Ninety-five theme parks and attractions—need we say more? And at the center of it all there’s Mickey. Depending on how you count, since it first opened in 1971, Disney World has pushed Orlando to the third most-visited destination in the United States.
But there is more to Orlando than Disney World and its offshoots. For one, there is the near-guarantee of sunny weather. Then there is one of the largest concentrations of golf courses in the country. And in the heart of Orlando’s business district, there is the wonderful park that surrounds Lake Eola—perfect for a stroll, a paddleboat ride or a leisurely lunch.
Orlando International Airport is a world-class airport served by all major domestic carriers, as well as many international carriers. Competition for the 30 million passengers that pass through the airport every year is fierce and there are plenty of cheap flights.
The airport is located 9 miles southeast of downtown Orlando, at the junction of State Road 436 (SR 436 - Semoran Boulevard) and State Road 528 (SR 528 - Bee Line/Beach Line Expressway).
To Sea World (approximately 18 miles)
Take the North Exit Road from Orlando International Airport to SR 528 (Bee Line/Beach Line Expressway). Take SR 528 (Bee Line/Beach Line Expressway) west to Exit 1 and follow signs to Sea World.
To Walt Disney World (approximately 22 miles)
Take the North Exit Road from Orlando International Airport to SR 528 (Bee Line/Beach Line Expressway). Take SR 528 (Bee Line/Beach Line Expressway) west to Interstate 4
Take Interstate 4 west to Walt Disney World
Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 50s. North winds 5 to 10 mph. Low: 55° F.
Tomorrow's forecast
Considerable cloudiness with a chance of showers. Highs in the upper 60s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent. Hi: 70° F, Low: 49° F.
So this place probably isn't on the top of everyone's list of parks to visit in Orlando. But if you're into gators (especially seeing them in a feeding frenzy... very cool) and like cheesy photo opps, go to Gatorland. So very funny.
Chocolate? Yes, chocolate. My review about Orlando is about chocolate. While everyone else is talking about the incredible theme parks, beaches, restaurants, and nightlife, I'm going to talk about chocolate.
My favorite thing to do in Orlando is visit Farris and Foster's Fine Chocolate Shoppe, and go to a chocolate party. Is there anything in this world better than a chocolate party?? I think not!
For considerably less money than it costs to get into a theme park, night club, or anything else, you can make your own personalized chocolate creations under the hilarious guidance of a real chocolatier.
When all that Florida humidity starts to get to you, and your blood sugar is on a roller coaster of its own after all that theme park junk food, you can head over to these adorable little shoppes around Orlando, and eat chocolate covered peanut butter stuffed pretzels, or their signature triple chocolate and caramel covered popcorn.
Trust me. Anyone can ride a roller coaster and get a sunburn. Your neighbors have already done that.
But how many people can say they invented the frozen chocolate covered deep fried Twinkie? Well, besides me that is.
My grandparents had a place right outside Orlando, so growing up, I went at least once a year. It wasn't until I was much older and my brother went to college there that I realized Orlando is a city, not just a giant theme park masquerading as a city. If the parks aren't really your thing and you want to get a less touristy experience, I found a few places worth your while. I loved Etoile Boutique (http://etoileboutique.com/), which offers up unique clothes, handmade clothes. Also, Winter Park has a fab farmer's market. And if you must go to a big park, the Tower of Terror at MGM is so scary I almost peed in my pants. I s'pose Disney World is ok too, but I've had a hard time forgiving them for abolishing Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.
Orlando is definitely a great vacation spot for all ages. Orlando is located in the sunshine state with a beautiful atmosphere and gorgeous palm trees. Orlando has nice hotels and resorts, great dining restaurants, and some of the best attractions. A lot of Orlando’s hotels and resorts are absolutely beautiful. My favorite hotels are located in the Walt Disney World Resort. The prices are pretty reasonable with a convenient location. Orlando also has some great dining restaurants. They have some nice restaurants for the kids and family, and also ones that are for the adults.
Orlando has some of the best attractions. The Walt Disney World Resort offers theme and water parks. One of my favorite theme parks is the Magic Kingdom, which has the beautiful castle, parades and spectacular firework display. Another great attraction is Universal. Universal Studios is another one of my favorites because of some of their movie inspired rides. Orlando definitely has great things to do for everyone.
You wanna do Disney, you can do Disney. You wanna hit Universal, you can do Universal (Spiderman still rules as the town’s best ride). Ditto for Sea World and Shamu. Heck, if you wanna do the Holy Land Experience, you can even make a day out of a religious theme park. That’s the great thing about Orlando, the trip’s whatever you want it to be, even if you don’t want to do the “tourist” thing. Venture from the tourist zones – but do check out Wonderworks on International Drive – for shopping and dining at Winter Park’s Park Avenue with its eclectic mix of slightly upscale venues or downtown’s Lake Eola for a unique park setting. PGA quality golf courses abound. Sports fans can get good deals on seats to watch developing superstar Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic as well as the party-like atmosphere of an Orlando Predator arena football game.
There are not too many places in the world where you can come face to face with a killer whale, "Ride the Movies," and meet the most famous mouse of them all. Orlando, Florida is the epicenter of the tourism industry and thrives on bringing magic into everyone’s life. Sea World recently introduced their new water park, Aquatica, and there is also Universal Studios and it's sibling theme park, Islands of Adventure. Right down the street? Is where it all started with a man and a mouse named Mickey! People spend their entire lives dreaming of visiting Orlando, and most don't know where to start or how to plan. Take it easy! Do your research and always follow your heart! From an African Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom to a close encounter with Shamu, and even a thrill seeking battle with The Mummy? It's all right here in Orlando!
I was under the impression our destination was South Padre when in fact my girlfriend had planned a surprise vacation to Orlando. Having just finished college, I was all for visiting a city bursting with theme parks and fine dining – not to mention an abundance of nearby beaches and a spirited nightlife. This particular getaway mixes relaxation and thrills remarkably well. There’s something to be said about narrowly escaping the jaws of a T-Rex, plunging over 80 feet, and creating your own splash-zone. And though Universal Studios is just one of the many parks home to Orlando, you can avoid long lines by visiting coasts like Cocoa Beach or Daytona. The City-Walk boasts a variety of eateries (Emeril’s had the most amazing soufflé I’ve ever tasted) but if you head downtown or to Greater Orlando, the overwhelming number of restaurants, bars, and clubs are sure to bring you back.
Want to mix in a little outdoors experience on your vacation to Orlando? Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is an attraction itself, with over 700 acres of tent, RV and cabin sites available.
I've just returned from a quick camping trip to Fort Wilderness, and I had a blast! The campsites and Comfort Stations are immaculate, and eco-friendly guests will appreciate the bins at your site for recycling.
Amenities? Activities? Yep, Fort Wilderness has plenty to keep you busy. Cruise on over to the Meadow Swimmin' Hole and beat the summer heat in the pool. Kayaks, bikes, and golf cart rentals are available to keep you on the move. At night, check out Chip 'n Dale's Campfire Sing-a-long, make sure to bring along some marshmallows to snack on!
Many folks travel to Fort Wilderness and RV camp for several months at a time, and those individuals stated that it was their favorite place in the U.S. to stay.
From my campsite, I was able to see the world-class fireworks show from the Magic Kingdom! Fort Wilderness is truly a unique, action packed location that is great for families. If you are heading to Orlando for vacation, make Disney's Fort Wilderness your basecamp! Two thumbs up!
Here’s a "Top Ten" list that everyone going to a theme park can really benefit from. Some of these items may seem like common sense but will provide you with a huge moment of gratitude when you have just what you need at just the right moment
You might want to take the following "top ten" items with you when you visit one of Orlando’s major theme parks and will be so glad you did. Please keep in mind that all bags are searched before you enter the park. Small food items such as water, granola bars and baby food are usually permitted but larger food selections are not since the parks would prefer you purchase meals and snacks from them.
1. A small notebook and pen for writing down important stuff like where your car is parked. You may think you’ll remember this when you arrive at the park and leave your car at the start of the day. "Piece of cake" you may say …. But after 10 hours of lines, fun, rides and information overload, the particular section name and aisle number of your car location will be one of the most important facts you and your tired feet will want to know. Take it from someone who has learned the hard way by spending over an hour in the dark of night looking for said car in a parking lot the size of Rhode Island.
2. Extra socks or clothes to change into after going on water rides. You’ll be very happy to have these if you find yourself squishing around in your sneakers after being drenched in a water ride. Going into an airconditioned attraction or restaurant is more comfortable when you’re wearing dry clothes as well. Bring a few ziplock baggies to keep your wallet and important papers dry.
3. Maps of the park and attractions. You can pick these up for free when you first enter any park. They contain a wealth of information and will save you a lot of time and aggravation when you want to find something quickly.
4. A great attitude and an extra helping of patience. Both of these will fit in any size backpack, take up no extra space and cost nothing but will stand you in good stead when the sun is high and sometimes tempers are short. A small helping of a great attitude will make your fellow adventurers look much more attractive, even if they happen to be cutting in line in front of you.
5. Small puzzles or word games to entertain the kids while waiting at tables for your food or winding through long queue lines at the rides. If you forget to put these in your knap sack, just look for some hidden Mickeys (and Minnies) while in Walt Disney World. That’s always a great way to pass the time.
6. Bottled water! The days get hot and a bottle of water you pick up outside of the park will most likely be half the price of the water you will pick up inside the park. I would rather spend my money on souvenirs anyway, wouldn’t you?
7. Extra film for your camera. If you have a digital camera, maybe an extra memory card. Again, all of these items are available at the parks, but they will be much cheaper for you to purchase before you arrive.
8. Sunglasses, sun-block and something for the occasional headache from having too much intense fun in one day.
9. Rain ponchos for those typically unpredictable Florida afternoon showers. Certain times of the year are more prone to afternoon storms. They usually don’t last long but you won’t want them to interrupt your day and have you huddled in an alcove for 30 minutes. If you carry some inexpensive rain ponchos with you, you will be happy to know that these are some of the best times to get into rides without too much waiting. You can purchase these in the park, but outside of the park they’re much cheaper and you won’t have to waste valuable time hunting them down if a shower catches your family by surprise.
10. While at a Walt Disney World park, you might want to think about getting a “Pal Mickey” to stuff in that knap sack. Pal Mickey is a cute little stuffed Mickey who also happens to be tuned into a channel that provides you with current and live information (through the wonders of technology). Your Pal Mickey will pop up with the most useful information just when you need it such as times of shows, locations of events and much more. Most gift shops sell this treasure and he will provide you with endless hours of fun and current information.
You’ve planned your Orlando vacation! You’ve waited all year. You have “just so many days” to spend at the parks and as the fates would have it, the weather and the powers-that-be have conspired against you. It’s pouring, windy and nasty. What do you do now?
Never fear … your guide for the intrepid tourist is here! First thing you need to remember is: rain gear! Don’t let the weather rain on your parade … or vacation experience. Invest a small amount in a few rain ponchos. You can buy them at a supermarket before you get to the park and save some money. They will be a most valuable asset. Forget about being a fashion statement. Plastic rain ponchos may not be particularly attractive, but when you’re sloshing around in the pouring rain, who cares? Dry is extremely attractive.
Once you have your handy-dandy rain ponchos, the next thing you need is a plan! I gave a lot of thought to developing a plan yesterday as I sat sans rain poncho in an outdoor café at Disney-MGM Studios. The rain was heavy and the temperature was getting chilly. The best plan would be to find indoor things to do when the rain begins. I learned this the hard way. You don’t have to!
At Disney MGM Studios there are many wonderful indoor things to do, like The Great Muppet Caper Show, The Little Mermaid Show, Honey I Shrunk the Kids and The Great Movie Ride. By the time you see a great show and dry off, the chances are that the rain will have stopped anyway. Florida rains don’t usually last too long. I would recommend saving the wonderful outdoor stadium shows (like "Lights! Motors! Action! and the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular) for the first dry weather opportunity.
The important thing to know is that there are fabulous things to do at Walt Disney World no matter how uncooperative the weather is. Get a plan, carry some rain ponchos and have the best time ever!
Located in sunny Central Florida, Orlando has often been dubbed the “theme park capital of the world” but there’s so much more to the world’s biggest playground, whether you’re bringing the whole family or looking to have fun yourself.
If teenagers and shopaholics are coming along for the trip, be sure to stop by the Mall at Millenia — located on 4200 Conroy Road. Just five minutes from the Universal Orlando Resort and fifteen from Walt Disney World, the Mall at Millenia caters to a variety of tastes, featuring stores such as Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Chanel, Gucci, St. John, Burberry, Dior, Tiffany & Co., and Hugo Boss. If high-end fashion isn’t your thing there are other unique finds like Anthropologie, Lucky Brand Blue Jeans, Urban Outfitters, L’Occitane, and Apple. Getting hungry with all that shopping? Don’t miss the mile-high cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory or fine dining at McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant. Whatever you’re looking for, the Mall at Millenia has you covered!
Eating out with the family can get a bit pricey especially with the high costs in the theme parks. One of the best places to cut the bill in half is Maggiano’s. The entrees are served family style and range anywhere from $8.95 - $29.95. Once you see the massive plates of pasta come to the table you’ll find yourself shouting, Mama Mia! If low-key, high sophistication is on the menu, try Timpano Chophouse and Martini Bar. Live music, romantic settings, and tall martinis all spell out mommy and daddy time. WIth dinner prices ranging from $14 to $36, this is definitely the place to wine-and-dine your special someone.
If your family is looking for little extra fun outside the parks, USA on Ice and World Bowling Center might do the trick. Ice skating in the middle of summer comes as a welcome relief no matter where you are, and scoring a perfect game is twice the fun in this psychedelic bowling alley. Both buildings are located side-by-side on 7500 and 7540 Canada Ave., just off International Drive. Prices are reasonable and the memories are sure to last for years.
Other places worth checking out while enjoying your stay in Orlando — Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Downtown Disney and the Virgin Megastore, picturesque Winter Park, Orlando Science Center, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Natural Florida Kelly Park, Wekiwa Springs State Park, and The Nature Conservancy’s Disney Wilderness Preserve.
When most people think of Orlando, a big mouse named Mickey usually comes to mind. But, there's actually more to the area than Disney. For one thing, there's also Universal Studios and its sister park, Islands of Adventure, and SeaWorld. But, there's plenty of nightlife and good restaurants. There's great shopping along the strip and a little ways off the beaten path. For campground addicts, places like the KOA seem to have created their own attractions to keep their own visitors content. If you need to slow down after a long day of being dragged by the kids through the parks, spas all around the area are ready to massage away the stress. Yet, for all there is to do, the crowds can be a fun killer. I would suggest you go during the winter months; those seem to be the lease crowded times.
The question is not what is there to do in Orlando, but how many activities can you actually squeeze into your vacation? Of course Disney World and Universal Studios are reason enough to visit Orlando, but you will also find over 95 attractions, exciting nightlife and dining galore.
Avid sun worshipers can enjoy award winning golf courses, 4 water parks, over 100 lakes and the ocean which is only a 45 minute drive from the heart of the city. Downtown Orlando will give you a local flavor for the city’s culture with unique restaurants, museums, night life that the locals enjoy, and Lake Eola where you can enjoy paddle boat rides, great scenery and outdoor dining.
What do beautiful weather, Macy’s Holiday Parade, Grinchmas - a tree lighting and a Whoville Whovilation Musical Performance, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Epcot’s Holidays Around The World, Osbourne Family Spectacle of Lights and Snow Flurries on the Waterfront with Shamu doing a holiday night show all have in common? Christmas in Orlando!
Orlando is the number one destination for the Holidays. And why not, when you can stand on Mainstreet USA in the Magic Kingdom enjoying snow flurries in you shirtsleeves, while savoring complimentary hot chocolate and scrumptious cookies at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. How about singing along with the WHOS as they celebrate the season with a musical performance at Universal Studios or enjoying Christmas Polynesian style at Sea World?
Orlando celebrates Christmas in style and adds a little more special magic to an already magical time of year. So this Christmas season instead of the North Pole head south to Orlando.
Whenever I have vacationed in Orlando I have stayed in a town called Celebration, a couple of miles away from Disney. Celebration is where my dad lives, and it's only about ten years old. I often spend a couple of weeks there just chilling out, I ride my bike into town and grab a coffee, then go for a walk around the lake right in the middle of downtown. Sometimes I’ll catch an alligator basking in the morning sun. I'll always say hi to numerous friendly people who pass me, people have slower lives here and it's more about quality of live.
Sometimes I will hang out on the rocking chair and spend a few hours reading my book.
For a more lively night out I have been known to head to downtown Orlando, or Sand Lake road where I find some great, classy places to hang out.
The weather, the friendly people, and the relaxed atmosphere always make my vacations in Orlando a really refreshing experience. The great thing about it is, I could go to Disney and have a blast, or I could choose to have more downtime and I would still enjoy myself here, I’ll be back.
Most big cities have tall buildings, busy streets, and are usually places to avoid on vacation. Orlando has that, but is one of the most ideal places for traveling.
In every city street in Orlando, there are all kinds of restaurants, hotels, tourist shops, as well as any one of the hundred attractions in the city. All of it sort of mixes together in a kind of pastel beauty that you have to see for yourself.
The weather is always warm, and very few people have heaters. The weather tends to be very odd sometimes, as it will be dry during the day, then suddenly massive downpours will strike for a few minutes.
I believe that I have heard it said that Orlando “lives and breathes vacation”. This is quite true, and it is a big city that still maintains the natural beauty of Florida.
Having lived in Orlando for three years, I like to think of it as a second home, not necessarily a vacation destination. Nevertheless, we found ourselves there this past Spring to reunite with my housemates from eight years ago. To my surprise, the Disney parks never get old, especially when you tour them with so many friends. Our first stop was the Tower of Terror in what is now called Disney Hollywood Studios. Man what a ride! There is nothing better than relishing in the few but monumentally protracted moments of anticipation just before the floor---and seemingly your life---drop out from under you. The elevator creeps forward then stops. Despite 20 people next to you, there is only silence. A solitary “click!” Then wind. Your stomach floats. Your legs go limp. And within a moment quicker than a blink, all you’re thinking about are the odds that this one time, this particular ride, is the one that lets go. The one you read about in the news. As fast as that fear tore through your mind, you begin to recognize gravity again. Slowly, the distrust in Disney’s engineers fades and you realize that it was all an amusement ride. The Tower of Terror still does not disappoint.
We wandered Epcot in a cooling, evening Florida rain, laughing like the sun was out, remembering our mid-twenty foolishness and countless misadventures within these world-renowned parks. But hey, isn’t that what Disney is all about? Reconnecting with all the things that defined you before responsibility, car-pools and cul-de-sacs? Disney is not always just for the kids.
This past weekend, my husband, daughter and I descended on the amusement parks in Orlando.
As we were walking through the entrance gates, I looked over at my husband and said, "Are we in Orlando or Europe?"
It seemed like everyone behind me and in front of me was speaking a language other than English! I felt like a stranger in a strange land.
My husband laughed and said, "Yah, this is surreal!"
Now, I assure you, we were NOT in Epcot, where you would expect some international flavor. We were in the heart of Disney World - The Magic Kingdom.
Believe it or not, the magical part of this experience was not the park attractions. What was magical for us was meeting people from Paris, Brazil, Spain, Portugal and Italy. On this trip, we learned to make friends using hand gestures and smiles, which is the exact same way Mickey Mouse (and our 1-year-old daughter) communicates with the world. On this trip, words were not necessary to share our excitement, enthusiasm and love!
A Florida native, I've been to Orlando more times than I can remember. In the summer, the lines at the theme parks are miserably long and the heat is stifling. My advice for those visiting during the hot summer months is to visit the water parks. Wet n Wild, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon all offer different slides and various levels of adventure. Personally, I like Blizzard Beach the best, as it carries out a Disney-like theme of snow; however, the lines are often the longest here, too. For a more laid-back, family-friendly water park, stick to Typhoon Lagoon. The waves in the wave pool are bigger than I've ever seen anywhere else, and the tropical decor is soothing. There are slides for the adventuresome kids, teens and adults, as well as a kiddie area for youngins. Wet n Wild is your typical water park with plenty of fun slides of all thrill levels. It's definitely entertaining and a good way to beat the heat, but it could be found in Anytown, USA; nothing about it screams Disney. Many of the themed hotels and resorts have large outdoor swimming pools with slides, too. These are a good way to save money and take a break from the parks.
How would you like to have lunch with Tigger? Share a carrot with Rabbit? Would you kids like to have ALL the Pooh characters sign an autograph book? You can and it doesn't cost any more than lunch.
Secret #1
First you should know that the best fun activity, other than the attractions, is to get your kids an autograph book and big fat pen. As you walk through the parks or have lunch, the characters will stop and sign your autograph book. It's a scavenger hunt and collector game in one! The best part? It's cheap and becomes a keepsake for your kids. My teenager still loves her book.
Next, several of the restaurants will have the characters circulating through signing autographs and taking pictures. You don't have to move! The Chrystal Palace has Pooh characters in the Magic Kingdom, and Restaurantsaurus has Mickey and friends in Animal Kingdom. You can even call ahead for reservations.
Disney can be expensive for a family on a budget or with lots of kids-I have 5, so it's nice to have fun activities that make lifetime memories
I wish I could say I’ve seen more of Orlando than just Disney World, but I can’t. I know outside of the theme park gates lives a city with great restaurants, other awesome theme parks, beautiful scenery, and friendly people, but we just can’t pull ourselves away from Disney World! While there, my husband and I, both in our 30s, revert back to pre-teen goofiness and my son (now 13-years-old) can’t wipe the silly grin off of his face. My favorite ride is Tower of Terror, while my husband and son love the Rockin’ Roller Coaster, right next door. Our favorite place to eat is the Oktoberfest Biergarten in Epcot; even my son loves to eat there. Magic is alive and well at Disney World!
Orlando has so much to do! So many theme parks, so little time and money. My friends and I went to Universal, followed by Wet N Wild. Definitely recommend this water park, they have a really fun missile-shoot ride that gets your scream on. The next day we went to Disney World. SPOILER** Disney World is the exact same park as Disney Land in California. I was expecting the Epcot Center... my bad. That was a whole different theme park. Orlando also had some really cool museums (Ripley's, etc.), and some fresh miniature golf courses that were the nicest I'd seen.
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