GATEWAY TO FUN
Central Florida’s Kissimmee an exciting holiday adventure
Central Florida’s Kissimmee an exciting holiday adventure
Kissimmee is the “Gateway to Fun” for visitors of all ages. In addition to the excitement of Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and LEGOLAND Florida theme parks, Kissimmee is home to the experiences and complementary accommodations that thrill and imprint memories. And it’s just three hours from Fort Myers. If theme parks aren’t your thing, Kissimmee’s off-the-beatenpath attractions and natural adventures may fit the bill. There’s zip-lining over alligators at Gatorland, taking part in the fighter-pilot-for-a-day program at Warbird Adventures, hot-air balloons, or the rush of the world’s tallest sky-coaster at Fun Spot America.
Or consider Wild Florida, its cypress trees and grassy swamp, soaring birds, sunbathing 'gators, nesting bald eagles and other amazing wildlife on an airboat tour. A wildlife park home to more than 200 types of animals is another key feature of Wild Florida. Other airboat tour operators include Boggy Creek Airboat Rides, Marsh Landing and Spirit of the Swamp.
During the winter months, central Florida’s temperature is ideal for exploring “Old Florida” beauty. One such place is Shingle Creek Regional Park, which is perfect for bird-watching, biking or walking along trails that showcase Florida’s natural landscapes. The nearby Paddling Center at Shingle Creek allows visitors to take in the vista in a kayak or canoe, enjoying the serenity and calm of the waterway feeding the Florida Everglades.
For a glimpse into some of the area’s pioneering heritage― including cattle ranching that still thrives today―then the Osceola County Welcome Center & History Museum should be on your list of places to visit. Before Disney, cattle ranching was Osceola County’s largest industry, and there’s still plenty of evidence attesting to a cowtown past. Each February and June, the Silver Spurs Rodeo showcases authentic cowboys in action at the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi River. If you fancy yourself a cowboy or cowgirl and want in on some of the action,
If the theme parks don’t suit your fancy, Kissimmee’s off-the-beaten-path attractions and natural adventures may.
then the all-new Cowhand for a Day program at Forever Florida is for you. The experience allows you to spend the day with the ranch foreman and do everything he does, from rotating cattle, fixing fences, ear-tagging cows, helping an animal in distress, rescuing cattle that have escaped the ranch property, train horses, help birth a calf and more (you never know what’s going to happen that day). Get ready to crack a cow whip and use a lariat, among other tools of the trade.
Whether you are a professional angler or a beginner, you are sure to get a bite in Kissimmee. Among the 80,000 acres of fresh water is Lake Tohopekaliga (Lake Toho), known for its trophy bass. For those who would rather swing a club than
drop a line, Kissimmee boasts nearly a dozen championship golf courses as well as The David Leadbetter Golf Academy at Champions Gate, The Golf Academy at Celebration and The ANNIKA Academy at Reunion Resort.
After a day in the sun, relax in your home away from home. Known as the “Vacation Home Capital of the World,” Kissimmee’s options fit any style or price point ranging from luxurious six- to 14-bedroom houses, to beautifully appointed three- to five-bedroom villas, and two- to four-bedroom townhomes and condos. These private homes are fully furnished and feature amenities such as gourmet kitchens, home theaters, game rooms, private pools and more.
So as the holiday takes shape, plan a visit to the Sunshine State’s “Gateway to Fun.”
During the winter months, central Florida’s temperature is ideal for exploring “Old Florida” beauty.