On a rock-climbing wall, our young urban adventurer takes in everything Orlando has to offer. -- VisitFlorida photos

For many of us, the idea of playing with a dolphin will remain forever a fantasy. But this lifelong dream became a reality for me on a recent visit to Orlando, Fla., where I had an amazing up-close experience with a dolphin. What made it even better was the news that my dolphin friend is a true-life movie star!

One of the top attractions in Orlando is Discovery Cove, where I was among a group of visitors introduced to Capricorn, a magnificent 600-lb. bottlenose dolphin.

We waded into a large swimming area to hug, kiss and feed fish to Capricorn.

The dolphin trainers told us that about 20 years ago, Capricorn was featured in the Hollywood movie Jaws III.

To show off his talent, Capricorn quickly circled a group of us huddled together near the centre of the lagoon. He imitated a shark with just his dorsal fin protruding out of the water.

Capricorn gave each of us a thrilling ride around the lagoon. Gently holding on to him as he glided across the water was a surreal experience for me.

It's obvious the trainers have established close relationships with the dozens of intelligent mammals at Discovery Cove. They are constantly coming up with new ideas on how to stimulate the dolphins, both mentally and physically.

The dolphins have the choice of spending time with visitors or hanging out with other dolphins in the large swimming area.

Apart from interacting with dolphins, Discovery Cove has lots of other activities.

Snorkelling gives guests a chance to swim with thousands of exotic fish as well as gentle, giant rays that can grow up to more than a metre in diameter.

The free-flight aviary brings people into contact with hundreds of exotic birds. The birds are very friendly and have no inhibitions about landing on visitors' arms and heads in hopes of being hand-fed.

Discovery Cove provides guests with diving masks, including prescription glass, snorkels, lockers and dolphin-safe sunscreen. Photographers and videographers are there to capture your memories. It's interesting to know that attendance is limited to 1,000 persons each day so the atmosphere remains relatively tranquil for featured attractions, as well as humans. Visit discoverycove.com for more info.

Orlando, in sunny, central Florida, boasts attractions for people of all ages. Home to Walt Disney World, about 70% of Orlando visitors are groups or couples without children, according to the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau. A good portion of these visitors are made up of those in their 20s and 30s, also known as Generation X-ers.

At the Aiguille Rock Climbing Center indoor climbing gym in Orlando visitors can rent helmets, climbing shoes and equipment. Instructors demonstrate how to put on a safety harness, tie the proper knots and use the ropes correctly in order to ensure a safe climb.

Face to face with a dolphin

Couples and groups of friends looking for a really different type of activity should give indoor rock climbing a try. As an alternative to a gym, climbing provides a fun workout. It's really exhilarating, designed not only for the adventurous but for those who may be a bit timid when it comes to climbing artificial rock faces. Visit aiguille.com for more information.

Orlando is renowned for its golf courses. If you're a golfer who has difficulty making up your mind, the choice of courses in Orlando may well overwhelm you. Just think - 150 golf courses, all vying for your attention.

Celebration Golf Club in the picturesque Celebration community has an 18-hole public course.

The emphasis at the club's Golf Academy is on player development in a positive environment. Scottish PGA golf professional Kenny Nairn, director of instruction, teaches people from all over the world.

Since most of us learn through what we see, the golf academy offers an interactive video analysis where golf swings are recorded and then analyzed for improvement. Programs are available to suit a variety of ages and skill levels. For more info, visit celebrationgolf.com.

Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba. New banners for Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba at Walt Disney World Resort.

World of art

The Westin Grand Bohemian is a luxury hotel in downtown Orlando. Built in 2001, it is renowned for its focus on the world of art. Rare works fill every room and hallway and the hotel has its own gallery.

The Grand Bohemian Gallery presents 19th- and 20th-century works by local, American and international artists and allows visitors to purchase original pieces.

The hotel's Bosendorfer Lounge offers nightly entertainment and is a popular place to sip martinis and relax with friends.

In the adjacent Klimt Rotunda sits an Imperial Grand Bosendorfer piano, designed by Hans Hollein, and one of only two in the world. This priceless piano took almost nine years to build.

The hotel's Boheme Restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offers the most spectacular food including steak, seafood and lamb. The service is nothing short of excellent.

The Westin Grand Bohemian is just minutes away from night spots, cafes, restaurants as well as beautiful Lake Eola.

Downtown Orlando appears rather quiet during the day, but it really comes alive at night.

The folks at Sak Comedy Lab in downtown Orlando perform live improvisational comedy. Teams of actors compete to get the most laughs and the audience gets in on the fun by voting for the most hilarious. They also teach improv classes. Visit sak.com for more details.

Tabu is a popular destination for club-goers in downtown Orlando, or if dinner is what you're interested in, visit Hue Restaurant in downtown's Thornton Park Central and feast on wood-grilled filet mignon or oven roasted Chilean sea bass.

We were fortunate enough to see the Cirque du Soleil production La Nouba (Live it up!) in the specially constructed 1,671-seat theatre at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.

Fourteen countries are represented by over 70 international performers demonstrating their most amazing acrobatic abilities. A must see. Check out cirquedusoleil.com.

While at Walt Disney World, visit Wolfgang Puck Cafe which offers a variety of delicious dishes including his famous sushi bar and wood-fired pizza.

Other Orlando area attractions include the Orange Blossom Balloon Ride, which provides a breathtaking view of the area -- an unforgettable spectacle, especially at sunrise. There is excellent shopping along Park Avenue as well as the Winter Park Farmer's Market. The hour-long Winter Park scenic boat tour is also worth checking out. The 12-km boat trip provides views of elaborate estates, gardens and wildlife.

Whether it's fine dining, exciting night spots, or wild theme parks and attractions, Generation X-ers will have no problem keeping busy as Orlando offers fantastic opportunities for endless fun to suit a variety of tastes.

Bottom Line

MORE INFORMATION: Contact the Orlando / Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-551-0181 or visit orlandoinfo.com.

GETTING THERE: Many airlines provide service to Orlando. Air Canada flies direct daily from Toronto to Orlando. Visit aircanada.ca for travel information.