Visiting Orlando & the Space Coast

If Orlando is the theme park capital of the world, Lake Buena Vista is the epicenter of fun. Home of Walt Disney World Resort, including Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Lake Buena Vista is where the fun begins. Winter Haven, 50-miles south of Orlando, now adds a brand-new LegoLand to the excitement of central Florida. The former location of Cypress Gardens, is now Legoland Florida, with 150 acres of family fun and amusements. Legoland has restored and will preserve the Cypress Gardens portion of the park. Head for Highlands County to 1 Legoland Way in Winter Haven, and be one of the first to visit Legoland Florida.

Orlando International Airport, 20 miles to the east of Lake Buena Vista makes travel to the area convenient. The city of Orlando 20-miles to the northeast of Lake Buena Vista, adds culture to the mix with events at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, shopping at the Florida Mall or Mall at Millenia, and even more theme parks including Universal Studios Florida and SeaWorld Orlando.

Orlando, Lake Buena Vista and Florida’s Space Coast brings visitors back again and again to capture all the fun, and New Year's Eve is no exception. Celebrate the New Year around the world at Epcot with DJ’s and dance parties; Ring in the New Year with “Lights! Camera! Happy New Year!“ at Disney Hollywood Studios; or last until midnight at the Magic Kingdom for “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks.

Choose Orlando’s Universal CityWalk for New Year’s and choose from dancing at The Groove, jazz music at CityJazz, fun at Margaritaville or any of the other clubs or restaurants. Even SeaWorld Orlando celebrates past midnight with music and fireworks at The Waterfront. It’s all about a festive New Year’s Eve in Orlando.

Daytona Beach, at the north of Florida’s Space Coast, rings in the New Year and keeps the fun going. Catch performances by Gordon Lightfoot, the Lennon Sisters or the Air Force Reserve Band in January at Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach. February brings Daytona’s most well known event, The Daytona 500.

Join the crowds at Daytona International Speedway, next to Daytona Beach International Airport for the 2012 “Great American Race” – the Daytona 500. The biggest, richest and arguably most prestigious motorsports event in the US. It's a must-see for racing fans. The 54th annual Daytona 500 runs February 26th and includes Danica Patrick making her debut race in the event.

South in Cocoa and Cocoa Beach, the pace slows, but fun continues. The Cocoa Beach area is a gateway to Kennedy Space Center, Port Canaveral Cruises and sites like the Brevard Zoo and Historic Cocoa Village. 2012 brings the inaugural Florida Key Lime Pie Festival in January. The festivities include Florida’s first Miss Key Lime Pie contest, the Florida Key Lime Pie Eating Contest and bartenders competing for the best Key Lime Pie Martini and Key Lime Pie Margarita. Don’t miss the fun January 21st at the International Palms Resort in Cocoa Beach.

Orlando & the Space Coast Hotel Map