With various names like ‘The City Beautiful’, ‘O-Town’ and ‘Theme Park Capital of the World’, Orlando is a enchanting city and a popular tourist destination. Apart from the vibrant downtown area offering shopping, dining, attractions, and live entertainment, the top three tourist hotspots are Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld® Orlando. The city also features iconic attractions such as the Wheel at ICON Park® Orlando, Orlando Museum of Art, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, and serves as a major hub for conferences and conventions, boasting the second-largest convention facility in the United States, the Orange County Convention Center. Orlando is widely known as a top family destination with plenty of activities for both adults and children to enjoy.
Hosting seven of the world’s premier theme parks and over 450 hotels, Orlando provides a range of activities to ensure a memorable visit regardless of the duration of your stay.
Top Things to Do
Orlando promises a remarkable vacation experience with a plethora of unique attractions for every visitor. Here are some of the key highlights:
- Walt Disney World® Resort: Established in 1971, this sprawling 25,000-acre resort boasts four theme parks, 40 hotels, golf courses, numerous dining options, entertainment venues, and a shopping haven at Disney Springs®.
- Universal Orlando Resort: Home to Universal Studios Florida, a working production studio, this resort features shopping and dining at Universal CityWalk, two theme parks (Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe), and the thrilling Volcano Bay water park.
- SeaWorld® Orlando: This marine zoological park offers a variety of hotels and theme parks for year-round enjoyment, including Aquatica® Orlando, Discovery Cove®, and unique animal encounters.
- International Drive Entertainment District (aka I-Drive): This walkable area is home to numerous attractions, dining options, and entertainment venues like Icon Park® and the towering 400-ft Wheel, among others.
- Outdoor Attractions and Adventures: Opt for a thrilling 45-minute airboat tour reaching speeds up to 40mph with Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures, paddle through the waters kayaking at Rock Springs at Kelly Park, or challenge yourself at the Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park.
Culinary Delights
Orlando boasts over 5,000 restaurants featuring renowned chefs and local favorites, catering to every taste palate.
- Noteworthy dining establishments include: Bull & Bear at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Victoria and Albert’s, Shula’s Steakhouse, José Andrés’ JALEO and Pepe, Masaharu Morimoto’s Morimoto Asia, and many more.
- Indulge in the craft brewery scene with places like: Big Storm Brewing Company, Broken Strings Brewery, and Cask & Larder.
- Experience a dinner show at: Mango’s Tropical Café, Wantilan Luau at Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, or the entertaining Capone’s Dinner & Show.
Accommodations
With over 130,000 rooms across 480 hotels and resorts, the lodging options in Orlando are as diverse as the city itself. For those seeking luxurious family accommodations, here is a recommendation for a luxury vacation home in Orlando:
- KEMPA PARK: Situated alongside the sixth hole of the award-winning Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, KEMPA PARK is located near Walt Disney World® and offers a 12,000+ sq. ft. villa that can accommodate up to 32 guests. Featuring 12 bedrooms, the villa includes a spacious pool, ample game rooms and gathering spaces, a theater room, themed children’s bunk rooms, indoor and outdoor kitchens and dining areas, along with exclusive Disney® VIP and backstage experiences. Entertainment options cater to all age groups with game rooms designed for both the young and the young at heart, as well as access to nearby amenities such as three world-class golf courses, a waterpark, various dining choices, fitness centers, tennis courts, and more.
- For a top luxury hotel recommendation:
- Four Seasons Resort Orlando: Boasting a total of 443 rooms, this resort offers the largest standard guest room square footage in Orlando and features the largest Royal Suite in Central Florida. The property houses five exceptional dining venues (including the rooftop Michelin Star rated Capa Steakhouse, offering views of Disney fireworks nightly), the expansive five-acre Explorer Island water park, five resort pools, an 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed golf course, an 18-room spa, and three Har-Tru tennis courts.
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