Orlando and the encompassing areas have heaps occurring! It’s the form of metropolis in the US that’s constructed for leisure, and also you’ll be spoilt for alternative in your journey to the Sunshine State. Not solely that, however lots of the greatest issues to do in Orlando are additionally appropriate for households. Because of this there’s something for everybody right here.
Over time, we’ve visited Orlando many occasions and at all times had a blast. It’s at all times a busy journey of hopping between Florida’s greatest theme parks, shops and eating places, however there’s additionally a lot extra to Orlando than that. In order for you, you’ll be able to simply go to Orlando and discover among the state parks or small communities and sister cities that make this space a lot enjoyable.
Additionally, don’t overlook in regards to the greatest seashores in Florida which are only a day journey (or perhaps a day journey) from Orlando itself. Truthfully, there may be heaps to do within the space.
So, that can assist you plan your journey, I’m sharing our prime locations in Orlando that I do know you’ll love! This manner, 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 taking place to the world round Lake Eola Park (Google Maps pin). The entire space is beautiful for a stroll, however it’s additionally received heaps occurring, 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 may seize a ticket on the boat station itself. Every swan holds 5 individuals, which suggests you’ll be able to go along with the children!
Learn extra: Greatest seashores in Florida to go to
2.) Walt Disney World
Okay, so Walt Disney World wants little introduction. It’s among the best issues to do in Orlando that, actually, isn’t only for kids. Massive youngsters can take pleasure in Disney’s parks, too!
Now, there are heaps of theme parks to select from. You’ve received the enduring Magic Kingdom, with the gorgeous Cinderella Citadel. Additionally, you may have Animal Kingdom with all its safari animals and Avatar-themed areas. Then, you may have Epcot, which is full of totally 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 may 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! Ensure that to go to Disney’s Web site to seize one of the best offers and plan your journey. For us, we at all times advocate reserving as quickly as potential 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 after we visited.
After a day on the park, you’ll be able to e-book this fireworks helicopter trip to look at Disney’s fireworks celebrations from the sky. It’s such a singular approach to see the present and completely sensible.
Learn extra: Greatest theme parks in Florida to go to
3.) Common Parks
The opposite huge participant by way of theme parks in Florida is Common. They’ve three wonderful theme parks to go to, with the most recent being Epic Universe.
Now, identical to Disney, be sure that to e-book these superior Common tickets that safe your home 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 well-liked. 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 scorching in Orlando, and when you may have such superb sunshine, there are heaps of water parks the place you’ll be able to relax. Now, the large gamers listed below are Disney and Common, who’ve among the greatest (and arguably one of the 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 are completely enjoyable for the entire household.
Visiting the water parks is a lot enjoyable and among the best issues to do in Orlando in order for you a barely extra enjoyable day in your vacation.
Learn extra: Greatest locations to go to in Florida
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. Although 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, be sure 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 terms of a brisket breakfast. You’ll go away stuffed.
Learn extra: Greatest day journeys from Orlando
6.) Common CityWalk
Proper subsequent to Islands of Journey and Common Studios, Common CityWalk is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Orlando after you’ve visited the parks. Right here, you’ll discover heaps of eating places, cafes and shops promoting every part 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 at all times advocate going to Toothsome’s Chocolate Emporium. You’ll go away stuffed, their muffins are large, they usually conjure up among the greatest chocolate milkshakes I’ve ever tasted. Sure, it was like 7 million energy, however it was completely value it.
Afterwards, you’ll be able to cease by locations just like the Arduous Rock Cafe, The CowFish for his or her sushi burgers or pop into Common’s official merch shops.
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7.) Lake Louisa State Park
North east of Walt Disney World Resort is Lake Louisa State Park (Google Maps pin). It’s among the best issues to do in Orlando for those who fancy time away from the cityscape and need to benefit from the pure fantastic thing about Central Florida.
When you’ve arrived in Lake Louisa State Park, be sure 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!
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8.) Kissimmee
Kissimmee, though thought-about a special metropolis from Orlando, continues to be throughout the Larger Orlando space and feels identical to an extension of town itself. Now, over time, Kissimmee has change into one thing of a staple for many resorts 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! In the event you’re staying in Kissimmee, be sure that to cease by among 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 at all times freshly-baked and so tasty.
Additionally, if it’s Mexican meals you’re after, then head to El Tapatio. They make some wonderful margarita cocktails, they usually also have a stay mariachi band that performs most evenings.
Learn extra: Greatest day journeys from Orlando
9.) ICON Park
ICON Park, in Orlando, is properly value a gander for those who’re not wanting to move to the area’s larger theme parks. You see, ICON Park is extra of an leisure complicated and provides the same vibe to locations like Common’s CityWalk.
Right here, you’ll be able to trip 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 among the bars and eating places across the park space. You possibly can simply spend a night right here, particularly if you wish to benefit from 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 full of outlets, eating places, cafes and leisure multi functional easy-to-reach space. With parking outdoors, it makes for a very easy cease for just a few hours round lunch, and it’s at all times received heaps occurring.
As soon as right here, be sure that to e-book these tickets to Cirque de Soleil’s unbelievable present, Drawn to Life. The present is likely one of the greatest stay performances you’ll be able to see in all of Florida, and properly value going in order for you a while away from the hustle and bustle of the parks themselves.
Additionally, don’t overlook to pop by among the eating places, some well-liked spots like Planet Hollywood, but additionally extra native spots like Paddlefish which have some fairly wonderful seafood. Their shrimp cocktail was so good.
Learn extra: Greatest locations to go to in Florida
11.) Wekiwa Springs State Park
Need a while within the nice outdoor of Central Florida? Then get your self over to Wekiwa Springs State Park (Google Maps pin).
Now, in my view, it’s among the best locations to go kayaking across the larger Orlando space, and you may 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 personal tour to discover the unbelievable 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.
Learn extra: Greatest locations to go to in Florida
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