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People call Orlando the Theme Park Capital of the World. Visitors to the city get to choose from a near endless amount of fun and entertaining activities, including famous theme parks, and exciting attractions.
However, Orlando has more to offer than theme parks and fairy tale characters, it is a large city with a variety of experiences to offer.
This guide highlights the many attractions offered in the city ranging from exciting nightlife to serene natural parks. This post is all about Orlando, Florida and it’s activities. It is designed to assist both frequent travelers and first time visitors.
The 21 Most Exciting Things to Do in Orlando
This post will look at a variety of activities and attractions, from popular theme parks to secret treasures, that express the spirit of Orlando.
Walt Disney World Resort Magic: Discovering Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, and Beyond
Orlando is primarily associated with the Walt Disney World Resort. The Magic Kingdom has enchanting parades and Disney’s Animal Kingdom has wild attractions. Disney World is more than theme parks, it is a complete experience.
Wonders from Cinderella Castle to Fantasyland’s Enchanted attractions are at every corner. Just a quick jump to Animal Kingdom, it has a variety of land types covering open African plains to the high soaring Pandora mountains.
If you’re staying at a Disney World Resort, the magic goes on even after the parks close. You can continue enjoying the Disney experience with your themed accommodations, high-end restaurants, and a whole lot of activities.
Universal Orlando Resort Adventures: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Islands of Adventure
Very close to Walt Disney World, another world of fun and fantasy exists; it is called Universal Orlando Resort. It consists of two theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. These parks guarantee excitement and a trip down memory lane.
Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and walk around Hogsmeade, grab a Butterbeer, and see the amazing Hogwarts Castle. Potterheads can explore Diagon Alley and ride the Hogwarts Express.
Islands of Adventure without considering The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, offers plenty of excitement for roller coaster fans. With wild rides like the Incredible Hulk Coaster and the Jurassic Park themed areas, thrill seekers will have plenty to keep them entertained.
SeaWorld and Aquatica: Where Sea Life Meets Orlando Fun
At SeaWorld Orlando, visitors get entertainment as well as education about marine life. The marine shows feature impressive artistry with killer whale jumps and dolphin dances. Along with the shows, Manta and Kraken are rides that add even more thrill to the aquatic experience.
Aquatica is beside SeaWorld and has water fun for all ages! From winding slides to lazy rivers to wave pools, all of your water needs will be satisfied. Aquatica is also the only place you can experience the Dolphin Plunge ride. You go through a clear tube and get to see dolphins, which makes Aquatica a great water park to visit!
Orlando Beyond the Theme Parks: Exploring the City’s Hidden Gems
There are many things to do that do not include theme parks in Orlando. Take a look at the Orlando Science Center to discover the cultural hub of the city or the Orlando Museum of Art to view some bigger pieces of artwork.
For shoppers, The East End Market and International Drive are two shopping centers that have a mixture of international and local brands allowing Orlando to be a shopping paradise.
If you want to spend the day exercising your creativity and spend the night in the great outdoors, a star light music festival might be for you. If your going to be camping, here are some ideas on what food to bring to keep your energy up and your stomach full.
The Buzz of International Drive: Orlando Attractions, Dining, and Nightlife
I Drive, short for International Drive, is Orlando’s central hub for eating, shopping, and having fun. The Orlando Eye is one of the first things you will see and there are countless attractions including Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium.
During the day, you can find many activities to take part in. After all the fun, you can grab a bite to eat at a world-class restaurant or do some shopping at Pointe Orlando. Once the sun goes down, the fun doesn’t stop. The street becomes full of lively bars, clubs, and entertainment.
The Pirate’s Dinner Adventure is one of the dinner shows where you can see food and theater come together to create something very special.
Kennedy Space Center: Central Florida’s Gateway to the Stars
The Kennedy Space Center in the center of Central Florida stands apart from other attractions. Visitors can explore the first place humans have traveled to and see the Shuttle Atlantis. Experience what a launch feels like and meet real astronauts.
Orlando International Airport is a short flight to the Space Center and offers the easiest access to the Space Center. Visitors can watch astronaut videos, IMAX movies and experience simulated launches. The Kennedy Space Center offers space attractions only a short distance away from the other parks and attractions in Orlando.
Natural Wonders: Wekiwa Springs State Park, Blue Spring State Park, and Lake Eola Park
While most people are drawn to Orlando for its theme parks and roller coasters, natural parks like Blue Spring State Park and Wekiwa Springs State Park are great places to relax away from the busy attractions. Here, one can swim in the cool, fresh waters of the spring, paddle in a canoe through the waterways, and marvel at the diverse ecosystems of Central Florida.
Lake Eola Park is Orlando’s most popular natural area and is great for a city park. Beyond the modern city and amid the urban environment Lounge on one of the swan boats or take a paddle boat on the lake. The area is tranquil and beautiful, perfect for an escape from the busy parks of Orlando.
Orlando’s Water Worlds: Discovery Cove, Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach
Due to Orlando’s tropical climate water parks are many. Discovery Cove is different. Visitors can swim with dolphins, snorkel in colorful reefs and relax on the beach where the sand is imported.
Disney fans will enjoy Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Typhoon Lagoon has wave pools and water slides, and Blizzard Beach is themed like a “melting” ski resort, complete with snow and water activities.
Orlando’s water parks guarantee a unique experience for every traveler, from adventurous water slides to calm floats on lazy rivers.
Unique Adventures: Orlando Tree Trek and Screamin’ Gator Zip Line
For visitors wanting to avoid the typical theme park rides, Orlando offers unique alternatives. Orlando Tree Trek features treetop obstacle courses, swinging logs, and wobbly bridges to challenge your courage and agility.
At Gatorland, the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line provides the ultimate thrill as you fly over the water where alligators live. Both zip-lining and tree trekking offer unique perspectives of the state’s famous reptiles and have great safety measures to ensure a good rush.
Resorts and Relaxation: Orlando Resort Experience
Orlando offers new world class hotels in addition to its famous attractions. Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort have on-site dining, entertainment, and relaxation, plus easy access to the theme parks.
Other hotels like Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Hilton Orlando provide spa packages, golf, and pools for relaxation. Orlando offers a variety of accommodations.
Cultural Gems: Morse Museum and Orlando Museum of Art
Orlando’s museums are a highlight of the trip. You can visit the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum in Winter Park to see the world’s largest Tiffany collection of jewelry, pottery, and stained glass.
The Orlando Museum of Art is located in Loch Haven Park and features local, national, and international art from different times and styles. New things to enjoy every month! With educational activities, community programs, and rotating exhibits, there is no limit to the amount of new things to explore!
Camping Adventures: Embracing the Wild Side of Orlando
Although Orlando is a city filled with attractions and entertainment, not everyone notices how close the state’s natural camping sites are. Enjoying a central Florida campsite creates an outdoor experience that is the opposite of the busy city world.
If you plan to camp with kids or in a large group, you can turn the trip into an exciting survival adventure game. These activities provide great fun while also developing skills and instincts that are useful in real life.
Living in an RV as you travel is a very different experience than just sleeping in a standard tent or camper unit. Safety and living comfortably require a basic understanding of the potential hazards associated with a lifestyle based in a recreational vehicle.
Beyond the Parks: Exploring the Classic Florida Towns Nearby
Orlando offers a lot, but the fun doesn’t stop there. You can find charming old Florida towns near Orlando. For example, Winter Park offers a delightful Scenic Boat Tour that lets you experience its lovely lakes and stunning canal views.
Kissimmee is a quick drive from Orlando, and is home to lovely, old-fashioned lakefront parks. If you are interested in Central Florida’s developing history, the old towns around Lake County are a must.
Golfing in Orlando: From Bay Hill to Lake Nona
Orlando is home to some of the best golf courses in the country. The Bay Hill Golf Club is one of the most popular and recognizable spots and playing there, you may even get the chance to play alongside some professional golfers. One of the best countries to play golf in has to be Orlando but out of any city in Florida, it has to be the best. Lake Nona Golf & Country Club provides an outstanding golfing opportunity surrounded by lakes and pine trees.
Wal Disney World Resort, as well as many other large resorts, all have their own golf courses. These courses cater to both beginners and advanced golfers. Whether you are trying to beat your friend’s tee-off record or just trying to improve your golf handicap, you won’t be disappointed.
Orlando’s Green Spaces: Leu Gardens and Loch Haven Park
In between the more exciting sites of Orlando, there are many calm and relaxing parks and gardens. Leu Gardens is a beautiful calm garden with a large amount of tropical plants, roses, and camellias which cover almost 50 acres. It is truly a sight to behold and is a great place to spend time in nature.
Loch Haven Park is also located by three lakes and has three museums; the Orlando Science Center, the Orlando Museum of Art, and the Mennello Museum of American Art. It is the center of culture in Orlando.
A Dive into History: Central Florida Zoo and The Botanical Gardens
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens located in Seminole County is home to many animals, more than 500 to be exact. The zoo has all types of animals from Africa as well as every species in Florida’s ecosystem. The zoo is a great spot for wildlife fanatics and gives them an up close and personal experience with the animals
With an educational approach, the botanical gardens allow visitors to learn about the different plant life of Central Florida. While walking through the gardens, there are many different plants, each with a story to tell. There is also a nice, quiet area. This destination provides a nice escape but also a chance to learn something.
Orlando’s Little Secrets: West Orange Trail
For bike riders, The West Orange Trail is a very nice bike path. The trail is over 20 miles long. The trail has many different landscapes, such as urban and rural settings. The path has large open spaces, small neighborhoods, and then, the downtown area of Winter Garden.
The West Orange Trail is a great place to visit no matter how experienced of a bike rider you are.
Family-Friendly Attractions: LEGOLAND and Peppa Pig Theme Park
If you have small children, the family vacation in Orlando, Florida has to have LEGOLAND. This interactive experience has the entire place themed with LEGO bricks.
Another new place to visit if you have young children is the Peppa Pig Theme Park. You can see characters from the TV show and have a great day with the family.
Unconventional Orlando: Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and WonderWorks
If you want your vacation to have something strange, it can be found in Orlando, Florida. If you want to see odd things, be sure to visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not! There are many things strange such as shrunken heads and optical illusions.
You can’t miss the upside-down building that is WonderWorks. Inside is an amusement park for the mind with over 100 interactive exhibits, including hurricane simulators, and laser tag arenas. Wonderworks is going to challenge everything you think you know, to have some fun and experience the unexpected.
Orlando Nightlife: CityWalk, Downtown Orlando, and More
Travelers coming to Orlando will have the time of their lives. When it’s night time is when the real fun starts.
At Universal CityWalk the night time entertainment really starts. With live music, dancing, and movies, The Tribute to Freedom has great music so you can eat at The Cowfish and dance afterwards.
If you want to be more local, Downtown Orlando has everything you need. On Orange Avenue you get the bars and clubs with the live music. The city starts grabbing you at night giving you the energy to dance until the sun comes up.
Food Adventures: East End Market and Lake Nona Wave Hotel
Some foodies are thinking Orlando is becoming a destination for them. The East End Market at District Park Garden in Audubon Park gives you the best of the city with food from artisanal bakeries to organic veggies.
If you want to eat at Lake Nona Wave Hotel, you get an excellent menu with fine dining and hospitality that you are going to love. It reflects Central Florida’s produce, and every bite gives you a celebration of flavors.
The Best Things to Do in Orlando
Most travelers first think of Disney World when they think of Orlando, but the city has much more to offer. Each visitor to Orlando creates a unique experience. This could be the memory of laughter from a thrilling ride, the peacefulness of a sunset at the lake, or the experience of a local art museum. This guide lists more than twenty attractions in Orlando, but it barely scratches the surface of what the greater Orlando area has to offer.
Prepare yourself for a journey of discovery as you open yourself to the surprises that lay before you. Adventure is out there and so are the stories of Orlando.
This article was first published on Wealth of Geeks.
