Orlando is a city in central Florida, USA. Known for its famous themed parks like Disney World, amusement parks, golf courses, resorts, lakes, nightlife, foods, and shopping malls, the city attracts around 70 million tourists annually. Orlando is one of the most visited travel destinations in the United States. Offering ample entertainment facilities and scenic locations, the city is worth visiting. Despite being so popular due to its parks and amusement facilities, it has much more to offer the people who travel there. Today, we would like to share some of the must-visit places in Orlando to make your journey memorable. Orlando never disappoints!
Let’s explore 5 of the must-visit travel destinations:
1. Walt Disney World Resort
Your Orlando trip will not be considered successful if you do not visit the famous Walt Disney World Resort. The enormous place, which covers over 25000 acres, is also known as Disney Park. The entertainment resort has many recreational amenities created to attract visitors worldwide. The park has four theme parks, two water parks, four golf courses, conference centers, a sports complex, shopping, restaurants, and entertainment buildings. The central theme parks are Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.
Magic Kingdom: This is one of the most attractive places in the Disney resort. The place is popular for Cinderella’s Castle and classic Disney attractions like Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. It is also a place for Haunted Mansion, It’s a Small World, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. You will also be able to experience fireworks shows and seasonal events that will amaze you.
Epcot: also known as the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, is a futuristic park celebrating innovation and creativity. Its features focus on education, entertainment, and innovation. Attractions like the Spaceship Earth ride in Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Test Track, and World Showcase offer different experiences with native foods and cultural events.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: will sink you into a glorious world of movies and cinemas. You will be able to experience the art of storytelling, bringing Hollywood’s iconic films and characters to life through thrilling attractions and live entertainment. Attractions like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock’ n’ Roller Coaster, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Beauty and the Beast, and Fansmatic—all of the shows will be there to take you away from the real world for a moment.
Animal Kingdom: Explore Pandora, enjoy wildlife rides, visit The World of Avatar, visit Discovery Island, and visit Rafiki’s Planet Watch. The place is gem-packed with thrilling rides, musical shows, and over 300 hand-carved animal sculptures that promote gratitude to the natural world.
2. Universal Orlando Resort.
Universal Orlando Resort, or Universal Orlando, is a park and entertainment resort in Orlando, USA. It brings movies to life through the magic of storytelling and energetic rides, making it one of the best tour spots for cinema lovers. The resort mainly offers three theme parks.
Universal Studios Florida: a working studio where people can ride through a movie! With blockbuster rides, entertainment, and interactive experiences, the place has become one of the most popular places in the resort. The park is also popular for its seasonal events like Halloween Horror Nights.
Islands of Adventure: is one of the most action-themed parks in the world. Based on popular movies, comics, and books, the park designed some islands that will provide unique experiences to guests. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Hogsmeade, Hogwarts Castle, Jurassic Park, Hulk Coaster, Adventures of Spider-Man, and Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges offer thrill rides and unforgettable adventures.
Volcano Bay: is a water park with exciting rides to satisfy your journey. Krakatau volcano is one of the center spots, which provides waterfalls and fiery lava at night. Attractions like Krakatau Aqua Coaster, Ko’okiri Body Plunge, Waturi Beach, and TeAwa The Fearless River are major activities you must experience.
3. ICON Park
Located on International Drive, home to a 400-foot majestic observation wheel that will give you a stunning view of the area. Apart from the wheel, it also has places like:
Orlando StarFlyer: is the world’s tallest swing ride and provides an exciting experience. The ride is about 450 feet long. With around a $20 ticket, you can have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Museum of Illusions—an interactive museum with arts and optical illusions that will take you to another life. The art and images—all of them are created to play with your visuals. With more than 50 amazing exhibits, you will experience the game of mental perception and deception that will surely make a fool out of you. You can also visit bars and restaurants, which will be perfect for enjoying your time there.
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum: is a place where your dream of meeting mega-celebrities can be fulfilled! You will be happy with more than 200 life-like celebrities, models of A-list actors, political figures, and famous movie characters. Take as many photos as you want. With around $35 per person, you can visit the wax museum for a few hours.
4. Kennedy Space Center
Every minute you spend at the Kennedy Space Center will make you proud if you are a Native American and increase your level of knowledge and curiosity if you are not a Native American. The Kennedy Space Center has played a special role in shaping NASA’s mission on the moon. The place is informative, with multiple scientific exhibitions, such as spacecraft, space shuttles, etc. Specific exhibits require a visit. Such as:
Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit: where you can see replicas of space suits, a space shuttle orbiter vehicle belonging to NASA, rocket boosters, and many more.
Astronaut Encounter: will probably be one of the best memories you will ever have of the whole tour to the Kennedy Center. Luckily, the place provides opportunities to meet NASA veterans and listen to their incredible stories. With the Q&A session, the visit will be worthwhile.
Rocket Garden & Saturn V Center: will let you learn more about rockets and walk through the real rockets of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space programs. Do not miss the chance to witness history’s most extraordinary rockets ever.
5. Lake Eola Park
Now come back to the real world again. In the center of Downtown Orlando, you will feel lost in the scenic beauty that it has to offer. Lake Eola is known for its Allen Memorial Fountain, which lights up with colorful displays. Providing a scenic 0.9-mile walking path, the park is the center of many entertainment activities.
Swan Boat Rentals: Inside the park, you will often meet a lot of birds gathering together to welcome the tourists. To be more specific, you will see a lot of live swans being happy in their way. A ride on swan-like boats is a must. Different species of swans, like mute, trumpeter, black-necked, and whooper, are common at the park.
The Walt Disney Amphitheater: it features a lot of entertainment opportunities for tourists. The place is a famous outdoor performance spot for travelers. With unique design in a comfortable setting, you can enjoy a concert, movie, or play with your family and loved ones in the Disney Amphitheater.
A walking trail: is the best part of this park. The location and distance of the park are suitable for a lovely, peaceful walk, jogging, or even running. Ample space is there to relax and chill.
Orlando, a city with limitless adventure, will make your tour worthwhile. Offering countless exhibits, parks, adventure rides, and scenic beauty, the place is full of attractions. The journey to Orlando will be an unforgettable memory for you. If you are an enthusiastic traveler who loves to know about cities and their culture, Orlando, Florida, can be your ideal destination.
Essential Travel Tips for Visiting Orlando, Florida:
Orlando is a dream destination for many people around the world. Proper planning or some tips and essentials will save you a lot of trouble if you want to visit.
1. Plan Your Trip According to the Best Season.
Orlando usually has warm weather, but choosing the right time to visit is essential to avoid overcrowding.
- Spring: (March-May)—Ideal for perfect weather and moderate crowds.
- Fall: (September-November) The temperature feels slightly cold, and the crowd is less than in other seasons.
- Summer: (June-August)—the most crowded season. The weather will also feel a bit hot and humid.
- Winter (December-February)—ideal for spending holidays but usually crowded.
Pro tip: To escape crowds at theme parks, visit on non-holidays and weekdays.
2. Book Theme Park tickets in advance.
Orlando is popular due to its mind-blowing theme parks. However, prices can be higher if you buy tickets at the eleventh hour.
- Consider buying tickets with time in hand and online to save money and skip long lines.
- Try to find multi-day passes or combo offers if you have plans to visit different parks.
- Look for special offers or discounts (natives, military personnel, and some special members often get good deals).
Pro Tip: Install each park or attraction’s official app to get all the information easily.
3. Stay at the Right Location.
Orlando has plenty of locations for accommodation. Choosing the right location can be tricky sometimes.
- Disney or Universal Resort can be suitable for theme park lovers. It has easy access and a free transportation system.
- Hotels on International Drive: Close to places like ICON Park, famous restaurants, and many entertainment spots with easy access to theme parks.
- Downtown Orlando: perfect for nighttime, with many cultural attractions.
- Rentals & Airbnb: An ideal choice for people looking for a home-like experience.
Pro Tip: Many hotels provide shuttle services, so check everything before making a reservation to save on transportation costs!
4. Pack for Orlando’s Weather & Attractions
Orlando’s weather can be tricky, so you better be prepared!
- Cosy Walking Shoes: You’ll have to walk at least 10,000+ steps daily in theme parks. With the right pair of shoes, mentally getting prepared is also important.
- Lightweight Clothing: The weather in Florida is hot and humid. Breathable or moisture-wicking fabrics will be crucial.
- Umbrella: Orlando has several afternoon showers, mainly in the summer. Get ready!
- Water Bottle: Take a water bottle because you must stay hydrated and visit many water refill places for free.
- Sunscreen & Sunglasses: Will protect yourself from the harsh summer of Florida sun!
Pro Tip: Carry a portable phone charger or a power bank.
FAQ’s about Orlando:
Q. How is the weather in Orlando?
Answer: The weather in Orlando is usually warm and humid year-round. Sometimes it can experience a change in weather.
Q. How much does it cost to go to Universal Studios Orlando?
Answer: Ticket prices can vary depending on the day or occasion, but usually, an adult will pay around $119–$169, while kids aged 3–9 can pay $114–$164.
Q. Where to watch Columbus Crew vs. Orlando City SC?
Answer: You can watch the game on Apple TV+, mobile apps, and a Spanish broadcast will also be available.
Q. What to do in Orlando?
Answer: There are a lot of things to do in Orlando. You can visit parks, restaurants, hotels, and different entertainment centers to enjoy.
Q. How far is Tampa from Orlando?
Answer: Reaching Tampa from Orlando will take approximately 1.5 hours, and the distance is about 90 miles.
