Ah, Florida, the Everglades State. As a vacation destination, it's the world's favorite. And it's brimming with larger-than-life animal attractions. There's the monster-size Jaws and King Kong at Universal Studios®. The trademark roaring MGM lion (and Toto, too!) at the Disney MGM Studio®. The jungle creatures of Busch Gardens®. The sealife of Sea World®. Not to mention the virtual Noah's ark that populates the whole of Walt Disney World®, including the two most famous rodents ever to wear gloves. Clearly, professional (and even fictional) animals consider Florida to be an ideal place. But how friendly is it to vacationing real-life pets and their owners? That's exactly what we decided to find out. Here are the major theme parks, listed in no particular order -- I. BUSCH GARDENS Tampa, Florida (813) 987-5082 Although it's home to real-live lions and tigers, Busch Gardens doesn't allow domestic dogs and cats in the park itself. However, guests can take advantage of the free kennel service during their visit. Kennel Rate: we'll say it again. It's free. The kennel is outdoors, but we've been assured that it's "heavily shaded." Guests are requested to bring a bowl and pet food (preferably dry) for each pet. Park Admission: $38.45 for adults, $32 for kids 3-9 years old. Plus tax. This is the single day/single park rate. Special rates are available for multiple day/multiple park packages. Nearby Accommodations: BUDGETEL BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA 1-800-428-3438 Pets are allowed, but there are a number of stipulations. Take note: (1) if you're just bringing a dog, he must be under 50 pounds. (2) If you're bringing two pets, they can't weigh more than 15 pounds each. (3) All pets must be housebroken. (4) They cannot be left in the room unattended. (5) A $50 cash deposit is required at check-in, but it will be fully refunded upon check-out if nothing has been damaged. (6) If you've got pets with you, your room choice is limited to smoking rooms with 2 double beds or a king size bed. (7) Exceptions may apply for guests with seeing-eye or hearing dogs. Rates: $69.95 -86.95 per night, plus tax. Longer stays may qualify for special rate packages. II. WALT DISNEY WORLD/DISNEY MGM STUDIO Orlando, Florida (407) 824-4321 Mickey, Minnie, and the gang would be happy to see you. And they'd be positively thrilled to put your pet in their kennel while you're visiting, since pets aren't allowed inside the park. Or inside most of the Disney hotels. Or on any of the buses for the park or its hotels, for that matter. Well, at least the kennels sound nice. There are four of them at Walt Disney World, boasting air-conditioned accommodations and membership in the American Boarding Kennel Association. But they're not free, and using them requires proof of vaccination. Dogs must be vaccinated against Rabies, Parvo, and DILP. Cats, against Rabies and FPRC. Kennel Rates: $6 per pet per day; $11 per pet overnight If you're staying at resort hotels, the overnight kennel rate goes down to $9 per pet. Park Admission: $39.75 for adults; 32.00 for children ages 3-9. Plus tax. This is the single day/single park rate. Special rates are available for multiple day/multiple park packages. | Continue >