What to Do in Orlando, Florida: A Guide to Theme Parks, Attractions, and Beyond
Orlando, Florida, is a top destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. With its numerous theme parks, attractions, and outdoor activities, Orlando is a hub for entertainment and adventure. In this article, we’ll cover the top things to do in Orlando, covering a range of activities, from theme parks to museums, and outdoor adventures.
Theme Parks
Orlando is home to four world-famous theme parks: Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, and LEGOLAND Florida. Each park offers a unique experience, with its own set of rides, shows, and attractions.
- Disney World:
- Magic Kingdom: The original Disney theme park, featuring iconic attractions like Cinderella’s Castle and Space Mountain.
- Epcot: A celebration of innovation and culture, with attractions like Soarin’ and Test Track.
- Hollywood Studios: A movie-themed park with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land.
- Animal Kingdom: A wildlife park with animals from around the world, including the Africa section’s Kilimanjaro Safaris.
- Universal Orlando:
- Universal Studios Florida: Home to thrill rides like the Revenge of the Mummy roller coaster and the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit coaster.
- Universal’s Islands of Adventure: A watery wonderland with Jurassic Park River Adventure and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.
- Universal’s Volcano Bay: A tropical water park with a massive volcano-themed area.
- SeaWorld Orlando:
- Mystic Manor: A haunted house and darkness ride experience.
- Wildlife Express: A tram tour of the park’s animal exhibits.
- Dolphin Days: A live show featuring trained dolphins.
- LEGOLAND Florida:
- Miniland USA: A park featuring miniatures of famous landmarks and cities from around the world.
- The Dragon coaster: A family-friendly roller coaster.
- Dolphin Coast: A wave pool and water play area.
Additional Theme Parks and Attractions
- Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: A museum showcasing the history of space exploration and a chance to see real rockets and spacecraft.
- Universal’s Epic Universe: A new themed land opening in 2022, featuring thrill rides, shows, and attractions.
- Disney Springs: An entertainment district with shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Outdoor Adventures
- Wekiwa Springs State Park: A natural park with hiking trails, swimming holes, and opportunities for kayaking and bird-watching.
- Lake Eola: A scenic lake with walking paths and a public fountain.
- Winter Park Chain of Lakes: A series of connected lakes with paddleboat rentals and boat tours.
Food and Drink
- The Coop: A fried chicken joint with a focus on Southern-style cooking.
- The Polite Pig: A barbecue restaurant with a variety of meats and sides.
- The Floridian: A food truck park with a focus on local cuisine.
- The Winking Burger: A burger joint with a fun atmosphere and creative toppings.
Shopping
- Disney Springs: An entertainment district with shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
- Universal CityWalk: A shopping and dining complex with a range of options.
- Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village: A strip mall with a range of stores and restaurants.
- International Drive: A shopping district with a range of options, including Disney-themed stores.
Accommodations
- Disney World Resort: Offers a range of on-site hotels and resorts, from value to deluxe options.
- Universal Orlando Resort: Offers on-site hotels and a range of off-site options.
- Red Lion Hotel Orlando: A budget-friendly hotel with amenities like free breakfast and an outdoor pool.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista: A mid-range hotel with amenities like free breakfast and an outdoor pool.
Tips and Tricks
- **Make sure to make dining reservations in advance for popular restaurants like Disney’s Be Our Guest and Universal’s CityWalk).
- **Take advantage of the My Disney Experience app for park hours, wait times, and other useful information.
- **Consider purchasing a park hopper ticket for the ability to visit multiple parks in one day.
- **Book accommodations in a central location for easy access to theme parks and other attractions.
Conclusion
Orlando, Florida, is a top destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. With its numerous theme parks, attractions, and outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for thrill rides, shows, or simply a fun day out, Orlando has it all. We hope this guide has provided you with some inspiration for your next trip to Orlando!