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If you’ve found yourself waiting until the very last-minute to plan your summer vacation, consider yourself big time lucky. Second Summer, part of Orlando’s Deal Season, is THE best time to vacation in Orlando and save big. From August 15th through September 30th you’ll find great deals on area hotels, theme parks, shopping, dining, entertainment and more. Whether you’re bringing along family, friends or a big group, Second Summer makes any Orlando vacation well worth the trip.

Take a Walk on Our Wild Side

You’ll find yourself in the middle of all the excitement with amazing, up-close animal encounters. Dreams come alive daily at Discovery Cove when you slip into your wetsuit and take a dip in the lagoon waters with playful bottlenose dolphins. Or explore the African savanna on safari in search of its exotic inhabitants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Feed sharks, seals and stingrays at SeaWorld Orlando while learning more about these majestic sea creatures. No trip to Orlando would be complete without a visit to Gatorland and its sharp-toothed alligators, slippery snakes and creepy spiders.

Food for the Soul

Pull up a chair at Orlando’s table for food that isn’t just good for the body – it feeds the soul. Don’t miss “Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom” at Universal CityWalk for a taste of Jamaica served with a side of reggae. Bongos Cuban Café at Downtown Disney West Side, owned by Gloria Estefan, offers Cuban favorites. The cuisine of African nations takes center stage at Boma – Flavors of Africa and Jiko – The Cooking Place, both at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Head to local hotspots like Fish ‘N Loaves and the award-winning Mama Nems for soul food that keeps the locals coming back for more.

Every Night’s a Special Event

When the sun goes down, things really start to heat up in Orlando. Dance the night away to the sounds of an amazing DJ at one of our hot clubs. Or catch some b-ball action at the new Amway Center as NBA fan-favorite Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic fight for domination in the East. Time your visit right and you could take in one of our many great concerts and shows including Rodney Perry (June 3-5) at the Orlando Improv or John Legend (July 17) at the Amway Center.

Walk in Famous Footsteps

African-American history runs deep in Orlando. In fact, many iconic figures have made their way through our area – leaving their marks on our collective history. Plan a visit to Eatonville, the oldest African-American municipality in the United States and one-time home to Harlem Renaissance author and folklorist Zora Neale Hurston. Feel her lasting impact at the fine art museum and annual festival that bear her name.  Wander through the rooms of the Wells’ Built Museum – formerly the Wells’ Built Hotel – where musicians Count Basie, Cab Calloway and B.B. King stayed while playing segregated clubs in the 1920s. Or stop by the Hannibal Square Heritage Center in Winter Park for a historical snapshot of that once-thriving African-American community.

Turn Your Orlando Dreams into Reality

Go to VisitOrlando.com/africanamerican now to start planning your ideal Orlando getaway. While you’re there, download Getaways & Get-Togethers: An African-American Guide to Visiting Orlando for not-to-be-missed attractions, restaurants, nightclubs and events that will make your Orlando visit unforgettable.

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