By car in Florida: an interactive guide along the east coast. Part of xnumx

В the first part of our road trip in Florida we got to the Crystal River Reserve, which is already very close to the world center of theme parks - Orlando. We will go there to take a ride through interesting (and often little-known) places.

Orlando’s metropolitan area is the third largest in Florida and seventeenth in the United States. Comes here every year 62 million people.

The place became famous for its Walt Disney amusement park, built in 1971 year. After the opening of the first “Disneyland” in Anaheim (California), it turned out that only five percent of its visitors come from the east coast, where at that time 75% of the country's population lived. Disney personally flew over Florida, picking up a suitable piece of land for a new park. The choice fell on Orlando because of the climate and transport infrastructure, although at that time most of the terrain was swamps and flooded meadows.

Now “Walt Disney World” is the most visited entertainment center in the world, it receives 52 a million guests every year. A lot has already been written about its popular parks, so we will stop at several great places, which are known a little less.
See the interactive map! To see it in full screen, go here.

Village of the future "EPCOT"

What: Disney World theme park - Epcot (opened in 1982).

Time: from three hours to a whole day.

Cost: a ticket to one Disney World park per day - 90 $. On numerous websites you can find discounts and various packages for visiting several parks.

More: The name of the park comes from the abbreviation EPCOT - Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, which means “experimental prototype of the community of the future.” Walt Disney intended to create an amusement park in the form of a city of the future, where new technologies and modern principles of settlement management would be collected. However, the famous multiplier did not live to realize his dream, he died in 1966 from lung cancer.

The park appeared only in the 1982 year, later the 11 years after the discovery of Walt Disney World. It consists of two parts: “The Future World”, where you can explore the achievements of science and technology, and “The World Showcase”, which is an exhibition of more than a dozen countries. The pavilions are located shops, restaurants, attractions and shows with a national flavor.

Alexandra Azarenka shares her impressions after visiting the park: "This is simply a fascinating place! There you can try out various achievements of science, fly in space, and test cars. I especially liked the attraction (I think it’s called “The Journey”), where you sit on a bench and it’s as if you’re flying, with San Francisco, the ocean, fields, and forest under your feet. This simply cannot be described in words! The line was crazy, but it was worth it!”

David Pavlov draws attention: “This park is not for children under ten years old - I think the kids will quickly get bored there.”

Address: 200 Epcot Center Dr, Orlando, FL 32821.

“Typhoon Lagoon”

What: Disney World theme park - Typhoon Lagoon (opened in 1989).

Time: from 3 hours to a whole day.

Cost: a ticket to one Disney World park per day - 90 $. At numerous sites you can buy tickets with discounts and various packages for visiting several parks.

More: “Typhoon Lagoon” ranks among the largest water parks in the world with an open water wave pool. By the way, the waves in it reach two meters. In the mornings, while visitors are few, you can take surfing lessons here. The temperature of the water in all pools year round 23-25 degrees Celsius.

There is also a special area in the park - the Shark Reef, where you can snorkel right among tropical fish and even sharks.

The theme of the water park - a tropical paradise, affected by the storm. Each year, the park receives more than two million people, which makes it the most visited in the world.

One of his attendees, Debbie, shares her impressions: “We had a great time at the Typhoon Lagoon water park. The waves in the pool are not for the faint of heart or for those who cannot swim. Enjoyed the snorkeling and family rafting. Very good. Ideal for all ages: from 10 to 75 years.”

Tourist Pablo was also delighted with the park: “We visited all the water parks in Orlando. And they are all somewhat similar to each other. Everywhere there is a “river”, slides - both scary and not so scary - everywhere there are “children’s zones”. But it was this park that was remembered for its artificial wave. Believe me, you will not see this in any water park in America (and Europe too)! This is something huge! Moreover, it is interesting to watch how people who stood and waited for this “wave” run away from it in horror and panic. But you won't be able to escape! The wave overtakes, knocks you down, turns you over! I recommend to all!".

Address: 1145 East Buena Vista Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32830.

"Holy Land"

What: theme park “Holy Land” (opened in 2001 year).

Time: from 3 hours to a whole day.

Cost: On one day: adults - $50, children from 6 to 12 years old - $35, children from 3 to 6 - $20;

for two days: adults - $75, children from 6 to 12 years old - $55, children from 3 to 6 - $30. Tickets can be purchased at Online.

More: The park shows Jerusalem of biblical times. There are various shows with the participation of professional actors, in which the historical scenes described in the Old and New Testaments are played. In addition, the park has a museum with ancient authentic artifacts, and indoors is the world's largest model of ancient Jerusalem (sample 66 AD). A park основал Jew of Russian descent, Baptist pastor Marvin Rosenthal. This place will be interesting not only to Christians or believers of other denominations, but also to history and theater lovers, museum connoisseurs.

Cameron from Miami writes: “Indeed, a wonderful place that every Christian should visit. I heard many people talking about him, but I didn’t think it was so much fun. In fact, it was very cool. This is a must see. ”

Address: 4655 Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32811.

Show “Medieval Times”

What: knightly tournament “Medieval times” (opened in 1983 year).

Time: 2 hours, start on 20: 00, on Saturdays on 18: 00 and 20: 30.

Cost: adults - $62.95, children from 3 to 12 years old - $32.95 (excluding taxes). Tickets can be purchased at Online, group discounts are available.

More: The idea of ​​a medieval knight duel, combined with a dinner in the same style, originated in Spain, on the island of Mallorca, where the first show opened in 1973. In the USA, the first castle appeared ten years later in Kissimi, a suburb of Orlando. Now there are nine "lists" in the United States. In fact, the show is a theatrical production, which takes place in a building that copies the medieval castle. Inside there is a large horse riding stadium - the action itself takes place there. Horses, foot and horse knights with squires play the battles beautifully, fighting for the heart of the princess, the daughter of the king. Remarkable costumes, acting types by Hollywood standards, powerful sound and atmosphere of excitement. In the first half of the show dinner is being carried: all in the old fashioned way, no knives and forks, plates and tin cups. The menu is simple, but it is understandable - the Middle Ages.

Shtera from Israel shares her impressions: “Very original entertainment. Unusual. I advise you to buy tickets in advance and come from the hotel hungry. Drinks are poured without restriction, so if you choose wine, be careful. The food is simple (medieval), but tasty, and a lot of it. The show is worth the money with interest. At the entrance you can take a picture and then buy a photo. Parking is free at this time. ”

Address: 4510 W Vine St, Kissimmee, FL 34746.

“Orlando Ai” and others

What: amusement complex 360.

Time: two to four hours.

Cost: from 25 $ per attraction per adult. Discounts on visits to several attractions, as well as group discounts.

More: entertainment complex “I-drive 360” opened in 2014 year, it includes: the Ferris wheel “Orlando Ai”, Madame Tussauds wax museum and aquariums “Sea life”. At first glance, everything is standard and nothing unusual, but the place is really attractive. Ferris wheel equipped with cabins with the latest technology. Wax figures of celebrities look like live ones, and with them it pulls to be photographed (you can use props - hats, glasses, wigs). And aquariums are so unusual that they attract both children and adults for a long time. Next to the attraction are several shops and restaurants, and most importantly, comfortable free parking.

Derry from the UK shares memories: “We visited the complex on our last day in Orlando and were very pleased. We bought a ticket for all three attractions. The price/quality ratio was very good. The wheel offers great views of Orlando. It would be nice if there was a map on board the capsule indicating interesting places. Sea Life Aquarium is very interesting and relaxing. Madame Tussauds was great, we took a lot of photos with the “stars”.

Address: 8445 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819.

"Universal Studios"

What: theme park "Universal Studios”(Opened in 1990 year).

Time: all day or more.

Cost: 102 $ adult, 97 $ children (from 3 to 9 years). Discounts for two- and three-day visits.

More: park is the second largest in Orlando after “Walt Disney World” and belongs to the eponymous film studio. In fact, in a common area are located myselfUniversal Studios", Park" Islands of Adventures ", as well as a night entertainment complex"Universal citywalk”And four large hotels. Pavilions and entertainment zones are devoted to specific films released by the studio: “Transformers”, “Terminator”, “Mummy” and others. Particularly striking is the “Harry Potter” Pavilion, in which the scenery is almost completely reproduced. Shops, cafes, attractions - all immersed in the atmosphere of the film. What only is a dragon on the roof of the castle, which every twenty minutes with a deafening roar produces a fiery jet.

Inna Borodkina is categorical: “In Orlando, I would prefer Universal for a couple of days.”

Alice from Moscow shares: “The Mummy attraction made a greater impression on me – my hair stood on end with fear. The most uninteresting attractions seemed to be “Shrek” and “Sea Show”. I really enjoyed the tram ride around the studio itself. If you have to return to this city more than once, I advise you to buy a VIP ticket for a year at once.”

Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819.

Ocala Reserve and Silver Springs Park

What: Ocala National Forest Reserve.

Time: for the whole day, the park is open from 9: 00 in the morning until sunset.

Cost: entrance to the park is $4, you can rent kayaks and canoes separately, for two - $18 for the first hour and $9 for the next.

More: more than half of the state of Florida is covered by forests. The most amazing thing is that they are man-made. Since the beginning of the last century, millions of trees were planted, and to protect and care for them created four reserve. Ocala - The oldest and most southern reserve of continental USA. His pine forest is considered the most extensive in the world. There are many trails for hiking or cycling, as well as an abundance of picnic areas and fishing spots.

You can get to the oldest recreation area in the USA. ”Silver Springs, Founded in 1852 year, and take a ride on a glass bottom boat on a reserved river. This attraction, opened in 1870's, is in itself became an artifact.

Address: 5656 Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488.

The very first US city - St. Augustine

What: The oldest city in the US is St. Augustine.

Time: from three hours to a whole day.

Cost: entrance tickets to the fort and museums for 10 $ per adult, children are free.

More: St. Augustine (St. Augustine) - no less oldest city in the United States. In 1513, Columbus's ally Juan Ponce de Lyon landed here. It was he who called the land Florida and declared it the possession of the Spanish crown. Later, a fort was erected here and a settlement was founded, which during the 254 years was the northernmost in the Spanish colonial empire. The struggle between the Spaniards, the French and the British concentrated in this place, the settlement changed hands several times. From 1819, St. Augustine became owned by the United States, from the fort made a prison, which contained the famous leader Osceola - the leader of the rebel Indians of the Seminolov tribe. In the city, in addition to Fort San Marco, there are several museums, a real Catholic cathedral of 1793-97, ancient buildings. Everything is literally saturated with antiquity - perfectly in the European spirit.

Irina Star talks about her impressions: “I really liked the oldest city in Florida - St. Augustine. It is full of history and resembles European towns. ”

Sergei Umrikhin even made his top best cities to visit: “The most beautiful cities in Florida are Naples, St. Augustine, Tampa and St. Petersburg with Cuban quarters.”

Address: 1 S Castillo Dr, St Augustine, FL 32084.

Daytona Beach Racing Track

What: international racing track “Daytona”.

Time: from half an hour to three hours.

Cost: half-hour familiarization tour - $16, for children from 6 to 12 years old - $10; three-hour VIP tour - $50; one and a half hour “behind the scenes” tour - adults $23, children from 6 to 12 years old - $17. Reservations required for Online.

More: The track was built in 1959 by the founder of NASCAR (National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing) by Bill Franseme Sr. NASCAR - national stock car racing association. It traces its history to 1949, when it was decided to merge semi-amateur races on production machines in the southeastern United States into one championship. Not a single autosports association decided to sanction this competition, and Frans established his own organization. Since the first broadcast from the track on live television has been shown in 1979, the races have gained enormous popularity around the world and have become truly iconic among fans of auto and motor racing.

Now “Daytona” - is super modern track cost 400 million dollars with the possibility of simultaneous reception of more than one hundred thousand guests. Almost for 150 dollars you can drive with a professional racer a few laps on a real race track. This requires advance booking. And of course, you can buy tickets for the races, which are held here regularly.

Address: 1801 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114.

Space impressions on Cape Canaveral

What: Kennedy Space Center.

Time: all day.

Cost: On one day — 50 $ adult, 40 $ for children from 3 to 11 years. Tickets can be purchased at Online or in any tourist center of Orlando and the surrounding area. There are discounts on the purchase of a package of tours and repeated visits.

More: To make a show or tourist center from any object is a real American tradition. No exception to the spaceport at Cape Canaveral. You can visit the NASA Ground Tracking Station, launch pads, center Apollo-Saturn V, which is a huge museum of spacecraft, a memorial to the fallen astronauts, a hall of fame, a park-museum of rockets. Surprisingly, there was also a place for a wildlife reserve with several places of interest that you should definitely visit: Mosquito Lagoon, Indian River, National Wildlife Refuge, Merritt Island and National Coast Canaveral.

Interesting fact: this territory has more blows lightningthan anywhere else in the USA. This forces NASA to spend millions of dollars to prevent lightning strikes during launches.

And do not forget that the center website publishes information on the nearest launches of spacecraft. They can buy tickets and watch the launch from the nearest point. This is one of the most realistic shows in the world!

Inna Borodkina was delighted with visiting the spaceport: “Super! Cape Canaveral - the American spaceport - was very interesting not only to my son, but even to me. ”

Address: Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899.

Sebastian and Pelicans Island

What: national nature reservePelicans' Island.

Time: from a few hours to a whole day. Open from 7: 30 am to sundown.

Cost: visiting the reserve - free of charge, museums from 2 $ to 10 $.

More: In the 19th century, pelicans and other exotic birds, due to their plumage, often became the prey of hunters who supplied the fashion industry of the whole world. American ornithologists and social activists began to struggle to preserve endangered species. Pelicans Island was founded by special order of US President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903, and became the first national natural reserve in US history.

It is believed that in these places the best fishing on the east coast of Florida. Probably, pelicans have chosen this beautiful place for a reason. Nearby, in the city of Sebastian, even the museum of the fish industry of the region is open, and on the ocean spit there is McLarthy Treasure Museum with Spanish artifacts of the 1715 model of the year.

Address: 4055 Wildlife Way, Vero Beach, FL 32963.

Fur Seals Museum at Fort Pierce

What: Museum of the United States Navy Seals (SEAL).

Time: 2-3 hours.

Cost: adults - $10, children from 6 to 12 - $5, discounts for groups. Open from 10:00 to 16:00 on weekdays, except Monday, on Sunday from 12:00 to 16:00.

More: It is no coincidence that the museum was opened near the town of Fort Pierce. Exactly here From the 1943 to the 1946, the first US Navy volunteers trained. SEAL - literally “seals” or “seals”, but in fact it is an abbreviation of English words SEa, Air and Land (sea, air and land). This is the main tactical unit. Special operations forces US Navywhich is engaged in reconnaissance, sabotage or hostage rescue, as well as artillery fire, demining and mining, providing communications in areas where military operations are conducted, combating maritime terrorism and illegal crossing of the US state borders. From 1962 to the present, SEAL has participated in all US combat operations without exception. For a long time the existence of SEAL was a state secret. In the museum you can learn about the history of the legendary special forces, find out interesting facts that will definitely interest the male part of the company.

Address: 3300 N. Highway A1A, North Hutchinson Island, Fort Pierce, FL 34949.

Flights near Lake Okeechobee

What: outdoor activities and hang-gliding with an instructor in the area of ​​Lake Okeechobee.

Time: for all day.

Cost: flights from 200 $ to 500 $, depending on the height and route, equipment and equipment are provided. The program depends on weather conditions and can be changed. For a fee, you can order photo and video, including during their stay in the air.

More: Lake Okeechobee located in the heart of Florida and is part of the Everglades biological system, being the largest lake in the southern United States. The lake is shallow: the average depth is about three meters, the maximum is 3,7 meters.

And very close you can soar into the sky on a hang glider accompanied by an experienced instructor - here is the perfect combination of natural conditions for such a flight. If your companions are not ready to go up to the sky, then there are various active programs for them - running and hiking trails, basketball and volleyball courts, grills, a shower and an outdoor swimming pool.

If you wish, you can stay overnight near the lake, but the place must be booked in advance on Online.

Cultural Rest in Delray Beach

What: walks through the city of Delray Beach.

Time: from two hours to a whole day.

Cost: depending on the plans.

More: On the way to Miami, you can drive to the cozy resort town of Delray Beach. The atmosphere here is very warm and pleasant, many cafes and restaurants of European type. Depending on your interests and time, you can visit several notable places. Among them - Artists Alleywhere you can buy paintings and other interior items made by the hands of craftsmen, Art garage with theatrical and concert stage. And you can just enjoy the breath of the Atlantic Ocean dune park. Delray Beach is a sister city with Japanese Miyazu, which is why the famous Morikami Museum and japanese gardens. Several times a year, street art festivals are held in the city, where hundreds of artists gather, and since 1999, an international men's professional event has been held there every year. tennis tournament.

Tourist Lana recalls: “It happened to us to get to downtown Delray Beach. On a sunny and bright day in Florida, it's great to just walk through the streets of the town. A little hot, but if you are near the water, a fresh and salty breeze can be so pleasant and life-saving! ”.

Rescuing turtles in Jumbo-Limbaugh Park

What: natural center “Jumbo-Limbo”.

Time: from two hours to a whole day. Open from 9: 00 to 16: 00, on Sundays from 12: 00 to 16: 00.

Cost: voluntary donation in the form of 5 $.

More: nature center Opened 1970-ies by the administration of the town of Boca Raton in order to protect the population of turtles, which have chosen the local beaches for breeding. Here you can walk along specially equipped nature trails, explore the life of turtles, visit the butterfly garden and learn about the local flora and fauna at the center for studying nature.

Carolyn from Florida writes: “A great place for walking with children, there are turtles, a science center, aquariums and a small but cozy shop of nice souvenirs.”

Address: 1801 North Ocean Boulevard, Boca Raton, FL 33432.