Orlando is home to one of the world’s most visited tourist destinations. The city has more than a dozen theme parks and other attractions. Some of these include: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and the Walt Disney World Resort. It also offers plenty of free things to do.
Orlando is a great destination for sports rivalries, wildlife encounters, and outdoor activities. Whether you are a family looking for a day of fun, a romantic getaway, or an adult who wants to take a break from the hustle and bustle, Orlando has something for everyone.
For a family trip, head to the Walt Disney World Resort. This is a dream-like world of beautiful beaches, rides, and magic. You can also catch some of your favorite Disney movies in theaters.
If you’re looking for an alternative Orlando attraction, try SeaWorld. This theme park features a dolphin show and aquatic life. Also, guests can experience the Manta roller coaster. Other popular attractions at this park include the Dolphin Theatre, the Sea of Legends, and the touch pools.
If you’re interested in learning more about the environment, check out the Orlando Botanical Gardens. They feature hundreds of native Florida plants. Moreover, they’re divided into different sections.
If you’re into art, visit the Orlando Museum of Art. The museum presents 10-12 exhibitions per year. There are also several galleries for art lovers.
While you’re in Orlando, be sure to check out Gatorland. This is a fun educational experience for the whole family. In addition, the Gator Jumparoo Show is a great way to experience the animals.
Universal Orlando’s CityWalk
Universal Orlando’s CityWalk is a multifaceted entertainment complex. It is located between Universal’s main theme parks and is also a great place for dining and shopping. The complex is divided into three parts.
One section is the ground level, which contains the CityWalk stage, the movie theater, and several restaurants. There is also a second level, which is the main nightclub area.
The third section of the complex is on the other side of the lagoon. This includes the Imagination Zone, a theme park that features rides, live shows, and exhibits. You can choose from a variety of attractions, such as the Flying School, which is themed after the Lego dragon.
Another section of the CityWalk is the Ultra Lounge, which features a tiki chic design and a beautiful outdoor patio. It has a VIP table service option and an unrivaled view of the lights of the Universal CityWalk.
A few of the other restaurants are Cowfish, which is located in the food court. In addition to offering fresh sushi and custom-designed burgers, the restaurant has a variety of non-alcoholic specialty items.
If you have young children, you can take them to the Orlando Science Center, which has interactive exhibits, flight simulators, earthquake simulators, and natural wonders. They can also ride the tallest Ferris wheel on the East Coast.
While you’re in Orlando, don’t forget to check out the world-famous wax museum, Madame Tussauds. It is a great place to see famous celebrities.
Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is a magical place to visit. There are endless activities and attractions for families to enjoy.
In addition to the theme parks, the resort also has two waterparks. The resort also offers an incredibly healthy travel experience. You can get around in style using the monorail. This is an extremely unique experience and is free for hotel guests.
Disney is also known for hosting private parties. The company is also one of the largest employers in the United States. It employs nearly 70,000 people.
If you’re looking to visit the Walt Disney World Resort, you’ll want to plan a trip that’s at least four days long. That’s a good amount of time to explore the many activities and attractions. However, it’s important to remember that the park is large, so you won’t have time to do everything.
The cheapest hotels at Disney start at about $250 a night. These are in the value, moderate, and deluxe categories.
Another way to get to the Walt Disney World Resort is to take the bus. These buses stop at several destinations, including some hotels outside the resort area. A bus may take a little longer, though, so consider this when making your final plans.
If you’re looking for something a little more special, check out the resort’s shopping district, Disney Springs. Previously called Downtown Disney, this entertainment complex has plenty to offer the whole family.
The 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage will open in the Magic Kingdom on October 14. Other attractions include the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue and the Spirit of Aloha at Polynesian.
Universal’s Volcano Bay
Universal’s Volcano Bay is a unique water park that boasts a rich theming. This immersive and exciting attraction was built to resemble the Polynesian Islands.
Guests of Volcano Bay will be able to enjoy a variety of water slides, including body and Punga Racers. You can also experience flying and underwater attractions like the Honu of the Honu ika Moana slide.
In addition to Volcano Bay’s exciting attractions, guests can enjoy a beautiful water park with landscaping. There are several relaxing pools for cooling off. A towel rental service is also available.
Volcano Bay is a good option for locals or visitors to the Orlando area. It is located close to hotels, CityWalk, and the Universal Studios. If you’re planning to stay at one of these locations, you’ll be able to easily access Volcano Bay via free bus transportation.
For those looking for more thrills, there are raft rides for several riders. Those with children should consider the Tot Tiki Reef splash zone. The area includes a miniature volcano, interactive whales, and slides.
Guests at Volcano Bay can rent lockers to keep their personal items dry. They can also use their TapuTapu wearable technology to purchase merchandise and pay for food and beverages. These wristbands are waterproof and are a convenient way to bypass lines.
The park opens at 9 a.m. during the summer. However, there are extended hours on select days. To avoid disappointment, make sure to plan ahead.
SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando is a world-renowned theme park in Central Florida. It’s a must-see if you want to get a dose of adrenaline in a fun and safe environment. From heart-pounding rides to up-close animal discoveries, there’s a lot to see and do.
The sky tower at SeaWorld is 400 feet high and offers breathtaking views of Orlando. You can also visit the aquarium at SEA LIFE, which features interactive exhibits. If you’re lucky enough to visit at the right time, you can even see dolphins and a whale close up.
SeaWorld’s most exciting ride, however, isn’t its biggest attraction. You can’t get in on the action until you’ve gotten your ticket.
Similarly, the turtle trek isn’t the most exciting ride at SeaWorld. But it does come with an impressive 3D theater presentation.
On the other hand, the Kraken is the only floorless roller coaster in Orlando. This unique ride simulates flying under water like a manta ray.
In the past, SeaWorld has partnered with a non-profit group called Washed Ashore, which makes sea life themed art out of waste.
While this isn’t a new concept, it’s still a novelty. For those with an appetite for animal rescue, SeaWorld Orlando offers tours to learn more about the efforts of its animal rehabilitators.
Besides being an awesome place to visit, SeaWorld is also a good choice if you’re looking for a fun family vacation. For kids, there are a number of great rides, and for adults, the aquarium is a must.
Gatorland
Gatorland is a 110-acre wildlife oasis. With thousands of alligators, bobcats, crocodiles, flamingos and other exotic creatures, it’s easy to see why Gatorland is a popular Orlando attraction.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of thrilling and educational experiences. You can take a train ride or a zipline, go on a nature walk, or take part in a petting zoo.
For those looking for a more hands-on experience, there is the Trainer-For-A-Day Tour. This two-hour tour allows guests to meet and interact with several stars of the Up-Close Encounters Show.
Another great experience is the Gator Night Shine. In the evening, the park lights up with flashing lights in the water, as well as a community of 20 bird species.
Gatorland is also home to several reptilian shows. Watch as handlers enter pens containing giant prehistoric beasts. Or watch as gators leap out of water for suspended chicken meat.
If you are lucky, you can get up close and personal with a live alligator. These encounters are not only cornpone fun, but they are also an exciting way to see animals up close and personal.
Gatorland is open year-round from 10 AM to 6 PM. The park is located on Highway 441 in South Orlando. It is just a short drive from Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, and the Orlando International Airport.
Although there is a price for admission, you can save money on Gatorland tickets by purchasing them online. There are discounts on adult, child, and senior citizen tickets.
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Universal’s Islands of Adventure is a world-class theme park located inside the Universal Orlando Resort. It is divided into eight themed areas based on literature and popular characters. In addition to these themes, Islands of Adventure has many cutting-edge rides and interactive attractions.
The first island of the park is the Port of Entry, a great place to start your day. There are some great shops, fun shows and food options. Also, the Port of Entry has wheelchair rentals and a wheelchair-friendly bathroom.
Another island is Seuss Landing, which has plenty of kid-friendly rides. This is where you’ll find the High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride, which has a new design.
You can also visit Islands of Adventure’s Lost Continent, a land filled with dinosaurs and dinosaur-themed rides. As well, there’s a Toon Lagoon, which has a handful of cartoon-themed attractions.
Marvel Super Hero Island is another island of Islands of Adventure. This area features buildings decorated in comic-book style, and the walls are decorated with special paint and exaggerated lines. A 3D dark ride based on Spider-Man is also featured.
For thrill-seeking visitors, Islands of Adventure offers several of the best rides in the world. Some of the rides feature live actors. Guests will also experience a Horror Make-up Show, which explains how the special effects for the attractions are created.
The Islands of Adventures Express Pass is a great way to save money, as you skip the queue lines for the most popular rides. However, the Express Pass is not included in the price of admission, so you’ll need to purchase a ticket separately.
Universal Parks & Resorts
Universal Parks & Resorts is an entertainment company that operates theme parks, resorts, and hotels around the world. The company’s flagship property, Universal Orlando Resort, is located in Orlando, Florida. In addition to the theme park, Universal also offers a nightclub, shopping center, and a water park. There are also three locations in Asia.
Universal Orlando offers a range of vacation packages. Guests may choose to stay at one of the resort’s eight on-site hotels. Some hotel rooms offer perks such as free shuttles to the theme park. These perks can be a great way to save money on your next trip to Orlando.
Guests at the resort can take advantage of the water park’s Ko’okiri Body Plunge, which is the tallest body slide in the country. It is also home to the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, which offers a thrilling ride along a course that is designed to simulate the ocean.
Those looking for a more laid back approach can visit Volcano Bay, a water theme park themed around a 200-foot artificial volcano. This waterpark features three drop capsule slides and the Krakatau Aqua Coaster.
Other parks at Universal include the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the Jurassic Park River Adventure. These attractions are some of the best in Orlando.
However, the newest and largest of the three theme parks, Epic Universe, is expected to open in the near future. Until then, guests can enjoy the other parks and resort.
Orlando Botanical Gardens
The Orlando Botanical Gardens are a wonderful place to visit. They feature a wide variety of plants and trees, as well as the world’s largest orchid display. There is a suspended boardwalk leading around the pond, and a number of other fun activities for visitors.
Located in the heart of Orlando, this botanical garden boasts nearly 50 acres of landscaping. Among the highlights of the garden are a butterfly garden, a rose garden, and a flower garden. This is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon.
The gardens also host a number of special events. Visitors can take in a demonstration of the latest plant technology, or tour the Leu House Museum. For a fee, visitors can enjoy the open-air pet facility.
Other interesting sights include the aptly named Singing Tower. A carillon chimes soothing music daily at 3 p.m., and 60 bells adorn the tower.
Lastly, there’s the Semi-tropical Gardens. These are 50 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, with a variety of floral displays.
Another noteworthy garden is the Leu Gardens. This historic collection of gardens is a favorite with both locals and tourists. Originally a private property, the Leu family re-located their home and gardens to the city of Orlando. Today, the gardens offer a glimpse of what life was like in Florida in the late 19th century.
It is no secret that Orlando is a popular travel destination. In addition to being the center of the universe for Orlando attractions, the city has a wealth of cultural and recreational options for visitors of all ages.
