Orlando and the encompassing areas have heaps happening! It’s the type of metropolis in the USA that’s constructed for leisure, and also you’ll be spoilt for selection in your journey to the Sunshine State. Not solely that, however most of the greatest issues to do in Orlando are additionally appropriate for households. Which means that there’s something for everybody right here.
Over time, we’ve visited Orlando many instances 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’d like, you possibly can 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 about the very best seashores in Florida which are only a day journey (or perhaps a day journey) from Orlando itself. Truthfully, there’s 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 manner, you possibly can 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 effectively value visiting when you arrive. Now, for us, we love happening to the world round Lake Eola Park (Google Maps pin). The entire space is beautiful for a stroll, however it’s additionally obtained heaps happening, too.
You’ve additionally obtained the Walt Disney Amphitheater (Google Maps pin), which recurrently holds native performs and flicks all year long. Additionally, don’t neglect, you possibly can hire a swan boat to paddle round Lake Eola, too. It’s a lot enjoyable, and you’ll seize a ticket on the boat station itself. Every swan holds 5 folks, which implies you possibly can go together with the children!
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2.) Walt Disney World
Okay, so Walt Disney World wants little introduction. It’s the most effective issues to do in Orlando that, truthfully, isn’t only for kids. Huge youngsters can take pleasure in Disney’s parks, too!
Now, there are heaps of theme parks to select from. You’ve obtained the enduring Magic Kingdom, with the gorgeous Cinderella Fort. Additionally, you might have Animal Kingdom with all its safari animals and Avatar-themed areas. Then, you might have Epcot, which is stuffed with totally different lands to go to; with the likes of England, Morocco, France, and so many extra, you possibly can go to. Lastly, you might 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 scary as it’s enjoyable! We cherished it.
Now, let’s discuss tickets! Be certain that to go to Disney’s Web site to seize the very best offers and plan your journey. For us, we all the time advocate reserving as quickly as attainable 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 obtained caught out on after we visited.
After a day on the park, you possibly can ebook this fireworks helicopter journey to look at Disney’s fireworks celebrations from the sky. It’s such a singular option to see the present and completely good.
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3.) Common Parks
The opposite huge participant when it comes to theme parks in Florida is Common. They’ve three wonderful theme parks to go to, with the most recent being Epic Universe.
Now, similar to Disney, be certain that to ebook these superior Common tickets that safe your home to go to the parks. It’s so value reserving them upfront, because the parks can get tremendous busy, particularly with the newer Epic Universe being massively in style. 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 possibly can ebook this VIP Common ticket, the place you’ll get an additional particular expertise inside the parks themselves.
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4.) Orlando Water Parks
So, it will get fairly scorching in Orlando, and when you might have such wonderful sunshine, there are heaps of water parks the place you possibly can relax. Now, the massive gamers listed below are Disney and Common, who’ve among the greatest (and arguably the very best) water parks within the state.
For us, we cherished Storm Lagoon and Blizzard Seaside 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 the most effective issues to do in Orlando in order for you a barely extra stress-free day in your vacation.
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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. Regardless that it’s thought of a definite space, when it comes to 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 that 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 possibly can 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 depart stuffed.
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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 possibly can 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 all the time advocate going to Toothsome’s Chocolate Emporium. You’ll depart stuffed, their muffins are big, and so they 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 possibly can cease by locations just like the Onerous Rock Cafe, The CowFish for his or her sushi burgers or pop into Common’s official merch shops.
7.) Lake Louisa State Park
North east of Walt Disney World Resort is Lake Louisa State Park (Google Maps pin). It’s the most effective issues to do in Orlando when you fancy time away from the cityscape and need to benefit from the pure great thing about Central Florida.
When you’ve arrived in Lake Louisa State Park, be certain that to drive or stroll across the numerous loops that encompass the park. We completely love the world 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!
8.) Kissimmee
Kissimmee, though thought of a distinct metropolis from Orlando, continues to be inside the Larger Orlando space and feels similar to an extension of the town itself. Now, through the years, Kissimmee has change into one thing of a staple for plenty of lodges and lodgings for guests going to Disney or Common.
That being mentioned, Kissimmee additionally has lots going for it in its personal proper! In case you’re staying in Kissimmee, be certain that to cease by among the metropolis’s well-known foodie joints. For example, you need 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 value 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 wonderful margarita cocktails, and so they also have a dwell mariachi band that performs most evenings.
9.) ICON Park
ICON Park, in Orlando, is effectively value a gander when you’re not wanting to go to the area’s greater 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 possibly can journey 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 possibly can 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 profit from the nightlife and eating places.
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10.) Disney Springs
Identical 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 exterior, it makes for a very easy cease for a number of hours round lunch, and it’s all the time obtained heaps happening.
As soon as right here, be certain that to ebook these tickets to Cirque de Soleil’s unimaginable present, Drawn to Life. The present is likely one of the greatest dwell performances you possibly can see in all of Florida, and effectively value going in order for you a while away from the hustle and bustle of the parks themselves.
Additionally, don’t neglect to pop by among the eating places, some in style spots like Planet Hollywood, but in addition extra native spots like Paddlefish which have some fairly wonderful seafood. Their shrimp cocktail was so good.
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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 the most effective locations to go kayaking across the better Orlando space, and you’ll 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 non-public tour to discover the unimaginable shores of Wekiwa Springs itself. The entire space is gorgeous.
Although, like I mentioned, ebook these tickets earlier than arriving. Areas can refill at peak instances.
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12 Greatest Locations In Florida To Go to