Orlando and the encircling areas have heaps occurring! 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 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 all the time had a blast. It’s all the time 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. If you need, 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 neglect in regards to the greatest seashores in Florida which might 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 will help 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 give attention to 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 nicely price visiting when you arrive. Now, for us, we love taking place to the realm 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 films all year long. Additionally, don’t neglect, you’ll be able to hire 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 implies you’ll be able to go along with the youngsters!
Learn extra: Finest seashores in Florida to go to
2.) Walt Disney World
Okay, so Walt Disney World wants little introduction. It’s probably the greatest issues to do in Orlando that, actually, isn’t only for youngsters. Large children can get pleasure from 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 Citadel. Additionally, you’ve got Animal Kingdom with all its safari animals and Avatar-themed areas. Then, you’ve got 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’ve got Disney’s Hollywood Studios – a theme park that focuses on the magic of movie. They’ve an entire Star Wars space, and the Tower of Terror is as horrifying as it’s enjoyable! We beloved it.
Now, let’s discuss tickets! Make sure that to go to Disney’s Web site to seize the most effective offers and plan your journey. For us, we all the time suggest 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 refill 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 observe Disney’s fireworks celebrations from the sky. It’s such a singular method to see the present and completely good.
Learn extra: Finest theme parks in Florida to go to
3.) Common Parks
The opposite large participant by way of theme parks in Florida is Common. They’ve three superb theme parks to go to, with the latest being Epic Universe.
Now, similar to Disney, be certain to e-book these superior Common tickets that safe your home to go to the parks. It’s so price reserving them upfront, because the parks can get tremendous busy, particularly with the newer Epic Universe being vastly standard. 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.
Learn extra: Finest theme parks in Florida to go to
4.) Orlando Water Parks
So, it will get fairly sizzling in Orlando, and when you’ve got such wonderful sunshine, there are heaps of water parks the place you’ll be able to relax. Now, the massive gamers listed here are Disney and Common, who’ve among the largest (and arguably the most effective) water parks within the state.
For us, we beloved Storm Lagoon and Blizzard Seaside at Disney. Although Common’s Volcano Bay is a should, too! You’ll be able to simply spend a day in every of them, and there are heaps of slides and wave swimming pools which might be completely enjoyable for the entire household.
Visiting the water parks is a lot enjoyable and probably the greatest issues to do in Orlando if you would like a barely extra enjoyable day in your vacation.
Learn extra: Finest 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 certain to spend a while strolling Plant Avenue. Right here, you’ll discover heaps of little eating places, cafes and the Winter Backyard Heritage Basis. Additionally, don’t neglect 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 relating to a brisket breakfast. You’ll go away stuffed.
Learn extra: Finest 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 thing and something you’ll be able to think about.
Not solely that, there are heaps of bars, karaoke spots, and a lot extra to get pleasure from 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, they usually conjure up among the greatest chocolate milkshakes I’ve ever tasted. Sure, it was like 7 million energy, however it was completely price it.
Afterwards, you’ll be able to cease by locations just like the Laborious 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 probably the greatest issues to do in Orlando when you fancy time away from the cityscape and wish to benefit from the pure great thing about Central Florida.
When you’ve arrived in Lake Louisa State Park, be certain to drive or stroll across the varied loops that encompass the park. We completely love the realm round Dixie Lake and Bear Lake (which is equally as stunning).
You may even spot some little tortoises on the banks of the lakes. So cute!
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8.) Kissimmee
Kissimmee, though thought-about a distinct metropolis from Orlando, remains to be throughout the Better Orlando space and feels similar to an extension of town itself. Now, over time, Kissimmee has develop into one thing of a staple for many 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! If you happen to’re staying in Kissimmee, be certain to cease by among the metropolis’s well-known foodie joints. As an illustration, it’s important to cease by Pastelitos Chips (Google Maps pin) on Smith Avenue for his or her iconic chips. They solely do takeouts right here, however they’re so price 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, they usually actually have a stay mariachi band that performs most evenings.
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9.) ICON Park
ICON Park, in Orlando, is nicely price a gander when you’re not wanting to move to the area’s larger theme parks. You see, ICON Park is extra of an leisure complicated and offers 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’ll be able to 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 stuffed with outlets, eating places, cafes and leisure multi functional easy-to-reach space. With parking outdoors, it makes for a very easy cease for a number of hours round lunch, and it’s all the time received heaps occurring.
As soon as right here, be certain to e-book these tickets to Cirque de Soleil’s unimaginable 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 nicely price going if you would like a while away from the hustle and bustle of the parks themselves.
Additionally, don’t neglect to pop by among the eating places, some standard 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 outside of Central Florida? Then get your self over to Wekiwa Springs State Park (Google Maps pin).
Now, for my part, it’s probably the greatest locations to go kayaking across the higher 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 unimaginable shores of Wekiwa Springs itself. The entire space is gorgeous.
Although, like I mentioned, e-book these tickets earlier than arriving. Areas can refill at peak occasions.
Learn extra: Finest locations to go to in Florida








