Taking the Mickey out of Orlando
Orlando is famous for the Disney attractions and a nightlife zone the size of Manchester. Together they attract British holidaymakers in droves. Yet, I couldn't help wondering whether the region of Orlando and Kissimmee is a destination in its own right? Or is Disney the only reason to visit?
Driving along Irlo Bronson Highway (a segment of the 75-mile long arterial Highway 192), doesn't inspire confidence. There are fast food outlets, Disney souvenir shops and several Flea markets selling tat in drab buildings. On the bright side though, you can buy 10 T-shirts for $5 and get your teeth whitened for $49. And every now and again there is a reason to stop or detour.
As hard as it is to imagine, the area was once a cow town. But this piece of cowboy history lasted less than a century stopping suddenly in the 1920's when Walt Disney bought up the lands in the name of Mickey Mouse making the ranch owners very rich.
'Those people were Crackers', said the curator at the Pioneer Museum on nearby Bass Road. She smiled at the surprised look on my face and explained: "the sound of their whips as they rounded up cattle made a cracking sound hence the nickname". Dotted around the open-air museum in Kissimmee are wooden buildings made from Cypress trees in board and baton method that depict life when cowboys ruled and lived off their land.
In reality they are horse pantomimes where horses show off circus style tricks around a themed story: Arabian nights and Medieval nights. Both offer fantastic family fun, and come with dinner - both offer vegetarian dishes on request.
