Not to miss

SeaWorld

A not-altogether-logical blend of marine animals and thrill rides, SeaWorld is home to both Shamu the killer whale and Kraken the floorless coaster. Journey to Atlantis tries to bring both concepts together: it's an oceanic water-coaster with a 60ft vertical drop. Feedings and shows take place at scheduled times, so plan out your day to make sure you don't miss out.

Not quite as crass as it sounds, SeaWorld puts its money where its mouth is, sending out a SeaWorld Animal Rescue Team to rescue endangered manatees and restore them to health. It has one of the best animal rescue outfits in the country, and the team is partially funded by park admissions.

Walt Disney World

This is a self-contained city. Apart from the four main parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Animal Kingdom), there are three water parks, a shopping district, 22 hotels, countless eateries, a police force, transport systems, medical centres, even kennels for the pooch. Watch out for the mouse.

In its first year, Disney World saw over 10 million visitors, and it remains one of the world's top tourist destinations, now attracting more than 20 million visitors a year. It's also the world's biggest amusement resort, covering an area twice the size of New York's Manhattan. It would have made Walt very, very happy.

Mennello Museum of American Folk Art

Small and bright, this collection features paintings by Earl Cunningham, a self-taught artist (and pilot, and anthropologist) with an eye for colour. Wonderful rotating exhibitions focus on other folk art themes; definitely check this place out.