Orlando – All You Need to Know About Travel and Fun Activities
Greater Orlando is one of the most popular vacation and travel spots in all of America. The city developed at a rapid pace only after the middle of the 20th century, partly due to the opening of the Air Force base at Cape Canaveral for space launches and mainly due to the opening of Disney World's theme park. Today, Orlando boasts a huge array of themed amusement parks, including Universal Studios, Legoland, SeaWorld, and more. Orlando itself has a host of interesting museums, and to its south, towards Kissimmee, there are many wonderful nature sites showcasing all the best of Floridian nature, including the classic Gatorland, the perfect place to see alligators.
How to Plan a Trip Route in Orlando and Disney World?
The centerpiece of a trip to Orlando is, of course, the gigantic Disney World resort with its four themed parks:
Additionally, don't miss the two Universal theme parks:
A visit to Magic Kingdom and Epcot is a must!! Even if you're without kids (you've still got to hit Magic Kingdom) or traveling as a family (Epcot is still super fun for kids).
Spending your evening hours in Downtown Disney, now called Disney Springs, and Disney Boardwalk is highly recommended.
Click here to plan your trip itinerary in Orlando and the Disney parks with professional advice…
If you have extra days, it's highly recommended to also visit the resort's water parks. These are massive facilities with tons of attractions, reminiscent of the theme parks but with swimsuits.
- It's a good idea to combine your visit to Disney World with other attractions in Orlando, primarily the Universal Resort
- A visit to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure is highly recommended and significantly preferable to the less important Disney World theme parks (Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios).
- Near Disney World, you'll find a range of competing theme parks such as the popular SeaWorld Orlando and the LEGOLAND resort in Winter Haven to the west. Gatorland, the alligator-themed park, is one of the unique attractions in the area.
- In downtown and the northern part of the city, there are several good museums like the Loch Haven Park museums and Winter Park museums.
- South of Orlando, there is an impressive line-up of nature reserves like Lake Tohopekaliga (Lake Toho) south of Kissimmee, Kissimmee State Park, and the unique Bok Tower Gardens.
Click here for all information on car rentals in Florida + helpful tips and significant discounts…
Map of Greater Orlando and Amusement Parks
Walt Disney World
There aren't many places in America that match Disney World when it comes to the perfect travel and vacation experience for both kids and adults. In the resort's four themed parks, Walt Disney created a perfect vacation experience that lets the whole family dive into a world of fantasy.
This is the perfect place to spend time with the kids in the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, among the world's largest and most famous theme parks. Around them, countless water parks, hotel resorts where you can have breakfast with Mickey Mouse and Pluto, entertainment venues, and restaurants that are part of the experience, all add up to a ton of fun and enjoyment in the perfect American experience.
Click here for all the information about visiting the enormous Disney World Resort in Florida…
For a combo ticket to three parks at Disney World, including 24/7 travel agency support, click here…
How much time should you spend at Disney World?
It's recommended to dedicate at least four full days to Disney World. Each day should be spent at a different theme park (EPCOT and the Magic Kingdom are must-sees), and in the evenings, enjoy Downtown Disney or Disney's Boardwalk. You might also want to add another day or two for the water parks, which are like the big parks but with a splash.
To check availability and prices at hotels near Disney World Orlando, click here…
What are the must-see and do experiences at Disney World?
- The giant geodesic dome at EPCOT (and all the country pavilions and fireworks!)
- The stunning Cinderella's Castle at the Magic Kingdom (and all the park's amazing rides)
- See Africa's biggest animals at Animal Kingdom safari (and visit the Tree of Life and Everest mountain)
- Star Wars adventures at Disney's Hollywood Studios (and have fun with Buzz Lightyear at the park's great attractions)
- The massive sandy pool at Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
- Tubing down the slopes at Blizzard Beach Water Park
- Evenings with Mickey and Minnie in Downtown Disney (Disney Springs)
- The huge Disney memorabilia shops on the BoardWalk
- Baseball at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
- Traveling on Disney’s internal transportation system – by monorail, ferry, or Skyliner gondolas
Click here for all the info about visiting Magic Kingdom…
Click here for the complete guide to visiting Epcot…
Click here for all the info on visiting Animal Kingdom…
Click here for what you need to know about visiting Hollywood Studios…
What is Disney World Amusement Park?
Walt Disney World Resort, or Disney World, is probably the central attraction in all of Florida and one of the most popular vacation spots in the United States.
- The gigantic complex of theme parks, resorts, water parks, and more under the umbrella of Walt Disney's fantasy world is the largest tourism project in the world, attracting an unbelievable amount of visitors all year round
- It is the largest amusement park in the world both in terms of its area and the annual number of visitors
- The massive resort opened in 1971 on land southwest of Orlando, and west of the city Kissimmee. Technically, the enormous resort is located in Lake Buena Vista.
- The park was built on the site of Epcot, Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, a utopian concept from the sixties devised by Disney.
- Near Epcot, Disney opened the Disney World complex in 1971, bringing to Florida what had already been operating in Anaheim near Los Angeles since 1955 (Disneyland).
- Eventually, Disney withdrew from the original idea of the community after Disney’s own death, and in 1982 the community was converted into Epcot Park.
The Magic Kingdom
The Magic Kingdom, or what we know as Disney's amusement park brand. The park is packed with families and visitors all year round, who come to experience the perfect fantasy crafted by Walt Disney. The park is based on the original at Disneyland, but the park at Disney World is larger and more developed than the one in Anaheim, California.
This is the perfect place for a trip with kids, where you can meet all the beloved Disney characters and ride all the iconic amusement rides. The heart of the Magic Kingdom is Cinderella's castle, one of Disney's most famous landmarks.
Epcot Center
The Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World is the second most popular theme park in the Disney park complex in Florida. While the Magic Kingdom is aimed at younger children, Epcot Center targets an older audience, from teenagers to adults (there's even local alcohol in each of the country's pavilions).
This is a park full of activities and attractions that (in Disney's unique way) reveal the great world surrounding America and the world we live in.
Click here for the complete guide to visiting the Epcot theme park…
Animal Kingdom
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park is the place for kids to meet the animal kingdom under Disney's almost fantastical filters. In the lush, jungle-filled space, there are a wealth of attractions tied to the tropical animal world, both African and Asian, in addition to loads of wonderful rides.
At the park, you can go on a safari to see large African animals, pet farm animals at a petting corner, or walk among the great apes and wild animals of southeast Asia. Besides the animals, you can also journey into the forests of Pandora, the fantastic world of the movie Avatar.
Click here for The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Disney World's Animal Kingdom…
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney's Hollywood Studios is the third theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort. In the theme park, you can enjoy all the fun and creativity of movies produced by Disney and its subsidiary Pixar.
The park is packed with attractions related to Disney characters, including historic ones like Mickey Mouse and contemporary ones such as characters from Toy Story. The main franchise featured in the park is, of course, the thrilling hit Star Wars. The iconic film series by George Lucas boasts numerous popular rides in the park.
Click here for the complete guide to visiting Disney World's Hollywood Studios theme park…
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort is a massive entertainment complex just north of Disney World Resort. It's the second most popular vacation destination in Florida. The resort features two famous theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
The parks boast exciting rides and tons of memorabilia linked to the giant production company. The resort also offers accommodations, a large and popular themed water park, and a small downtown area for evening entertainment.
Click here for all the information about Universal Orlando Resort…
What is Universal Orlando Resort?
- Universal Studios Theme Park in Orlando, Florida, opened in 1990 following the tourism boom of Disney World
- This park has always been the biggest competitor to Disney World, with the two parks of the past – Magic Kingdom and Epcot Park.
- With Disney World's expansion, Universal also decided to develop the theme park into a large resort that includes evening entertainment, a water park, and hotels. Additionally, the resort's second theme park – the wonderful Islands of Adventure – was opened.
- The park is located slightly north of Disney World towards the center of Orlando.
- This is the second most popular entertainment spot in Orlando and all of Florida (after Disney World, of course).
Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios Florida is a large theme park a bit west of Orlando, Florida. It is the older of the two theme parks at the Universal Orlando Resort, the main competitor to Disney World in the city.
The park is brimming with attractions and amusements related to Universal movies, including fast rides, 3D and 4D films, and a plethora of experiences for kids and the whole family. There are plenty of places to eat and hang out, meet famous movie characters, engage in activities, and play areas.
Click here for all the information about visiting the Universal Studios Florida theme park…
Tickets for the Universal Orlando Resort theme parks
Click here to purchase two-day tickets for both theme parks…
Click here for a combo day ticket for both parks with same-day park-to-park access…
Click here to purchase the Universal Explorer Ticket (both theme parks + Volcano Bay water park)…
Universal's Islands of Adventure
The Universal Islands of Adventure is a themed amusement park offering rides for all ages, combining popular franchises of Universal and other companies. The park is divided into eight sections catering to both children and teenagers.
The park includes beloved franchises like Harry Potter, Marvel superheroes, Dr. Seuss' fantasy world, Jurassic Park, and more. It offers extreme rides alongside attractions suitable for young children, play areas, shows, restaurants, and memorabilia shops.
Click here for all the information on visiting the Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park…
SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando Resort is a large marine zoological park that, given its strategic location between Disney World and Universal Resort, has also become a themed amusement park. The park is operated by SeaWorld Entertainment and includes Discovery Cove and the Aquatica water park. SeaWorld and its associated parks are located adjacent to I-4 to the east, just a ten-minute drive from both Universal to the north and Disney World to the west.
The park's large parking lot is located west of the park itself, right off the eastbound exit from I-4. The park is built north of two small lakes and features displays of amphibian and marine animals in pools, an aquarium, and of course, rides that range from relaxing for the whole family to extreme.
Address: Sea World Dr. 7007, Orlando
Click here to purchase the SeaWorld Orlando Multi-Pass tickets (all parks with one ticket)
Click here to purchase online entry tickets (Fast Track) to SeaWorld Orlando…
Click here for the latest park hours…
Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove is located south of SeaWorld and acts as a separate extension of the larger park to the north. In essence, the parks are similar in their offerings, combining amusement rides with marine zoology. However, at Discovery Cove, the interaction with fish and sea creatures is much more intimate.
The main attraction of the park is the Dolphin Lagoon, where you can swim with these friendly marine mammals. This feature makes the park one of Florida's most popular, especially for the American audience who have experienced the two nearby entertainment empires.
Click here for the latest park hours…
Click here to purchase online tickets (Fast Track) for SeaWorld Orlando and Discovery Cove…
Aquatica Water Park
Aquatica Water Park is located at the northern end of SeaWorld. Although it's not large, it's considered one of the most attractive and best parks in all of Orlando. Aquatica, together with Discovery Cove, is the go-to wet activity in Orlando, more so than the water parks of Disney World and Universal.
The park offers water slides of all levels and speeds, a wave pool, a splash playground for little kids, lazy rivers, with both rapid and relaxing routes, and more.
Click here to purchase the Fast Track ticket for Aquatica…
Click here for the current operating hours of the water park…
Gatorland
Gatorland is another popular amusement park in the wild tourist area between Orlando and Kissimmee. The main theme of the park, as its name suggests, is of course the national symbol of Florida, besides the oranges and the sun, the king of the swamps – the alligator. The park has thousands of reptiles, mostly alligators, but there are also caimans and crocodiles.
This is the place to meet the calm yet deadly alligators of the Everglades, in a customized environment with lots of attractions and fun all around. The park is one of the oldest in Florida, opened in 1949 around a large artificial lake. It is located just north of Kissimmee, adjacent to the east of Interstate 441 that connects the city with Orlando.
The park features several main attractions, including the Observation Tower, which overlooks the lake home to thousands of alligators. The path to the tower is along a boardwalk that stretches directly over the lake's waters and above the alligators.
Around the lake, there's also a track for the Gatorland Express Train. The park also features a large play area for kids, an alligator feeding station, and a few other attractions.
Address: 14501 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando
Click here to purchase a skip-the-line entry ticket to Gatorland Orlando…
Click here for the current opening hours of Gatorland…
Lake Tohopekaliga
Lake Toho, a large lake located south of Kissimmee, spans 92 square kilometers and mostly comprises wetlands and deeper water areas suitable for boat navigation. It's a great spot for boating and observing the unique Florida wildlife, including an abundance of large water birds and, naturally, alligators in their natural habitat.
The large island in the lake is Makinson, where the Makinson Island Conservation Area is located. This island is the main destination for cruises departing from Kissimmee, where you can also disembark and hike trails through forests above swamp areas. The island offers additional outdoor activities such as canoeing, horseback riding, and more.
Lake Kissimmee State Park
The large Lake Kissimmee conservation area is situated in an elevated marshy region between a series of small lakes. It is surrounded by water and wetlands on all sides. To the west is Lake Rosalie, to the south is Lake Tiger, to the north is Lake Hatchineha, and to the east is the large Lake Kissimmee.
In the area trapped between the lakes and wetlands, there is a simply stunning abundance of wildlife, oak forests, and reed beds. You can spot birds of prey like eagles and hawks, large deer, sleepy marsh turtles, and, of course, alligators.
Bok Tower Gardens
On the highest hill in Florida south of the Florida Panhandle handle, at an unbelievable height of 90 meters above sea level (no joke, this is indeed the topographic peak of the flat state known as the Florida Peninsula), lies Iron Mountain.
Spread around the hills are the stunning gardens of Bok Tower, the initiative of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edward Bok. The gardens were opened in the 1920s as a place of tranquility and a bird sanctuary. At the heart of the sanctuary stands the iconic bell tower and observatory overlooking the gardens.
Address: Tower Blvd. 1151, Lake Wales
LEGOLAND
The large and unique resort of LEGOLAND is located south of the cluster of amusement parks between Orlando and Kissimmee, in the growing town of Winter Haven. The location of the Danish toy brand's resort is on the route between the Tampa-St. Petersburg metropolis and Orlando, providing easy access from the west coast of Florida, without having to reach Orlando at all.
Legoland opened in 2011 and includes a large themed park featuring the Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida, dedicated to young children, along with a variety of standard amusement rides surrounded by a LEGO-themed setting.
The resort also boasts a large water park filled with attractions like high-speed slides, slalom slides, tube rides, and more. Among the amusement facilities, you'll find restaurants, entertainment venues, and of course, large and especially attractive resort hotels for family stays.
Address: Legoland Way 1, Winter Haven
Click here for the latest park opening hours…
Everything to See and Do in Downtown Orlando
The Orange County Regional History Center
The Orlando Downtown Historical Museum is located in the northern part of Heritage Square Park in the heart of Orlando's tiny downtown, in the Central Business District. Downtown Orlando is almost irrelevant compared to the tourist empires to its south, but it's worth a visit to the museum just to learn about the early history of the area and the city's development in the late 19th century.
The museum's collection is spread over five floors in the historic Old Orange County Courthouse building, which was built in 1927.
Address: 85 E Central Blvd., Orlando
Click here for the current opening hours of the museum center…
The Museums of Loch Haven Park and Orlando Science Center
The magnificent Orlando Science Museum opened in 1955 north of the city's downtown. It marked the start of the impressive museum area in the northern part of the city, within the Loch Haven Park complex. The museum boasts a large collection of scientific items, numerous activities for kids and adults, and a wealth of fascinating exhibits revealing everything about current technology. The museum also features a charming observatory.
Adjacent is the Mennello Museum of American Art, showcasing a collection of paintings by local folk artist Earl Cunningham. The museum is housed in the Howard Phillips house in the southern part of Loch Haven Park. Nearby is the Orlando Museum of Art, offering displays of local artists and rotating exhibitions of modern art.
Address: 777 E Princeton St, Orlando
Leu House Museum and Gardens
Just a bit east of Loch Haven Park, you'll find another great museum site as part of the luxurious North Orlando complex. The Harry P. Leu Gardens and Museum opened in 1955 around a large country mansion built in 1858.
The gardens boast well-cataloged and beautifully designed tropical vegetation, and the house museum showcases the rural southern lifestyle in central and northern Florida during the late 19th century.
Address: N Forest Ave. 1920, Orlando
Click here for the latest operating hours of the gardens and museum…
Winter Park
Rollins Museum of Art
The art museum features the Rollins College collection, gathered for educational purposes in the early 20th century. The museum opened in 1978 in a large building on the shores of Lake Virginia in Winter Park, in North Orlando.
The museum's collection includes thousands of art pieces from all periods. A large portion is American artists such as Childe Hassam, Winslow Homer, Andy Warhol, etc. The collection also features some interesting pieces by important Venetian artists from the Mannerist and Baroque periods, including Girolamo Bassano and Tintoretto. The modern collection includes sculptures by Henry Moore and works by Jacques Lipchitz and Francis Bacon.
Address: Holt Ave. 1000, Winter Park
Click here for the current museum opening hours…
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
The museum of American art is located in downtown Winter Park. It houses a large collection of American art and design, including an extensive collection of works and designs by Louis Comfort Tiffany, the chief designer of Tiffany & Co., founded by the artist’s father.
The museum's collection features numerous Art Nouveau and Art Deco designs and creations, as well as drawings and prints by great artists such as Paul Cézanne, Edward Hopper, Mary Cassatt, and Grant Wood.
Address: N Park Ave. 445, Winter Park
