The magic of Orlando extends beyond Disneyworld

Orlando, Florida, is a popular choice for parents who want to take their kids on a short break this April. After all, Disneyworld - the world's favourite children's theme park - is located there and thus provides an excellent place to let your children run amok! However, next time you're in Orlando for some family fun, try and look beyond Disneyworld as April in Orlando could hold some very interesting surprises!

One of the most high profile events in Orlando's April Calendar is the Central Florida Fair. Running since 1912, the Central Florida Fair offers food, exhibits, music, rides and entertainment for the entire family - so if Mickey ever gets a little too much, your kids will get to enjoy something non-Disney related in Orlando. The 2007 Central Florida Fair boasts a variety of attractions, including Kenya Safari Acrobats, the Sunburst Beauty Pageant & Baby Contest (open to girls and women aged 4 to 27 years) and the Frisco Brothers Exotic Annual Exhibit & Show, which is back for a remarkable eighth year running.

If you're looking for some active fun in Orlando this spring, why not take your kids down to the Soap Box Derby Rally. Whether you're a first time driver or an experienced soap box racer, make sure you seize this chance! Race cars will be available to drivers at the rally free of charge; and each driver will be able to make several test runs down the track to see if the Soap Box Derby Rally floats your boat. And since the Soap Box Derby Rally is restricted to drivers aged 7 to 16, you know your kids will be safe and have fun with other children their own age.

Finally, one of Orlando's most exciting festivals held in April is the Rajuncajun Crawfish Festival. This exciting festival has been an annual fixture in Orlando's calendar since 1989 and brings the smells, sounds and tastes of the famous Louisiana Cajun Country to Florida. With sizzling Louisiana-style Cajun and Zydeco music, a relaxed atmosphere and first-class Louisiana cuisine, you and your family are sure to have a wonderful time at the Rajuncajun Crawfish festival! Whether it's bluegrass, fiddle or classic rock music you love, the Rajuncajun Crawfish Festival will offer you all this and more, accompanied by a Cajun buffet that includes double dipped black bayou fried chicken, corn on the cob, shrimp head-on Louisiana style, red creamer potatoes and more besides.

If you're planning on a family holiday to Orlando in April, why not opt for a hotel suite for a more cosy family accommodation experience. You'll find plenty of hotels and hotel suites in Orlando at your disposal, so you and your family will be able to enjoy the magic of Orlando in peace and comfort - whether you choose to spend it in Disneyworld or not!

Andrew Regan is an online, freelance journalist.