Attractions and Things To Do

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Walt Disney World - The Theme Park for Families

A truly massive theme park covering over 27,000 acres or the size of San Francisco or Greater Manchester in the UK. Walt Disney World Resort is the world’s largest theme park featuring 4 separate major theme parks, plus 2 great themed water parks, golf courses, night-time attractions and themed shopping - a magical experience for all ages. The fireworks at Epcot are amazing !! 

Disney attractions are only 10-15 minutes drive from Highlands Reserve.

Universal Studios Theme Park

You’re the star at Universal Studios, the number one movie and TV based theme park in the world. At this real film and television studio you’ll go behind the scenes, beyond the screen and right into the action of your favourite movies. Plunge into darkness as you encounter scarab beetles, fireballs & more as you face the ancient curse of Revenge of the Mummy the Ride. Take aim and zap aliens in Men In Black Alien Attack, an interactive ride where you compete against other players and your score determines the ending. Join forces with the Terminator 3D in a battle to prevent mankind's extinction at the cold, steel hands of futuristic cyborgs. You're gonna need a bigger boat! Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water. a giant fin slices through the waves and you're suddenly face to face with three tons of Great White fury in Jaws. Hold on as ceilings collapse, subway cars crash, and gasoline trucks explode in an authentic Earthquake registering 8.3 on the Richter Scale. Shrek 4D features an original 3D film, plus an extra dimension of special effects through the miracle of OgreVision. You see, hear and actually FEEL the action right from your seat! If you love motion simulator rides, you'll love Shrek 4D and loads more

Universal Studios are only 25-30 minutes drive from Highlands Reserve.

Islands of Adventure Theme Park

Journey with your family through five remarkable islands where all your favourite myths, legends, comic books, cartoon heroes and children’s stories come to life on the most innovative rides and attractions ever created. You better hold on tight as the Incredible Hulk Coaster sends you on a high-speed roller coaster rampage, blasting off with the force of an F-14 fighter jet launching from an aircraft carrier... nothing you've done can prepare you for this one! Take on both Duelling Dragons — Fire and Ice — twin roller coasters that pass within mere inches of each other. Feel what it would really be like to Swing through New York city skyscrapers with Spiderman. The 'realness' of this virtual reality experience will blow your mind! See if you can withstand forces greater than gravity itself as Doctor Doom’s Fearfall rockets you 150 feet into the air, then back down again.

Islands of Adventure are only 25-30 minutes drive from Highlands Reserve.

Busch Gardens

Nothing can quite prepare you for the excitement and adventure offered at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - all with an African theme! There are few adventure parks in the world which offer such a diverse array of experiences all in one place. Their new rollercoaster, SheiKra carries riders up 200 feet at 45 degrees, then hurtles them 70 mph back toward the ground through a sheer vertical drop. It is the first coaster of its kind in the Americas and only the third in the world.

Busch Gardens is only 75 minutes drive from Highlands Reserve.

SeaWorld

SeaWorld Orlando is the world's premiere marine adventure park with 200 acres of world-class shows, thrilling rides and unforgettable animal encounters. Explore the mysteries of the sea with up-close animal interactions including Dolphins and exhilarating thrills. New state-of-the-art rides such as Kraken rollercoaster and Journey To Atlantis twist, turn, and drench you with unprecedented thrills, while amazing animal encounters include killer whales, dolphins, sea lions, stingrays and more.

SeaWorld is only 20-25 minutes drive from Highlands Reserve.

Discovery Cove - Swim with Dolphins

Discovery Cove is located next to SeaWorld and is like stepping into another world! It's a tropical paradise - where the adventure never ends. You can swim one-on-one with dolphins, snorkel with tropical fish, stroke stingrays and play with hundreds of tropical birds. At the Coral Reef you will be invited to pull on a mask and snorkel to experience a very special adventure where you can dive on a stunning coral reef surrounded by giant stingrays, barracuda and scary looking sharks (behind hidden glass of course). Finally, relax amongst the palms on a hammock enjoying a long cool drink. Lunch is included in the package.

Discovery Cove is only 20-25 minutes drive from Highlands Reserve.

NASA - Kennedy Space Centre

At Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, you get the unique chance to tour – up close – NASA’s launch and landing facilities. Experience interactive simulators, live shows and jaw-dropping encounters with massive rockets, as well as have the opportunity to meet a real member of NASA’s Astronaut Corps. It’s all what you can expect from an inspiring day at Kennedy Space Center. If you are lucky, you could even witness an awesome rocket or shuttle launch - an experience worth waiting for !! CLICK HERE to check for next scheduled rocket/shuttle launch

Kennedy Space Centre is only 75 minutes drive from Highlands Reserve.

Gatorland

For over half a century, Gatorland has been creating fond vacation memories for millions of visitors who have entered through its gaping gator mouth entrance. Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve, combining "Old Florida" charm with exciting, new exhibits and entertainment. Known internationally as the "Alligator Capital of the World," Gatorland today provides affordably priced family-fun with thousands of alligators and crocodiles, a breeding marsh with boardwalk and observation tower, one-of-a-kind reptilian shows, aviary, petting zoo, swamp walk, educational programs and much, much more.

Gatorland is only 20-25 minutes drive from Highlands Reserve.

Wet 'n Wild

Wet 'n Wild - Orlando located on International Drive close to SeaWorld and Universal Studios, features a full-day of fun for the entire family. Honoured by Aquatic's International as the first true water park, Wet 'n Wild's world-class signature thrill rides and quality service offer something for fun-lovers of all ages, with over 30 action-packed acres of slides and flumes, surf and sun. It’s all yours at the water park that started it all. 

Wet 'n Wild is only 20-25 minutes drive from Highlands Reserve.

Orlando Science Centre

Much more than a simple museum, the Orlando Science Center is a hands-on world of discovery and special effects where you can touch a tarantula, become chief operator at a nuclear reactor or hang off the side of a building. The center is divided up into nine main areas all aimed at showing young people how science works in every day life through a series of attention-grabbing exhibits and live shows.

Orlando Science Centre is only 30-35 minutes drive from Highlands Reserve.

Balloon Rides

Why not see Florida from above and ascend anywhere from tree tops to several thousand feet. Once you're airborne your pilot will point out the spectacular sites of this area, from the theme parks to the Orange groves and forests, to swamps absolutely untouched for thousands of years. The flying area has many wonderful things to see. Once you have landed and the balloons are stored away prepare for a Traditional Champagne Toast. Non-alcoholic beverages are also available. Then return to the Best Western Lakeside for an all you can eat breakfast buffet. Passengers are then presented with a Flight of Ascension certificate by their pilot.

Balloon Rides are only 15-20 minutes drive from Highlands Reserve.

Gulf Coast Beaches

Clearwater Beach - Gulf Coast

Many know Clearwater for its beaches, which are among the best in Florida.

Clearwater is connected to the barrier island of Clearwater Beach to the west via a two mile nicely landscaped causeway which includes a walking and biking path. From here you can experience beaches, beaches and more beaches. A string of barrier islands with fine white sand beaches line the Gulf of Mexico along the Pinellas coast. They start with renowned Clearwater Beach to the north and parade south with Sand Key Park, Indian Rocks Beach, Madeira Beach, St. Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille and Fort de Soto Park.

Clearwater Beach has an excellent marina where one can find numerous charter, party and rental boats for fishing, sailing, cruising, para-sailing, and dolphin watching. Half-day and full-day fishing trips are available. The marina also berths a large number of private boats and has transient slippage for visiting boaters.

The centre of Clearwater Beach is punctuated by Pier 60 - a long and wide concrete pier jutting out into the Gulf of Mexico that serves as a great fishing platform and strolling avenue for non-fishing persons.

Many enjoy gathering here at sundown to watch the sun go down. Adjacent to the Pier is a small park with facilities for the enjoyment of children. Clearwater encourages and organizes activities at the Pier including numerous outdoor musical performances.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a small but interesting aquarium where one can see live dolphins, otters, and sea turtles. This non-profit facility is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured and sick marine mammals.

Just across the Clearwater Pass to the south is Sand Key Park - a broad, generally less crowded beach. If you enjoy a beach with a little less activity, this is the place to go.

Clearwater Beach is only 90 minutes drive from Highlands Reserve.

Sarasota Beaches - Gulf Coast

Siesta Key Beach - This famous beach boasts the finest, gleaming white sand around. The sand is 99% quartz - aside from being gorgeous, this sand never gets hot, even on the hottest day. Siesta Beach has concessions, restrooms, lifeguards, picnic areas, playgrounds, showers and a large, free parking area. Siesta is known for the Drum Circles on Sunday night, and is famous for sunset viewing! Located on Ocean Boulevard; take Midnight Pass Road north from the South Causeway at Stickney Point; or travel across the north causeway and follow signs to the beach!

Turtle Beach - Also on Siesta Key, Turtle Beach is located almost to the end of the Key. The beach itself is shorter and nearly non-existent at high tide; making it a good choice for people who have trouble walking long distances or want to keep a very close eye on children. There are no lifeguards. Parking is limited but free; there are picnic tables and a small playground. Take Midnight Pass Road south to the beach on your right; Turtles Restaurant is across the street.

Palmer Point Beach - At the very southernmost tip of Siesta Key, you can generally walk across to the beaches of Casey Key since the closing of Midnight Pass. There are no amenities. Take Midnight Pass south to the very end.

Lido Beach - If you are staying on the north end of town, Lido Beach, located on Lido Key may be for you. Just as expansive and sweeping as Siesta Key Beach, but not as crowded (except on special occasions, like the Grand Prix Races on the 4th of July, when it is packed!) Lido Beach has lifeguards, playground, rest rooms, concessions, and a large free parking lot. Located about a half mile west of St. Armand's Circle where you will find excellent shopping, bars, restaurants and even a Starbucks.

South Lido Beach - At the very south end of Lido Key is a natural oasis known as South Lido Key Beach Park. The park is bordered by four bodies of water; The Gulf of Mexico, Big Pass, Sarasota Bay, and Brushy Bayou. There are nature trails, a canoe trail, picnic and BBQ facilities, restrooms and a playground. Swimming is limited due to currents and boat activity.

Sarasota beaches are around 1hr 45min drive from Highlands Reserve.

Atlantic Coast Beaches

Cocoa Beach - Atlantic Coast

Orlando's closest beach along the famous Space Coast, aptly named as it is one of the closest beaches to watch a Shuttle Launch.   NASA's JFK Space Centre is only 15 miles North of Cocoa Beach.

Cocoa Beach was made famous in the 60's by "I Dream of Jeannie" TV sitcom.

Those who cherish the great outdoors will want to visit the Cocoa Beach Pier. You can toss in a line from the pier, or rent a charter from one of the captains waiting to take you to sea. Surfers call the area around the pier the best surf area in Florida. All outdoor activities are available. You can rent jet skis, go para-sailing, swim, snorkel, scuba dive, or just relax and soak up some Florida sunshine.

For more sun time, visit Lori Wilson Park. This beach has the distinction of being one of the only coastal hammocks in existence. (A "hammock" refers to a beach that borders a natural marsh.) There is a small nature centre in the park giving information about the natural habitat of the area. With its gentle slope to the water, the beach is perfect for swimming. Volleyball nets and horseshoe pits are permanent fixtures.

Nature lovers will love the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. This 140,000 acre state park is home to hundreds of species of shorebirds, waterfowl, alligators, and other endangered mammals. You can drive the 6-mile long Black Point Wildlife Drive, or walk one of the trails that lead through the marshes.

Cocoa Beach is only 90 minutes drive from Highlands Reserve.

Daytona Beach - Atlantic Coast

Daytona is one of the USA's most famous beaches with a 23 mile long, 500 foot wide expanse of sand. It is actually a collection of a number of beaches that banned together to make a huge sea-side park. Floats, umbrellas, windsurfers, bicycles, four-wheelers, and motor scooters are available to rent on the beach. It is one of the few beaches anywhere that will allow motor vehicles to be driven on it. Jet skis, sailboards, and powerboats can be rented at the Halifax River and the Intracoastal Waterways. The Boardwalk is located along Daytona Beach. This is a group of amusement centres, rides, mini-golf, arcades, and snack bars for your entertainment.

Daytona is known world wide for its beaches, and the Daytona International Speedway, one of the finest motor-racing facilities of the country. It has overtaken Ft. Lauderdale as "the place to go" for Spring Break.

The beach has seen many land speed attempts in the past, including Sir Malcolm Campbell reaching 276mph with Bluebird in 1935. Daytona is home to 'Race Week' and the Daytona 500 in February and 'Bike Week' in March so can get very busy during these periods.

Daytona Beach is only 90 minutes drive from Highlands Reserve.

Shopping

Orlando Premium Outlets

A perennial favourite with visitors, Orlando Premium Outlets offers designer fashions, home goods and electronics at discounted prices. Over 100 stores including Dior, AG Guess, Ann Taylor, Calvin Klein, Banana Republic, Giorgio Armani, Nike, Levi's, Polo Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, and Diesel to name a few. 

Orlando Premium Outlets is only 20-25 minutes drive from Highlands Reserve.

Prime Outlets Store

Formerly on the site of the old Belz Outlets Store which has been completely demolished and replaced by Prime Outlets Orlando costing a massive $150 million that now provides an enhanced shopping experience you will struggle to find elsewhere. It is Orlando's Largest Outlet Mall with over 125 designer brands and not to be missed - expect to take at least 2 days to get around all of it.

Prime Outlets Store is only 35-40 minutes drive from Highlands Reserve.

Mall at Millenia

The Mall at Millenia continues to add famous names to their roster of stores, offering the most luxurious and sought after names in fashion. Recent additions include Juicy Couture, featuring the hottest fashions for women, men and children; Salvatore Ferragamo, one of the most prestigious and best “Made in Italy” luxury brands, featuring a selection of shoes, leather goods, accessories, fragrances and apparel for women and men; Abercrombie & Fitch, specialising in All-American leisure lifestyle clothing; Abercrombie, which caters to youth fashions; and Pottery Barn Bed & Bath, offering furniture, luxurious linens and decorative accents for your home.

Mall at Millenia is only 40-45 minutes drive from Highlands Reserve.

Travel

Orlando International Airport

Only 35 minutes drive from Highlands Reserve.

Sanford International Airport

Only 50 minutes drive from Highlands Reserve.

Tampa International Airport

Only 75 minutes drive from Highlands Reserve.