Orlando
Visit Orlando for a time like no other, with a mix of the magic of Disney, the lovely climate and the super friendly locals in Florida.
Orlando in a nutshell
There’s nowhere better on earth to visit than Orlando if you’re coming to enjoy a variety of fabulous fun theme parks. Home to a wide selection of exciting water and entertainment parks, including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and LEGOLAND Florida Resort, Orlando is a paradise for kids and adults alike.
With its superb weather, endless water and land entertainment offerings, variety of museums, superb shopping, golf courses and dining opportunities, Orlando is a constant adventure.
Of course, Mickey Mouse is the main draw, and the Disney offerings are superlative.
In addition, all of the parks are constantly upping their games with new and exciting offerings, including Frozen Ever After, the latest ride at Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando’s longest, fastest and tallest rollercoaster, Mako. Once you’ve had your fill of resorts (although that may never happen!), there are plenty of other activities and adventures to enjoy.
Visit the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye for a bird’s eye view of your surroundings, or explore the wilderness on an airboat ride. Other exciting experiences await in Orlando’s diverse neighborhoods, where you’ll find superb shopping, a plethora of craft breweries and hip eateries, a vibrant nightlife… the list is endless.
Best time to visit: It’s very hot in the summer months, so come in the shoulder seasons, spring (April and May) and fall (September and October). Rainy season is from June to September, and the dry season is from October to the end of May.
Best Area for Sightseeing: In Orlando, there’s not just one stunning area to visit – each district offers something exciting, fun and delightful. Take a look at Things to do in Orlando below for some great ideas.
The magic of Disney awaits you in Orlando, no matter how old you may be when you visit.
Shopping in Orlando: Every park offers its own brand of souvenirs, but that’s just the start of retail therapy in Orlando. There are numerous mega malls, outlet malls and shopping centers – and let’s not forget the markets, like the Artegon Marketplace, where you can pick up great locally produced products.
Food & Restaurants in Orlando: With its unimaginable selection of eateries, Orlando’s offerings are diverse and exciting and you can dine on different dishes every day of the week. The Sunday Orlando Farmer’s Market is delightful, too, with plenty of fresh produce and food to enjoy.
Nightlife: Orlando is not only for kids – the adult entertainment available when the sun sets is legendary, too. You’ll find numerous bars, clubs and eateries that buzz throughout the evening and into the wee hours.
Theme Parks: Here’s a list of theme parks to give you an idea of the fun and excitement that awaits. Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort offers unimaginable delights including Pandora – The World of AVATAR, plus plenty of night-time entertainment. Then there’s Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park, one of the most popular water parks, offering fun water activities for young and old. Epcot Center, which is part of the Walt Disney World Resort Area, is home to Future World and the World Showcase, which both offer hours of unmatched adventure and LEGOLAND Florida is a LEGO-themed park with every single ride and attraction linked to LEGO plus a superb Beach Retreat. The iconic Magic Kingdom remains at the top of visitors’ lists, and for good reason. This is where Mickey Mouse lives with his Disney friends. Then there’s SeaWorld, where one can enjoy fun in the sun all day long, numerous entertaining shows and encounters with sharks. Finally there’s the ever-popular Universal Studios Florida, part of the Universal Orlando Resort, offering 6 different areas with every type of entertainment imaginable. A major drawcard is Universal's Islands of Adventure, home to Harry Potter, Spider-Man and other Marvel Super Heroes, as well as a crowd of Dr Seuss and Toon characters. Last but not least is the waterpark Volcano Bay, also situated at Universal Orlando Resort, where new technology takes water adventures to an entirely different level.
Things to do in Orlando:
- Explore the iconic John F Kennedy Space Center to learn all about travel in another galaxy.
- Visit the fascinating Orlando Science Center with its interactive displays, and the equally enthralling Dr Phillips Cinedome, a mega-screen theater with a planetarium on the top floor.
- Head for the adrenaline-packed ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, where numerous athletic and sports events take place.
- Discover another world in the Orlando Wetlands Park, a ‘mini everglades’ where you can go birdwatching, cycling and jogging.
- Spend the day at the suburb of Winter Park close to Orlando, home to spectacular public parks, lakes as well as fabulous dining, shopping and entertainment offerings.
Best way to get around: You can rent a car or take advantage of the shuttles available from hotels and major parks, which are usually free to use.
Best Area for Families: Any of the resorts in Orlando make a perfect setting for time with the family, and guarantees that children will make memories that will last a lifetime!