MAIN Travel Most Popular Orlando, FL

It's one of America's most popular tourist destinations for both Americans and overseas visitors looking for their day (or several weeks, thank you) in the sun!

There are so many family friendly activities besides the fantasy theme park of Disney World, as well as Epcot and Universal.

There's also the new Harry Potter Theme Park, along with SeaWorld, or a ride aboard glass bottomed boats give visitors a rare view into marine and other wildlife.

A day trip to Gatorland is another way to view one of Florida's most iconic critters - the awesome alligator - for an up close and personal encounter with nature's most ferocious predators.

And for man-made cutting edge technology (yes, this is real rocket science!) your Orlando trip wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Kennedy Space Center to experience a whirlwind tour of fun and discovery for kids of all ages.

Orlando on the cheap

If you guessed that Orlando's major No. 1 industry is travel and tourism, you're so right!

So it really pays to shop around for the best deals or tour packages that often come complete with airfare, hotel, meals and admission tickets.

For example, it may be cheaper to stay in nearby Kissimmee where rates are lower.

Instead of full-service resorts, look for more affordable Holiday Inns. or hotels that offer suites with full kitchens that will cut down on eating out every night of your stay. Other establishments may offer "kids eat free" packages to entice families.

Also check out weekly Orlando apartment rentals online to live like a local in Orlando for substantial savings over daily hotel rates.

As always, search online for tips and advice on other ways to save. Mouse Savers, for example, offers constantly updated information on where and how to get the best deals when visiting Orlando's top attractions.

DID YOU KNOW? Orlando Travel Fun Facts

Welcome to "O-Town".

• Orlando was incorporated in 1875 and -- surprise -- was a thriving community long before Walt Disney World came along. Today, locals refer to it as "O-Town".

• Tampa and Miami were first considered as locations for Walt Disney World, but the threat of hurricanes in both places made Orlando a more favorable destination.

• The City of Orlando has over 100 city parks and 21 community centers including its own public skate park.

• Besides being a star US attraction, Orlando has also appeared as the backdrop for such movies as "Lethal Weapon 3", "My Girl", "The Waterboy", and "Monster."

More about Orlando attractions around the Web:

Just up ahead, check out a virtual look at Orlando, including expert advice and money-saving tips for planning your stay, with lots of information and first-hand reviews on Orlando's biggest and most sought-after attractions ...

Visit Orlando - Find the big, big official site with info on hotels, restaurants, shopping, sightseeing tours, and a myriad of local attractions and sightseeing tours including theme and water parks, day trips, night life and lots more in nearby Kissimmee.

Travel Muse - Things to Do in Orlando - Check out this great travel community for first-hand reviews on dozens of area attractions including the big three (Disney World, Epcot, Universal Studios) as well as golf resorts, museums and other offbeat attractions.