A first-time visit to Orlando can be a little overwhelming if you dont do your homework and have a general idea of the various attractions the area has to offer. Here is a basic guide for first-time visitor listing the main categories of attractions:

Theme Parks

There are seven major theme parks in the Central Florida area which include the four Disney parks, two Universal parks, and SeaWorld. Here is a brief description of each park and a link to their official websites:

 Walt Disney World Resort - The largest vacation resort in the world home to FOUR theme parks, TWO water parks, and many additional attractions including recreation, golf courses, nightlife, and over 20 on-site Disney resort hotels. Walt Disney World is a vacation in itself, especially if you stay on-site at a Disney resort and visit the four parks and other attractions. The four parks include: Magic Kingdom is the original park famous for its Cinderalla Castle and classic rides, Epcot is famous for its iconic large geosphere Spaceship Earth and the World Showcase where you can experience scenery and cuisine from various countries around the world, the park is also popular for its major rides which include "Test Track", "Mission: SPACE", and Soarin', Epcot is also popular for its night-time firework show "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth". Disney's Hollywood Studios dates back to its era of fame when it was once a live animation studio and film production facility, today it is popular for its thrill rides including "Twilight Zone Tower of Terror" and "Aerosmith's Rock n' Roller Coaster", and several live action shows including "Lights! Motors! Action! Stunt Show" and the "American Idol Experience" where live guests audition for a gold ticket to a real audition. Disney's Animal Kingdom as the name describes is where you can find exotic animals and various themed areas including Africa and Asia, the park has grown popular from its thrill ride Expedition Everest. The two water parks include Disney's Blizzard Beach and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon.

Universal Orlando which began as Universal Studios Florida is today another mega-resort home to TWO theme parks, the CityWalk enterntainment area, and three on-site resorts. The two theme parks include Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure popular for its rollercoasters and thrill rides. Islands of Adventure will also be home to the new Harry Potter land opening in 2010.

SeaWorld Orlando the largest SeaWorld park, famous for its marine life, live shows, and two major rollercoasters including Manta, a new floorless rollercoaster that opened in 2009. Also located on SeaWorld property is Aquatica water park and Discovery Cove, an exclusive dolphin-swim experience.

Water Parks

In addition to theme parks. Water Parks are also popular attractions, especially during the hot summer months. There are four major water parks in Central Florida which include Wet n' Wild, Aquatica, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, and Disney's Blizzard Beach

International Drive

International Drive also referred to as "I-Drive" is the main tourist strip in Orlando, similar to the "Vegas Strip" in Las Vegas. I-Drive is lined with hotels, shops, restaurants, outlet malls, and tourist attractions. Main areas on I-Drive include Pointe Orlando, an outdoor shopping mall and enterntainment complex, the Orange County Convention Center which is surrounded mega-hotel towers, Festival Bay mall on the north end, the Prime Outlets mall and Wet n' Wild water park. Crime has increased in the north-end of I-Drive as it is an area where the city meets with tourist world, most locals are not very fond of the I-Drive area due to tourist traffic and tourist traps.

The large outlet malls are safe; and locals do go there to shop and to work.  Orlando residents and mall employees are the best source for information on these malls at SaveinOrlando.com.

Malls

Major malls in Orlando include the Mall at Millenia popular for its contemporary architecture and high-end shops and the Florida Mall which is the largest. Mall of MIlennia is a bit dressier and a lot more expensive, but it's a fun afternoon.  Locals prefer Florida Mall for "real shopping."  There is a newer, nicer wing to Florida mall that always has lots of overseas visitors. More tips on the malls at SaveinOrlando.com