Disney World - The Online Guide

The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2003
(UK customers)

In the Middle of the Magic Florida’s Central Region

Meeting Expectations

Not surprisingly, Orlando has earned a well-deserved reputation as a world-class meeting destination, with flexible meeting facilities to accommodate everything from intimate executive retreats to large citywide conventions and trade shows. Several large convention centers, including the Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center, Orlando Expo Centre and Tupperware Convention Center, offer nearly 1.2 million square feet of exhibit and meeting space. Additionally, more than 1.7 million square feet of space is available at area hotels and in cultural settings such as the Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando Science Center and the Harry P. Leu Gardens. Local theme parks offer meetings with a different flair, from a delectable dessert buffet in the Dolphin Cove or an underwater dining adventure among fearsome sharks at Sea World of Florida to a movie premier-style event at Universal Studios Florida.

For the ultimate mixing of business with pleasure, meeting planners should consider Disney resorts, which offer more than 600,000 square feet of modern meeting space throughout several resort areas.

Towns such as Kissimmee, St. Cloud and Lakeland provide ample meeting space just minutes from Orlando-area attractions. In Kissimmee-St. Cloud alone there are 22 hotels with meeting space and four other meeting facilities more than 37,000 rooms and accommodations. The Kissimmee Civic Center offers 35,000 square feet of additional meeting space, and in nearby Lakeland, the Lakeland Center provides 90,000 square feet of exhibit space, including 20 meeting rooms.

Business travelers will find a wealth of dining, entertainment and recreation opportunities in Central Florida. In a city with more than 3,700 restaurants, finding a place to eat is easy, but why not dine out with flair at one of the area’s themed dinner theaters and entertainment complexes. Get rock ‘n roll requests played at Blazing Piano’s bar, thrill to chariot races in the 1,200-seat Arabian Nights palace, sample dinner and sword play fit for a king at King Henry’s Feast or solve a murder at Sleuths Mystery Dinner Theatre.

For blocks of nighttime entertainment, check out Downtown Disney’s Pleasure Island’s seven themed nightclubs offering everything from comedy to jazz, culminating in a massive street party that celebrates New Year’s Eve every night with roaring fireworks, live music and dancing. Or head downtown to historical Church Street Station, where country music, Dixieland, jazz and rock ‘n roll fill the night, and delicious aromas from various restaurants entice passers-by to stop and dine. The rambling historical complex offers one-stop nighttime entertainment, including unique shops and entertainment venues.

For business travelers with families, a visit to Walt Disney World will be difficult to resist. And don’t forget about the great savings offered with the Orlando FlexPass, which provides families with unlimited access to three of Orlando’s hottest destinations — Universal Studios Florida, Sea World of Florida and Wet ‘n Wild.

Sports enthusiasts can come out swinging at more than 125 area golf courses, serve up at more than 800 tennis courts, or watch the Orlando Magic pound the court at a professional basketball game. For nature lovers, nearby Lake and Seminole counties provide a wealth of outdoor activities, from boat rides on picturesque lakes to overnight horseback riding trips under the stars.

The Central Florida region is served by the 22nd busiest airport in the world. With more than 1,000 flights daily, the Orlando International Airport is a major hub for flights from 100 cities worldwide. It is easily accessible and within 15 miles of major attractions, meeting facilities and downtown Orlando. Numerous ground transportation services are available.

For a free Official Florida Vacation Guide, call toll free 1-888-7FLA USA (U.S.) or fill out a request at: http://www.flausa.com/souvenirs/index.html

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