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Orlando a top holiday spot Region needs to make a quantum leap A smooth Air J flight to Orlando

Photo by Noel Thompson- Jamaican-born Leroy Smithson (centre in back) and members of his staff at the Jam Rock Caribbean Café in Old Town, Kissimmee, Florida. Smithson and his American wife, Marlene (not in photo), are owners of the restaurant.

Orlando a top holiday spot

Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:

The summer holidays are up on us fast and there is hardly any time left for planning a trip abroad. Airline seats are filling up fast, so get going now.

For decades, Orlando in Florida has been a favourite holiday spot for families, primarily because of Disney World, which has found favour with just about every child.

But did you know that there is another side to Orlando, just as exciting and fun-filled as Disney, both for children and adults?

Orlando is an ideal place to be for - tropical weather, great food, an array of attractions, amusement parks, exciting nightlife and lots of entertainment.

Air Jamaica, voted the Caribbean's favourite carrier, is the only airline that flies directly into buzzing Orlando from Jamaica.

Recently, Air Jamaica jetted a team of Jamaican journalists into Orlando to highlight the other side of the city and the bounty of offerings that it has. We made some interesting discoveries.

Cypress Gardens, located in Winter Heaven, prides itself as the ski capital of the world and Florida's first family theme park. Established 72 years ago, the park is still well-kept and offers many activities for the entire family. For just US$40 per person, you can enjoy all the rides and facilities for the day, including fun slide, Triple Hurricane, as well as watching a first-class water sport show.

Winter Heaven City is home to over 100 lakes, all created by sinkholes, and Cypress Gardens is built on some, according to Jon Broderick, Cypress' area sales representative. Cypress Gardens is decorated with an array of animal and bird sculptures made from sphagnum moss.

On the grounds of the very popular City Walk at Universal Studio is Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, the second largest of the US chain, seating 900 patrons at a time. On our visit there, it was buzzing with entertainment and excitement.

General Manager Jason Tremper says Margaritaville is equipped with a built-in volcano bar. It erupts intermittently while patrons party away and The Blue Stone Circle resident band provides live entertainment.

excitement

A few blocks away is Bob Marley - a reggae venue named after the king of reggae. DJ Spice and members of the NRG band provide nightly entertainment for locals and visitors.

The Old Town Amusement Park in neighbouring Kissimmee is also a popular pastime spot. Jamaican-born Leroy Smithson and his wife Marlene operate the lip-smacking Jam Rock Caribbean restaurant, which has become very popular with people of all races. Leroy says he is grateful to his patrons, the Jamaican community and Air Jamaica for their continued support.