For those who live in frostbitten lands, Florida takes on a mythical stature. Long before they first visit the state, travelers are regaled with tales of its warm sun, exotic creatures and golden beaches. Reality matches the myths in many ways, though. In the middle of the state, Orlando stands as the undisputed capital of the theme park. Along the Atlantic coast, Miami simmers with Caribbean and Latin American flair, and sights such as alligators in the Everglades and the space shuttle at the Kennedy Space Center allow you to enjoyably combine education with vacation. A few hours down the highway, on Sanibel Island,visitors can tour a piece of wild Florida that has not changed in centuries.