Things To Do In Orlando, USA

Orlando, Florida: The Theme Park Capital of the World

Orlando, located in central Florida, is a popular tourist destination known for its numerous theme parks, water parks, and family-friendly attractions. With so much to see and do, Orlando is an ideal vacation spot for visitors of all ages.

Theme Parks

1. Walt Disney World

  • Magic Kingdom: The first and most iconic of the four Disney theme parks, featuring Cinderella’s Castle and classic attractions like Space Mountain and Splash Mountain.
  • Epcot: A celebration of innovation, culture, and technological advancements from around the world, with pavilions dedicated to different countries and futuristic exhibits.
  • Hollywood Studios: A behind-the-scenes look at movie magic, with attractions based on popular franchises like Star Wars and Toy Story.
  • Animal Kingdom: A wildlife-focused park with animal exhibits, live shows, and thrill rides like Expedition Everest.

2. Universal Orlando Resort

  • Universal Studios Florida: Go behind the scenes of your favorite movies and TV shows, with attractions like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the Revenge of the Mummy roller coaster.
  • Universal’s Islands of Adventure: A thrill-seeker’s paradise with rides like The Incredible Hulk Coaster and Jurassic Park River Adventure.
  • Volcano Bay: A tropical-themed water park with innovative attractions like the Krakatau Aqua Coaster.

3. SeaWorld Orlando

  • Get up close and personal with marine animals, including dolphins, penguins, and orcas.
  • Experience thrilling rides like Mako, Kraken, and Manta.

Water Parks

1. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach

  • Two tropical-themed water parks with lazy rivers, wave pools, and water slides.

2. Universal’s Volcano Bay (mentioned above)

Other Attractions

1. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

  • Learn about the history of space exploration and see real rockets and spacecraft.
  • Even experience a shuttle launch simulator!

2. Gatorland

  • A theme park and wildlife preserve with thousands of alligators and crocodiles.
  • Watch live gator shows, including feeding demonstrations and wrestling matches.

3. Orlando Science Center

  • Interactive exhibits on science and technology, including a planetarium and giant screen theater.

4. Shopping and Dining

  • The Mall at Millenia: An upscale shopping center with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co.
  • Disney Springs: A shopping and dining district with Disney-themed restaurants and stores.
  • International Drive: A lively street lined with restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops.

Tips and Essentials

1. Accommodation

  • Choose from a range of hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals to suit your budget and preferences.

2. Transportation

  • Rent a car or use public transportation like the I-RIDE Trolley to get around Orlando.
  • Consider purchasing a park-hopper ticket for easy access to multiple theme parks.

3. Weather

  • Orlando has a subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters.
  • Be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and light clothing.

4. Safety

  • Always follow park rules and guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Insider’s Tip

Consider visiting during the off-season (usually from mid-January to mid-March and from September to November) for smaller crowds and lower prices on accommodations and theme park tickets.