Orlando, Florida is definitely the place to visit if you want a fun packed holiday with many activities to enjoy. The adventure is never ending due to the notorious hotspots such as Disney World and Universal Studios. Orlando is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations for families and with very good reason. It offers a wealth of attractions which cater for all ages and everything is easily accessible. In this article we take a look at various ways to navigate around Orlando.
We’ve compiled the very BEST Orlando attractions not to be missed. There are many great ideas of things to do in Orlando and Kissimmee – everything from the big theme parks and water parks to night life, parks, museums and sporting activities.
Best Orlando Theme Parks
Theme parks in Orlando are world famous! These Orlando attractions alone could keep you busy for days on end if you had the energy! Of course, Disney World and Universal Studios are ‘the big two’.
They feature some amazing rides that will get your heart pounding and your adrenaline soaring, such as The Hulk at Universal Islands of Adventure and the new Expedition Everest at Disney World. That’s not to mention all the high-tech virtual reality rides that will whiz you through the sights and sounds of movies such as Spiderman, Twister, Men In Black and Shrek!>
SeaWorld is one of the best marine life parks in the world. Sea life from around the globe is showcased here for you to observe up close. Some of these creatures you will probably never see in the wild! Sea World Orlando has a large penguin exhibit, polar bears, walruses, a large shark tunnel, dolphins, sea lions, stingrays and of course killer whales!
SeaWorld is an Orlando attraction that really does have something for everyone. There are white knuckle roller coasters, shows that kids will love, plus all the sea life exhibits for the whole family to enjoy.
Best Orlando Water Parks
It’s great to cool off from the Florida heat in one of the Orlando water parks. These Orlando attractions offer a whole day’s fun for a lot less money than a day at one of the theme parks! These are the best Orlando water parks to visit:
Typhoon Lagoon Orlando
This Disney water park offers a wide variety of slides for all ages in beautifully landscaped surroundings. This is one of the best water parks for families with young children.
Blizzard Beach Water Park
Disney’s most popular water park, a close rival to Wet ‘n’ Wild in the thrill slide stakes! It has something for thrill seekers as well as families with young kids.
Aquatica at SeaWorld
A new water park that has more to offer younger children. It has a tropical island setting with lazy rivers, two huge wave pools and sandy beaches. Since it opened in April 2008, it’s proved to be a big hit and another addition to the long list of exciting Orlando attractions!
Things To Do in Orlando
For the kids, Walt Disney World Resort is a definite must-see when visiting Orlando Florida as it enables the children to spot their favorite Disney characters and live within their much-loved movies. As well as young activities there are also many adrenaline pumping rides for adults to enjoy. Alongside the amusement park there are also shows put on for all the family to enjoy. You can center your holiday around the park by staying in its accommodations; this enables you to enjoy all areas fully and get the true Disney experience.
Discovery Cove is a more serene and tranquil park. Have you ever dreamed of swimming with dolphins? If so, this is the place to go for a unique swimming with dolphins experience. This is definitely a once in a lifetime experience!
Discovery Cove also has a meandering tropical river, palm fringed beaches, coral reef and a bird sanctuary to explore. Of all the large attractions in Orlando, Discovery Cove is the least crowded and offers the most personalized hospitality.
According to many Orlando Visitors Guides, another popular attraction is the Universal Studios Escape which has developed extensively over the years. You can tour around the area and see the technology which takes place behind the movies you see on screen. As well as this informative expedition around the Movie Studio there is also a Theme Park which coincides with the movies made at the studio. This grand place of entertainment never ends with shopping areas, restaurants and nightclubs so you can carry on your enjoyment well into the night.
Orlando Parks
Orlando parks and gardens offer a tranquil escape from the tourist throngs.
There are many luscious parks, gardens and zoos around the area as a result of the high climate around Florida. The Central Florida Zoological Park, just off the Northwest Highway, hosts a variety of native wildlife as well as exotic plants and animals. This is a true family day out where the park houses over 400 animals over a variety of species. The animals can be seen in the lushness of the zoo with its tropical setting. Another popular park is Gatorland which is just off the South Orange Blossom Trail. The main attraction is the 110 acre wildlife preserve of alligators as well as the amusement park. This well priced family entertainment contains a Gator Wrestling Show where trainers lift eight feet alligators up into the air.
Leu Gardens to the north-west of downtown is a local gem to discover. Also, in the heart of downtown is Lake Eola Park, the perfect place for a picnic or a gentle stroll around the lake (pictured left).
There are also many larger state parks, just a short drive from Orlando. In these state parks you can camp, fish, observe wildlife, go kayaking, bicycling, walking and at some you can even swim in the warm spring waters.
Orlando Museums & Art Galleries
There are many museums that will make for a fun, cheap and educational day out.
Popular museums include the Orlando Art Museum, Orlando Science Museum, Orlando History Museum and many more!
Orlando Nightlife
Orlando Dinner Shows are a really fun way to spend an evening out. The majority of dinner shows are all inclusive – that is all food and drinks are provided, some are even unlimited!
There’s beer and wine for adults and soft drinks too, the menu is usually 3 courses and is served throughout the show.
Most shows cater towards children, like the Pirates Dinner Adventure and the Disney show Hoop Dee Doo.
Adults will enjoy the Sleuths Mystery Dinner Theater and the Outta Control Comedy Magic Show. All dinner shows are popular Orlando attractions, so be sure to book ahead!
Orlando nightclubs, bars and restaurants are dotted around the city, there really are too many to mention. You’ll find most nightlife around downtown Orlando, around Church St and Orange Ave, these are really popular with locals and tourists alike. There’s a wide variety of music scenes going on in downtown from disco, dance, rock, pop…and more.
Universal CityWalk is another hub of nightlife in the city. At the entrance to Universal Studios, Universal CityWalk is a 20 acre entertainment complex with many shops, bars, restaurants and night clubs. There’s also a 20 screen Lowe’s cinema.
CityWalk is really popular as the walkways are all pedestrianized so you can walk from bar to bar without needing transportation. CityWalk regularly hosts many special events and musical performances throughout the year.