Orlando and the encompassing areas have heaps happening! It’s the form of metropolis in america that’s constructed for leisure, and also you’ll be spoilt for selection in your journey to the Sunshine State. Not solely that, however lots of the finest issues to do in Orlando are additionally appropriate for households. Which means there’s something for everybody right here.
Through the years, we’ve visited Orlando many occasions and all the time had a blast. It’s all the time a busy journey of hopping between Florida’s finest theme parks, retailers and eating places, however there’s additionally a lot extra to Orlando than that. If you’d like, you’ll be able to simply go to Orlando and discover a number of the state parks or small communities and sister cities that make this space a lot enjoyable.
Additionally, don’t overlook concerning the finest seashores in Florida which can be only a day journey (or perhaps a day journey) from Orlando itself. Actually, there may be heaps to do within the space.
So, that can assist you plan your journey, I’m sharing our high locations in Orlando that I do know you’ll love! This fashion, you’ll be able to deal with all that enjoyment and never get slowed down with the planning.
1.) Downtown Orlando (and Lake Eola)
Orlando has some epic theme parks, that’s a given, however there’s additionally a central downtown space of Orlando that’s properly value visiting when you arrive. Now, for us, we love happening to the world round Lake Eola Park (Google Maps pin). The entire space is beautiful for a stroll, nevertheless it’s additionally received heaps happening, too.
You’ve additionally received the Walt Disney Amphitheater (Google Maps pin), which recurrently holds native performs and flicks all year long. Additionally, don’t overlook, you’ll be able to lease a swan boat to paddle round Lake Eola, too. It’s a lot enjoyable, and you’ll seize a ticket on the boat station itself. Every swan holds 5 individuals, which suggests you’ll be able to go together with the children!
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2.) Walt Disney World
Okay, so Walt Disney World wants little introduction. It’s the most effective issues to do in Orlando that, actually, isn’t only for kids. Massive children can take pleasure in Disney’s parks, too!
Now, there are heaps of theme parks to select from. You’ve received the long-lasting Magic Kingdom, with the attractive Cinderella Fort. Additionally, you might have Animal Kingdom with all its safari animals and Avatar-themed areas. Then, you might have Epcot, which is stuffed with completely different lands to go to; with the likes of England, Morocco, France, and so many extra, you’ll be able to go to. Lastly, you might have Disney’s Hollywood Studios – a theme park that focuses on the magic of movie. They’ve a complete Star Wars space, and the Tower of Terror is as horrifying as it’s enjoyable! We beloved it.
Now, let’s speak tickets! Make certain to go to Disney’s Web site to seize the very best offers and plan your journey. For us, we all the time suggest reserving as quickly as attainable and ensuring to get reservations for eating places in every of the parks earlier than you arrive. Reservations for meals replenish so quick, and it was the one factor we received caught out on once we visited.
After a day on the park, you’ll be able to e-book this fireworks helicopter journey to observe Disney’s fireworks celebrations from the sky. It’s such a singular option to see the present and completely good.
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3.) Common Parks
The opposite huge participant by way of theme parks in Florida is Common. They’ve three superb theme parks to go to, with the most recent being Epic Universe.
Now, similar to Disney, ensure that to e-book these superior Common tickets that safe your house to go to the parks. It’s so value reserving them prematurely, because the parks can get tremendous busy, particularly with the newer Epic Universe being vastly fashionable. These tickets will get you into all of the parks, together with Common Studios, Epic Universe and Islands of Journey.
For an additional particular expertise, you’ll be able to e-book this VIP Common ticket, the place you’ll get an additional particular expertise throughout the parks themselves.
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4.) Orlando Water Parks
So, it will get fairly sizzling in Orlando, and when you might have such wonderful sunshine, there are heaps of water parks the place you’ll be able to sit back. Now, the large gamers listed here are Disney and Common, who’ve a number of the greatest (and arguably the very best) water parks within the state.
For us, we beloved Hurricane Lagoon and Blizzard Seashore at Disney. Although Common’s Volcano Bay is a should, too! You possibly can simply spend a day in every of them, and there are heaps of slides and wave swimming pools which can be completely enjoyable for the entire household.
Visiting the water parks is a lot enjoyable and the most effective issues to do in Orlando if you need a barely extra enjoyable day in your vacation.
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5.) Winter Backyard, Florida
Proper on the shore of Lake Apopka, Winter Backyard is a metropolis that’s round 12 miles, or so, away from Downtown Orlando. Though it’s thought-about a definite space, by way of governance and municipality, it doesn’t really feel such as you’ve left Orlando in any respect, because the city sprawl of each cities mixes collectively.
As soon as right here, ensure that to spend a while strolling Plant Road. Right here, you’ll discover heaps of little eating places, cafes and the Winter Backyard Heritage Basis. Additionally, don’t overlook to pop by the Central Florida Railroad Museum. Right here, you’ll be able to wander across the displays and even see some historic carriages and engines that now name this Winter Backyard dwelling.
For a chew to eat, cease by Rosallie Le French Cafe (Google Maps pin). These guys know their stuff in relation to a brisket breakfast. You’ll go away stuffed.
Learn extra: Finest seashores in Florida to go to
6.) Common CityWalk
Proper subsequent to Islands of Journey and Common Studios, Common CityWalk is likely one of the finest issues to do in Orlando after you’ve visited the parks. Right here, you’ll discover heaps of eating places, cafes and shops promoting all the pieces and something you’ll be able to think about.
Not solely that, there are heaps of bars, karaoke spots, and a lot extra to take pleasure in a night out in Orlando.
Now, for desserts, we’d all the time suggest going to Toothsome’s Chocolate Emporium. You’ll go away stuffed, their muffins are enormous, and so they conjure up a number of the finest chocolate milkshakes I’ve ever tasted. Sure, it was like 7 million energy, nevertheless it was completely value it.
Afterwards, you’ll be able to cease by locations just like the Exhausting Rock Cafe, The CowFish for his or her sushi burgers or pop into Common’s official merch shops.
7.) Lake Louisa State Park
North east of Walt Disney World Resort is Lake Louisa State Park (Google Maps pin). It’s the most effective issues to do in Orlando for those who fancy time away from the cityscape and need to benefit from the pure great thing about Central Florida.
When you’ve arrived in Lake Louisa State Park, ensure that to drive or stroll across the varied loops that encompass the park. We completely love the world round Dixie Lake and Bear Lake (which is equally as lovely).
You would possibly even spot some little tortoises on the banks of the lakes. So cute!
8.) Kissimmee
Kissimmee, though thought-about a distinct metropolis from Orlando, continues to be throughout the Larger Orlando space and feels similar to an extension of the town itself. Now, over time, Kissimmee has develop into one thing of a staple for plenty of lodges and lodgings for guests going to Disney or Common.
That being mentioned, Kissimmee additionally has rather a lot going for it in its personal proper! For those who’re staying in Kissimmee, ensure that to cease by a number of the metropolis’s well-known foodie joints. As an example, you need to cease by Pastelitos Chips (Google Maps pin) on Smith Road for his or her iconic chips. They solely do takeouts right here, however they’re so value getting. Plus, their empanadas are all the time freshly-baked and so tasty.
Additionally, if it’s Mexican meals you’re after, then head to El Tapatio. They make some superb margarita cocktails, and so they actually have a stay mariachi band that performs most evenings.
9.) ICON Park
ICON Park, in Orlando, is properly value a gander for those who’re not wanting to go to the area’s larger theme parks. You see, ICON Park is extra of an leisure complicated and offers an identical vibe to locations like Common’s CityWalk.
Right here, you’ll be able to journey the Orlando Eye, go to the Museums of Illusions and go to Madame Tussaud’s, that proper within the coronary heart of ICON Park itself. Not solely that, you’ll be able to head to a number of the bars and eating places across the park space. You possibly can simply spend a night right here, particularly if you wish to take advantage of the nightlife and eating places.
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10.) Disney Springs
Similar to Common’s CityWalk, Disney Springs (Google Maps pin) is an space stuffed with retailers, eating places, cafes and leisure multi functional easy-to-reach space. With parking exterior, it makes for a very easy cease for a couple of hours round lunch, and it’s all the time received heaps happening.
As soon as right here, ensure that to e-book these tickets to Cirque de Soleil’s unimaginable present, Drawn to Life. The present is likely one of the finest stay performances you’ll be able to see in all of Florida, and properly value going if you need a while away from the hustle and bustle of the parks themselves.
Additionally, don’t overlook to pop by a number of the eating places, some fashionable spots like Planet Hollywood, but in addition extra native spots like Paddlefish which have some fairly superb seafood. Their shrimp cocktail was so good.
Learn extra: Finest locations to go to in Florida
11.) Wekiwa Springs State Park
Need a while within the nice open air of Central Florida? Then get your self over to Wekiwa Springs State Park (Google Maps pin).
Now, in my view, it’s the most effective locations to go kayaking across the better Orlando space, and you’ll simply go to and head on a guided tour by reserving these tickets. After your information picks you up from Orlando, you’ll get whisked away on a non-public tour to discover the unimaginable shores of Wekiwa Springs itself. The entire space is gorgeous.
Although, like I mentioned, e-book these tickets earlier than arriving. Areas can replenish at peak occasions.
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