Orlando

It’s true: Orlando is a magical place. And it’s not just because it’s home to Cinderella’s castle at Walt Disney World. There’s an incredible mix of fun things to do in this great city that make it an ideal vacationing spot for not only families but young singles, baby boomers, foodies, outdoor adventurous types, luxury shoppers and international visitors.

While the city was built on theme park fame, the number and variety of Orlando attractions have grown to include everything from world-famous restaurants to high-end outlet shopping centers to theatrical performances and amazing concert and sporting event venues.

Golfers love the pristine, challenging and historic courses throughout the city and art-lovers enjoy the Orlando Museum of Art, Mennello Museum of American Art as well as a number of small, funky galleries and art studios sprinkled throughout the area.

Orlando is a place known for hospitality, and that extends to its many hotels, spas and services that suit every budget and taste.

Parents appreciate some of the amenities offered at the Disney-area accommodations, such as five-star fine dining restaurants, luxurious spas and serene rooftop pools.

And kids love themed hotels that highlight animals, costumed characters, rock ‘n’ roll, princesses and more. If you’re looking for quirky, interesting things to do in a half-day, afternoon or evening, Orlando has a number of fun spots that make for great memories and neat stories.

Madame Tussauds Orlando has a dazzling assortment of lifelike wax celebrities and the Great Escape Room is part scavenger hunt, part mind-game as groups and families work together to get out of an enclosure with hidden passageways and trap doors.

Hit one of the many water parks to cool down or spend an air-conditioned afternoon inside the Orlando Science Center, the Orlando Fire Museum or the National Vietnam War Museum.

For an incredible view of the city from a glass capsule, visit the 400-foot Coca-Cola Orlando Eye on International Drive, which is also near several great shops, restaurants, bars and galleries.

One of the coolest spots in town – quite literally – is ICEBAR Orlando, which features a below-freezing room with a bar entirely carved from ice and a full menu and dance floor in the warmer adjacent room.

Craft beer enthusiasts will love trying the organic beers at Orlando Brewing or special-batch brews at one of the dozens of breweries and taprooms, many of which also have excellent menus offering everything from wings to vegan dishes to fancy oysters and sustainable seafood dishes.

Orlando has several parks and lakes that are great for relaxing, exercise and adventure. Rent a paddleboard or paddleboat, soar over the city in a hot air balloon, picnic under an old oak, spot dolphins on a boating day trip, swim with manatees and pet a sloth at the Exotic Animal Experience.

There are several water sportcenters if you’re looking to try waterskiing or jet skiing, or for an even bigger thrill, try parasailing or sky diving.

There’s no limit to the many adventures and exciting times that await in Orlando, a city that’s inspired by dreams and wonder.

Average Temperature
HI 91°F
LOW 74°F

Family trips to Florida

For many children, there are few things in life that are more thrilling than the prospect of a trip to Disney World. To young eyes, the park is full of magic, excitement and familiar characters brought to life, so it’s no surprise that each year parents from all over the world like to treat their children to a trip there.

Where Disney World succeeds, however, is by branching out so that it has something to appeal to young kids, big kids, and everyone else’s inner child. For smaller children, the constant presence of Disney characters walking around, Disney themed shows and gentle rides equals a holiday in heaven. More adventurous visitors to the theme park can avoid the “It’s a small world” types of rides and opt instead for the bigger, scarier roller coasters. Alternately, anyone with a thirst for knowledge can check out Epcot to try some hands-on science and explore the world around them. After that, the whole family can enjoy the Animal Kingdom Park which combines rides and wildlife for a thrilling mixture of safari and adventure.

Disney World is located in an area that is simply bursting with theme parks, so visitors often choose to cover all bases in one big, adventure-packed trip. Anyone with an interest in film (or even just a love of theme parks) is bound to enjoy Universal Studios, which balances interactive experiences which give visitors insight into the film-making business with genuinely hair-raising rides and rollercoasters. Big rides like The Incredible Hulk and Jurassic Park will appeal to those with a taste for adrenaline, whilst Harry Potter enthusiasts can now explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and indulge their magical fantasies. Florida is also home to Sea World Orlando, where families can meet all manner of sea creatures and take in a few shows whilst they’re at it.

Top Attractions in Orlando