Orlando: Things to Do and See

As a family holiday destination, few places can compete with Orlando, Florida. With it's warm climate, welcoming atmosphere, and focus on fun, Orlando is the perfect place to plan your next family adventure. With hundreds of attractions, restaurants, shops, and more, the central Florida city features an almost endless array of options. One could spend weeks here and still not experience all of the exciting things that Orlando has to offer.

View of the city of Orlando, Florida. Lake Eola

Orlando is known for its theme parks, and no matter which one you choose to visit, it's safe to say that there will be something to entertain every member of the family. Whether you're traveling with an impressionable young toddler who dreams of meeting fairytale characters, an adventure-seeking youngster who wants an up close and personal animal encounter, or a hard-to-impress teenager who won't be pleased by anything other than super speed and high-intensity thrills, you will find that Orlando offers unique adventures for kids of all ages. But don't worry grown-ups, Orlando's theme parks offer plenty of fun for you too. There are plenty of package deals available, including accommodation in stylish but cheap hotels (links opens in a new window) so you can enjoy a great time in Orlando without breaking the bank.

The Walt Disney World Resort alone offers a lifetime's worth of fun and adventure for every member of the family. The theme park that set the standard for all those that would follow, Disney's Magic Kingdom was the first to debut in Orlando and it captures all the enchantment and magic that Disney World has to offer. Rides, attractions, and characters from all your favorite Disney movies reside here, in the kingdom known as "the happiest place on Earth".

The fun doesn't stop at the Magic Kingdom. Animal lovers and adventure seekers will adore Disney's Animal Kingdom, where exotic animals live side-by-side with awesome attractions and exhibits focusing on nature and conservation.

Keeping up with the Disney tradition of combining education and fun, Walt Disney World's Epcot Center is dedicated to international culture and technological innovation. Learn about the wonders of nature and the achievements of mankind as you explore the amazing exhibits, attractions and international pavilions.

Maybe a little glitz and glamour is more to your liking; in that case, take a trip to Disney's Hollywood Studios, which is dedicated to the world of Hollywood in its heyday. Backlot tours, huge street sets, and art deco architecture make it feel as though you've stepped back in time and into a bustling movie studio.

The Crush 'n' Gusher in Typhoon Lagoon at Walt Disney World
Photo taken by JZ85

There's more to Walt Disney World than just the four major theme parks. Since Orlando gets very hot, the good people at Disney created the water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach where sun-drenched visitors can cool down and have fun. For athletes and sports lovers they created Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex, and for speed junkies there's the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Disney even provides business training for those who want to learn the unique and successful brand of business "magic" at the Disney Institute.

The Universal Resort is another entertainment compound that offers wild rides and spectacular attractions. This resort has two theme parks that have something for everyone. Universal Studios is a movie and TV based theme park that puts guests right in the middle of the action, while Islands of Adventure lets visitors explore five different islands, all full of excitement and good times. If underwater adventures and encounters with sea creatures sound intriguing, why not visit SeaWorld and Discovery Cove? Located next door to each other, these sister theme parks take guests into the world below the sea and promise an adventure like no other. Theme parks not really your thing? Don't worry, Orlando has much more to offer in the way of entertainment.

Universal Studios - Shrek 4D

Sports enthusiasts can either take in one of the many professional sporting events that take place year round in the city, or get in on the action themselves with a round of golf or a game of tennis. Visitors just wanting to relax can visit one of the countless spas, or spend the day lying by the pool. International Drive resort area is one of Orlando's busiest tourist zones. Besides being home to some of the major theme parks, it's home to world-famous attractions like Ripley's Believe It or Not, Aquatica Water Park and WonderWorks (Orlando's only upside down attraction!). It's also got over 100 hotels and more than 150 restaurants. Visitors can also flex their shopping muscles at numerous outlet malls and specialty shops.

Downtown Orlando is less congested with tourists than International Drive and is definitely worth visiting. It too has a multitude of restaurants, nightclubs, and hotels, as well as more cultural fare such as theaters, museums, the Science Center, and more.

Although it's recognized as a family destination, visitors looking for a little nightlife will have plenty of options as the club scene in Orlando is hopping. International Drive and Downtown Orlando are both full of trendy nightclubs, and bars, and Downtown Disney and Universal's City Walk are also both very popular after-dark destinations.

With so many things to see and do, Orlando is a great year round holiday destination. Whether you choose to visit in the hot but wet summer months, or cooler (but still warm) and less humid winter season, you'll always be able to find something to entertain each and every member of the family.

To the south of Orlando lies Kissimmee and Lake Tohopekaliga, once the hub of Florida's important cattle industry. Kissimmee clings proudly to its cowboy past with weekly rodeos. One of the most popular spots is Lake Tohopekaliga - Lake Toho for short - one of the biggest lakes in the Kissimmee chain, well known for its excellent bass fishing.

Other Florida areas: Gulf Coast | Atlantic Coast | The Keys

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