Orlando
USA Florida
As a gay destination Orlando is very much under-rated. Not only is there the early June GayDays week when 125,00 gay men and women descend on the Theme Parks for a weekend of fun but there is a growing number of gay clubs including the spectacular PULSE club. There is also the Club Orlando health club which offers day and weekly memberships - ideal for getting to know the locals.
Pride of gay Orlando has to go to the Parliament House - an Orlando institution for over 25 years. Its Sunday afternoon T-dance, regularly attracts more than 2000 gay men and the large pool and sandy lakeside beach (open to all, everyday) make a great place to chill out or play volleyball. Most evenings there is entertainment and the drag shows are famed throughout Florida.
Thirty years ago, Orlando was a two-bit town in the middle of Florida swamp, then the duck, the dog and the mouse flew in from Hollywood and DisneyWorld's Magic Kingdom was born. From a single theme park, the fun in the sun capital grew and with more than 100 parks - DisneyWorld has eight - catering for all interests, you will never be lost for something to do.
Orlando is well connected too - We recommend a rental car as it is only 90 mins drive southwest down I-4 to the Gulf Beaches and their powder fine sand. Or head northeast to Daytona, home of the famous speedway or due east to the Space Coast, Kennedy Space Centre and Cape Canaveral. Whilst many hotels offer courtesy or low cost shuttles to the Theme Parks our experience is that you can waste a lot of time just hanging around for them as they do not run to timetables.
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