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The wonderful world of Orlando, Ha, welcomes 1998 Congress attendees’ with

famous sites, warm weather, and magical fun Sunday, March 29, to Friday, April 3, 1998

ttendees of the 45th annual AORN Congress may want to stay another week to take in all A the excitement of this year’s Congress site.

Orlando, Fla, is one of the world’s top destination spots, offering beautiful scenery, child-like adventures, and a special kind of magic. Several tours and passes have been made available for Congress attendees, so take some time to explore this fun city and see all it has to offer.

HISTORY OF ORLANDO

ong before it became the vacationer and business L traveler’s paradise, Orlando was a small commu- nity that began when settlers f is t moved into central Florida, following the end of the second Seminole War in 1842. The small town originally was called “Jemi- gan” after settler Aaron Jemigan made his home there in 1843, and it grew slowly over the years around an abandoned Army post called Ft Gatlin. In 1857, the town’s name was officially changed to “Orlando,” after a US soldier named Orlando Reeves who was

killed in 1835 by an Indian’s arrow while tending lookout at what is now Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando. Today, more than 1.4 million people reside in the greater Orlando area of Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties.

WALT DISNEY WORLD

erhaps the most famous site was created in Orlan- P do in 1972-Walt Disney World, home of the renowned Magic Kingdom and its mystical magic cas- tle. The 100-acre theme park features 41 major adven- tures and rides, along with seven “lands” of attractions, shops, and restaurants. Also at Disney World is the Epcot Center, where visitors can take a trip through a world showcase of 11 countries and explore the world of tomorrow in “Future World.” More than twice the size of the Magic Kingdom in Anaheim, Calif, Epcot features rides, ethnic eateries, and a fieworks and laser show that are sure to delight everyone.

While visiting Disney World, make sure to take in the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park, a 135-acre

The spectacular Magic Castle in Walt Dlsney World‘s Magic Klngdom. The Magic Kingdom is Walt Disney World‘s m m famous park and includes seven “lands” of attrac- tions, restaurants, and shops that feature Dlsney themes of yester- day, tomorrow, and fantasy. (CS C m l Cow 1995)

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entertainment park with a complete motion picture and television stu- dio and the chilling “Twilight Zone Tower of Terror,” a 13-story, free- fall thrill ride.

Two, three, and four-day passes are available at a discounted rate for Congress attendees, so grab a friend and go. With the many things for everyone to enjoy at Walt Disney World, you’ll find you have more in common than perioperative nursing. As they say, “It’s a small world after all.”

ATTRACTIONS

s an award-winning travel A and tourism area, central Florida is home to more than 66 world-famous attractions, including Sea World of Florida, the popular marine life park. Located right in Orlando, Sea World features entertaining shows, rides, and exhibits with some of the world’s most fas- cinating marine animals. While at Sea World, sample a taste of Hawaii at “Aloha Polynesian Luau,” which

Epwt at Disney World is a journey through time and space, featuring rides, ethnic eateries, and shows in its two dazzling lands-Future World and World Showcase. (@ Core1 COW 1995)

offers more than two hours of authentic island enter- tainment and a four-course Hawaiian meal. Discount- ed Congress passes are available and include dinner, show, and transportation.

For an attraction that’s out of this world, visit the home of the space shuttle flights-the Kennedy Space Center. There you’ll see the exciting 3-D IMAX film and the newest attraction, the Apollo/Satum V Center. Tours have been scheduled during Congress and include the IMAX film, a NASA tour, a walking tour of the Rocket Garden, transportation, and lunch.

Also educational is the St John’s River Cruise tour, a two-hour, ecological cruise and narrated tour through the backwaters of Florida, where you’ll see some of Florida’s rare wildlife. Frequent stops are made for photographs and points of interest, and tours include admission, wine and cheese, and transportation.

Another tour scheduled is that of Universal Studios Florida, Orlando’s answer to Hollywood. Visitors can enter the world of television and film on more than 40 “movie rides,” such as “Jaws,” “Kongfrontation,” and “Terminator 2: 3D.” Enjoy live musical shows or visit the largest Hard Rock Cafe in the world.

For those interested in beautiful scenery and wildlife, Busch Gardens in nearby Tampa is an amuse- ment park featuring African and Egyptian-themed areas, free roaming animals, a petting zoo, and bird gardens. While there, thrill seekers can take an excit- ing ride On the Montu Or the Kumba, which is the Southeast’s largest and fastest roller coaster. Also known for amazing scenery is Cypress Gardens, which

A marching band sets the tane tor the excitement of Hollywood adventure at the Disney-MOM Studios in Walt Disney World. (S Core1 Cop 1995)

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DINING ADVENTURES

hen the sun goes down and W appetites are on the rise, Orlando starts up with an array of unusual dining and entertainment attractions. On International Drive just minutes from the Orange County Convention Center, you’ll encounter King Henry’s Feast, which invites patrons to step into a courtly century for a night of magic, sword fighting, comedy, and a four-course banquet. Tours are scheduled for Congress and admission and transportation.

Just 45 minutes fram Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center is an exciting, educational anractlon. Tours are scheduled during the 1998 Congress. (0CorelCop 1995)

dinner, drinks,

For dining, shopping, and

features floral wonders, botanical gardens, high divers, synchronized swimmers, ice skaters, a butterfly con- servatory, water ski shows, and unique shows and exhibits.

Also, while in Orlando, attendees may want to take a swing at their golf game. Greater Orlando is making a name for itself when it comes to the sport. It’s the site of several Professional Golfers’ Associa- tion (PGA) tour events and the home of more than 30 PGA tour pros, including Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods. Orlando features more than 125 beautiful courses, all within a 45-minute drive of downtown.

Beautiful Cypress Gardens features floral wonders, botanical gardens, high divers, synchronized swimmers, ice skaters, water ski shows, and unique attractions and exhibits. (0 core/ Corp 1995)

entertainment, visit thechurch Street Station. You’ll hear Dixieland jazz, see can- can girls, and enjoy fresh fruit drinks and unique shopping. Tours are scheduled for Congress attendees and include admission to all showrooms, a private group dinner, entertainment, and transportation.

If venturing off dry land whets your appetite, the Rivership Romance/Moonlight Magic Dinner Dance also is scheduled. You’ll enjoy a smooth cruise, upbeat musicians, scrumptious hors d’oeuvres, and a choice of five delicious entrees.

SHOPPING

hat makes a trip more special than a little shop- W ping? Orlando features more than 39 million square feet of retail space, including malls, outlet cen- ters, and shopping “villages.” For unique gifts, check out the specialty shops in downtown Orlando, such as the Church Street Exchange, which.features more than 40 specialty shops and restaurants in a beautiful Victo- rian atmosphere. Specialty items also can be found at the Mercado Mediterranean Shopping Village on Inter- national Drive, which boasts more than 60 specialty shops, six restaurants, and a rock-and-roll piano bar.

For upscale shopping and a break between Con- gress sessions, visitors can take a walk to The Pointe Orlando, located just steps away from the Orange County Convention Center. Touted as Orlando’s “Lifestyle Entertainment Center,” The Pointe opened in the summer of 1997. It is anchored by FA0 Schwartz and features restaurants, theaters, nightclubs, and unique shops.

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If Orlando memories are on your mind, visit the Disney Village Marketplace, a popular shopping spot for T-shirts, gifts, and sou- venirs featuring that famous mouse! Or, if you’re after bargains, the Belz Factory Outlet World and International Designer Outlets, located on International Drive, have more than 160 name-brand factory discount stores, featuring clothing, electronics, and more.

For a unique day of shopping, plan a visit to Winter Park. Tours have been scheduled and start with a relaxing, scenic boat ride along the Winter park lakes and end with lunch at the beautiful park Plaza Gardens and shopping at the small boutiques, unique shops, and art and antique galleries along Park Avenue. Tours include the boat tour, lunch, tour guide, and transportation.

and discount tickets is available in your registration brochure and on AOR”s web site at http://www.aorn .org. Information and ticket order forms also are avail- able through fax on demand at (800) 755-7980 x 3225, or by calling Premier Convention Services at (407) 84 1-6080 x 2 1 1. To purchase discount tickets for these scheduled tours and attractions, order forms must be received by March 8,1998.

Orlando shoppers enjoy an astounding array of shopping options, including themed shopping ”villages,” outlets centers, and unique boutiques. (@ Core1 Cop 1995)

when they arrive in Orlando. Of a survey of the 25 largest US airports, the Orlando International Airport was voted number one in customer service and given the “Aqorts are for People” award by Airport hter- viewing and Research. It is easily accessible and within 15 miles of meeting facilities, major attrac- tions, and downtown Orlando. Also, Orlando repeat- edly has been voted the top domestic “hot spot” by the American Society of Travel Agents.

While in Orlando, expect to enjoy warm days and mild nights. Normal seasonal temperatures are low 70s

Information about these and other scheduled tours

GENERAL INFORMATION

he final construction T phase of the Orange County Convention Cen- ter, the site of this year’s Congress, is finishing just at the right time. The completed facility opens in January 1998 with 1.1 million square feet of exhibition space. The Center is located on a lush, tropical site and fea- tures beautiful atriums, skylights, and intimate courtyards.

Attendees can plan on a pleasant experience

to mid 80s during the day, and low 50s to mid 60s at night.

To learn more about attractions and events in Orlando, visit the Official Visitors Center at http://www. goflorida.com/orlando, or call (407) 363-5872. You’ll find that with all there is to do in Orlando, it’s like being a kid again. Perhaps the city’s tourism slo- gan states it best: “Orlando, you never

Outgrow The Orange County Convention Center features more than 1.1 million square feet of exhibit space. ( ~ h o t q m p h courtesy AMY COOPER oi the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla) ASSOCIATE EDITOR

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