Orlando
The perfect place for theme parks
Orlando, Florida is the only spot that can inspire amazing stories. Orlando’s allure extends beyond its renowned theme parks; its vibrant food scene, massive outlet malls, outdoor activities, and distinctive local culture make it a destination as alluring as any in the world. It’s hardly wishful thinking to suggest that Orlando has something to offer everyone!
Excursions in Theme Parks
The most important one is Walt Disney World Resort. This enormous theme park complex has two water parks (Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park), numerous eateries, and specially themed lodging in addition to four separate parks (Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park). Not to be missed are the other internationally renowned attractions in the region, such as SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort, which is home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and LEGOLAND Florida Resort.
Bring out your bathers and head to one of the water parks—Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon at Walt Disney World, Aquatica and Discovery Cove at SeaWorld, Volcano Bay at Universal, or LEGOLAND Florida Water Park—on warmer days, which are the majority of the year here in Florida.
When it’s time to organize your theme park trip, remember to reserve your spot in advance, buy in advance, and leave enough space on your camera to capture the amazing experiences that lie ahead.
History, Culture, and Other Things Past the Theme Parks
Visit the Orange County Regional History Center to learn about 12,000 years of local history. The world’s largest collection of artwork by Louis Comfort Tiffany, known for his Tiffany lamp and Tiffany & Co. creations, is housed at the Morse Museum in Winter Park. Explore the vibrant vegetation at Harry P. Leu Gardens, a 20-hectare outdoor preserve tucked away near Lake Rowena’s edge. Use Orlando’s bike-sharing program to rent a bike and cruise the city’s busy downtown.
Make sure to park at the city center’s Lake Eola Park so you can take a stroll down the waterfront and hop on one of the park’s famous paddle boats, which are styled like swans. Every Sunday, the Orlando Farmers Market is held on Lake Eola. The pure water of Rock Springs begs for a kayaking adventure in a transparent kayak; Get Up and Go Kayaking provides guided trips in these enjoyable, transparent boats in this and other neighboring parks.
Plenty of Dining and Shopping
The Florida Mall, Orlando International Premium Outlets, and Mall at Millenia, which have upscale stores like Bulgari, Versace, and Tiffany & Co., are all within a 20-minute drive of Walt Disney World. Disney Springs, which abounds in casual, contemporary, and premium dining, shopping, and entertainment options, is a great place to kill time from lunch until late at night. The fun never stops at Universal CityWalk, where you can dine, shop, dance, or catch a show at Hard Rock Café.
You’ll find it difficult to choose between 33 Michelin Guide restaurants when hunger strikes. There is fine dining (Orlando is home to 17 chefs who have won the James Beard Award), international cuisine (approximately 40 different ethnicities are represented), and health-consciousness (Orlando is recognized as one of the best places to go vegan and vegetarian by WalletHub and Livability).