5 Best Places to Visit in Orlando
Orlando is a vibrant city in central Florida that is renowned as the World Theme Park Capital since it has over a dozen theme parks.
The thrills and roller coasters at Disney World, Universal, and Sea World are great crowd pleasers, but don't overlook the unique and historically significant Kennedy Space Center. There you can see where the shuttle launched or have lunch with an Astronaut.
Orlando is home to a variety of excellent museums, including Ripley's Believe It or Not and the Orlando Science Center.
Nature enthusiasts would also like the adjacent Wekiwa Springs and Rock Springs, which have crystal clear waters.
1. Walt Disney World® Resort
The Magic Park at Disney World in Orlando, known across the world as "the place where dreams come true," provides just that and more.
Magic Kingdom, symbolized by the famous 'Cinderella Castle,' is the home for Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck, and is the world's most visited theme park. The Kingdom includes six enchanting 'lands' to explore: Fantasyland, Frontierland, Adventureland, Main Street USA, and Liberty Square, and Tomorrowland, which looks to the future. The Magic Kingdom Park is a must-see if you're seeking for entertaining things to do in Orlando with kids.
Watch musical parades starring popular Disney characters and spectacular fireworks displays while touring the many areas, explore Disney-themed boutiques and stores, or dine in one of the numerous restaurants and cafés sprinkled about the park.
2. Universal's Islands of Adventure
With heart-stopping rides, stomach-turning roller coasters, interactive attractions, and one-of-a-kind encounter with some of the world's favorite storybook and comic strip characters, Universal's Islands of Adventure promises an epic adventure around every corner.
On Marvel Super Hero Island, you can:
- become your favorite Super Hero in the struggle against good and evil
- get up close and personal with the dinosaurs of Jurassic Park
- travel back in time to The Lost Continent
- get wet on exciting water attractions at Toon Lagoon
Fans of Harry Potter will enjoy the cutting-edge attraction 'The Wizarding Universe of Harry Potter,' which brings the legendary wizard and his world to life. Board the Hogwarts Express at Hogsmeade Station to explore the enigmatic Hogwarts Castle and fill up on wizarding supplies in the little town of Hogsmeade.
Rides like the Dragon Challenge and Flight of the Hippogryff will have your heart racing, and you can eat on traditional British cooking at the Three Broomsticks Restaurant or the Hog's Head tavern.
3. LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
LEGOLAND Florida is the world's biggest LEGOLAND Park, spanning 150 acres along the shores of Lake Eloise in Winter Haven. This interactive theme park is geared for families with children aged 2 to 12. It features over 50 exciting rides, a variety of activities and shows, restaurants, shops, and a lovely botanical garden.
This is one of the greatest locations to visit if you're seeking things to do in Orlando that will allow your children to play and be creative.
LEGOLAND Florida is located 45 minutes from Orlando and downtown Tampa and is divided into 11 easy-to-navigate-themed zones. These zones include:
- the popular Waterpark – a fun-filled waterpark complete with a wave pool, water slides, and river rafting;
- Miniland USA, a fantastic miniature representation of the country;
- LEGO City, where kids can learn how to drive their own LEGO boats and cars while under the supervision of LEGOLAND staff.
The LEGO World of Chima is the park's most recent addition, and it includes a range of engaging family activities such as character meet-and-greets, Cragger's Swamp water play area, the SpeedorzTM Arena, and a new 4-D movie experience.
4. Lake Eola Park
Lake Eola Park, which borders Downtown Orlando, is a favorite destination for locals and tourists. Dominated by the shimmering lake at its heart, it is the ideal spot to rest and unwind, with many outdoor activities and breathtaking views.
The lake and its immediate surroundings, a massive sinkhole, were transformed into a park in the 1880s. While its reflected waters are lovely at any time of day, the famous centennial fountain at its center, which wonderfully lights up at night, is its prominent feature.
Visitors may hire swan-shaped paddleboats, wander along its beautiful trails, and relish in beautiful views of the lake. There are also playgrounds, park seats, and picnic spaces are strewn throughout.
5. ICON Park
ICON Park is a massive entertainment complex with many activities, cafes, and amusement rides for all families. It is located alongside International Drive, in the center of Orlando's world-renowned tourism zone, not far from most of the city's prominent attractions.
The massive park, which debuted in 2015, has an almost infinite assortment of fascinating arcade games and exhilarating rides and over forty restaurants, cafés, and bars dishing up excellent food from all over the world. Madame Tussauds, the magnificent Museum of Illusions, and the fantastic Sea Life Orlando Aquarium are its key attractions.
Don't miss a ride on massive 122-meter-tall observation wheel, which provides truly breathtaking views over Orlando and its numerous amusement parks.