Orlando
If you had come to the area along with the first Europeans in the early
1500s, you would have found native Indians farming the land by raising
maize, squash, and beans and engaging in fishing and hunting. If you
happened to come in the mid-1900s, Orlando was an agricultural area
where citrus fruit was grown and cattle were raised. The area was
completely transformed in the early 1970s when Walt Disney came to town.
Orlando now has the distinction of hosting the largest concentration of
theme parks in the world. In fact, there are four major Walt Disney
theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, Disney-MGM Studios, Animal
Kingdom) and two others, Universal Studios and Sea World. Each park
has its own character. The Magic Kingdom is physically the smallest of
the four Disney parks. At its epicenter is Cinderella's Castle, which
is surrounded by Main Street USA, Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty
Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. Epcot Center is a part-educational,
part-entertaining park that is divided in two major areas: Future World
and the World Showcase. Disney-MGM Studios offers a pleasant mix of
fantasy and educational experience presented in the environment of a
working TV and movie studio. Animal Kingdom, the newest Disney park,
covers 500 acres and is a combination wild animal park, exotic zoo,
educational adventure, and theme park. Universal Studios Florida is
a much more elaborate version of Disney-MGM Studios arranged around six
"neighborhoods." Expo Center, The Front Lot, Hollywood, New York,
Production Central, and San Francisco/Amity. Sea World is a giant
marine park where Shamu (a killer whale) reigns. The major theme parks,
as well as all the other supporting attractions, dining, and
entertainment establishments, make Orlando a perfect vacation
destination. The CDC offers a great opportunity to blend business and
pleasure. The entertainment opportunities are not limited to families
with small children, as in recent years much has been done to create
attractions for adults as well. In December the temperature typically
ranges between 72° to 51°F (22° to 11°C).
Discount Tickets
In order to take advantage of all these entertainment possibilities the
Operating Committee has arranged with H.E.S. Inc. to provide
discount tickets for many of these attractions. Tickets can be purchased
in advance using the on-line service
(here).
They can also be purchased using the form provided
(download)
and also in the Advance Program. The Advance Order deadline is November
12, 2001. Tickets will then be shipped to you in advance of the
Conference. There is also the possibility to purchase these tickets on
site during the Conference. There will be a desk in the registration
area staffed by H.E.S. agents on Tuesday and Wednesday, December
4 and 5, between the hours of 7:30 AM and 1:30 PM.
Kennedy Space Center Tour
We are also pleased to announce that we have arranged for a day tour
to the Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday, December 5, 2001. The bus
will depart from the Hyatt at 8:30 AM and return at 4:30 PM. The price
of each ticket is $55 and it includes bus fare, admission to the IMAX
Theater and the NASA motor coach tour. You can purchase this ticket
on the Conference Registration form. Please register early to ensure
that the tour will not be cancelled.