Orlando Hotels & Holidays

USA, North America

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Daytona Beach and Orlando are less than sixty miles from each other, yet in many ways they are worlds apart. It is said that Orlando has two climates, hot and hotter, but Daytona Beach's climate is actually quite mild year round thanks to its proximity to the ocean. During its hot and humid summers, Orlando is also known to experience regular thunderstorms. Both Orlando and Daytona Beach are popular tourist destinations. Orlando, due to its resorts and theme parks draws many visitors every year, while Daytona Beach is especially known for its speedway and spectacular stretch of beaches.

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Orlando borders on Lake Toho, famous for its bass fishing, and you can charter a boat to get some great fishing done. For water sports of many different varieties, though, Daytona Beach has the most to offer with its white sand beaches such as Smyrna Beach, Ormond Beach, and of course, Daytona Beach. These beaches are very user friendly, offering disabled access with special chairs, access to vehicles for a fee to the beach area, lifeguards, and surfing in designated areas.

Orlando is famous for its theme parks, foremost among these probably being Disney. In addition to Epcot Center there are three other theme parks and two water parks all from Disney. They offer rides and other attractions that have made them famous. Also in Orlando is Universal Studios where, in addition to the attraction of a working movie set with 3D movies and rides at Universal Studios, the theme park has also opened what it calls its Islands of Adventure, one of its most recent additions being Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Other attractions in Orlando include Gatorland for all things alligator, with live shows daily. Sea World is a great break from the crowds at Disney and has a partnership with Discovery Cove, a marine park attraction where a maximum of 1000 guests per day can swim with dolphins, or snorkel in the grand reef. Florida Eco-safaris at Forever Florida offer a chance for visitors to experience game preserves of Florida's wildlife, including alligators and black bears. You can either ride through by coach or horseback or zipline above through the canopy.

Daytona Beach is perhaps most widely known for being home to the world famous Daytona International Speedway built by Nascar founder William France in the 50's. It's most famous race is the Daytona 500 in February, but there is also the Daytona 200, and the Pepsi 400. You might want to research the racing schedule before your visit for a unique opportunity to view some great racing.

You can also sample the wines of Florida in Daytona at a tasting house or visit the Richard Petty Driving Experience where you can feel for yourself what it's like to be behind the wheel of a Nascar. The Daytona 500 Experience is also worthy of a visit and thanks to the Nascar 3D IMAX movie, you can get right into the racing experience, or there is a chance to try out as a pit crew and change a tire, and even a chance to jump into a simulator for a realistic stock car experience.

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Because these cities are so close together, it's difficult to visit one without visiting the other. Both offer their unique take on entertainment, but they offer options that it would be difficult to find anywhere else in the world.