association (NBA) team, the Orlando Magic, whose most famous alumnus is Shaquille O’Neal.

Orlando is widely regarded to be one of the best golfing destinations in the United States and it is easy to see why – along with perfect sunny days, it also boasts more than 170 golf courses, with golf pros like Jack Nicklaus behind many of the designs. Check out the course at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes, which counts Tiger Woods among its fans.

Get out of the city and get back to nature with a kayak tour of Shingle Creek, the headwaters of the Florida Everglades.

Both the Ritz-Carlton and the JW Marriott at Grande Lakes organise kayaking tours of this fascinating ecosystem. Perfect for birdwatching enthusiasts, or simply those who want to keep active while on holiday.

Visa information is available at from the Consular Section of the United States Embassy – 172 Herbert Chitepo Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe or online at http://harare.usembassy.gov/contact.html

Book online at www.emirates.com/zw or visit the Emirates office in Wakefield Road, Avondale, Harare. Telephone 086 7704 4444; Email: [email protected]

You Might Also Like

Comments

Take our Survey

We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey