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Crew cuts: Orlando

AirTran Airways' Phyllis Jones gives her top tips for visitors to Orlando, Florida.
January 2006

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Q&A BY PIERS TOWNLEY

This Month Orlando

AirTran Airways Crew Member Phyllis Jones says it's not just about Mickey.

Why do you love the city so much?
Number one: I love the warm weather. And then, of course, this is the number one vacation spot in the world as well. With Disney and the obvious attractions, everyone's so excited when they come here. There's a real buzz about the city.

Disney aside, what else makes a stay here so special?
We have so much more. There's great shopping, including great designer shopping outlets. And if you go to Lake Eola, downtown, it's very pretty. You can take a swan ride on the lake or just stroll around and relax. Orlando has lots and lots of lakes and beautiful parks. One neat park to go to is the Orlando Wetlands Park, which is 1,650 acres and has 20 miles of scenic trails. It's located in Christmas, Florida, which is an hour or less from the airport. And, of course, we have the outskirt beaches. Orlando is ideally situated for getting to other major attractions; the Kennedy Space Center for example, is only about an hour away.

Where's a good place to stay?
One good place to stay in Orlando would be the Gaylord Palms Resort?which is set in the style and grandeur of a turn-of-the-century Florida mansion. It also has one of the most prestigious spas in Central Florida. Some of the restaurants at the resort are very good, too; try Auggie's Jammin' Piano Bar, Old Hickory Steakhouse and Villa de Flora, which is set out like a Mediterranean market.

And for the child in us all?
The Science Center downtown is good for kids but, as you can imagine, it's Disney that attracts the younger visitors. For them, it's a jaw-dropping experience. Mind you, even as an adult, you'll love it! Disney Quest is more of an inside theme park, which has a lot of games and activities for kids. And there's plenty of movie-ride stuff if there's a rainy day.

If a visitor wanted to do something a little different...
They should definitely visit Leu Gardens. It's Orlando's best botanical garden, and has America's largest camelia collection outside of California?and the largest rose garden in Florida. They also have special events and concerts there throughout the year.

Which beach would you recommend?
Cocoa Beach, about an hour from the airport. There are loads of outdoor activities here such as surfing, cycling, boogie boarding or anything else you can think of. There are great restaurants and the Cocoa Beach Pier is a good place to spend a few hours.

And if you're looking for nightlife?
City Walk, which is located at Universal Studios, is an excellent place for an evening out. City Walk Universal offers dinner and a movie for one special price and again, it's for all ages. Catch some music at BB King's Blues Club, which serves Southern cuisine and then head to the Gibson Amphitheatre, one of the best live performance venues in the world. City Walk also offers movie theaters and restaurants, such as Emeril's, Wolfgang Puck and Tony Roma's.

When visitors first arrive, where should they head?
When you land, remember that the I-4 runs east and west of the city and can usually get you where you need to go. Orlando does have public transportation; however, I recommend renting a car and buying a map to help you navigate. If you're staying on a Disney property, they have their own transportation system.

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