It is true that theme parks are Orlando’s main draws, but this city has so much more to offer! From museums to beautiful nature trails – Orlando truly has it all.
Soak in some shade while taking a stroll through beautiful Lake Eola Park – this breathtaking downtown park should not be missed when visiting Orlando!
Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World is an entertainment complex in Florida containing four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom); two water adventure parks (Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon); a shopping-dining complex called Disney Springs; as well as various hotels and resorts based around characters created by Disney Company. All attractions within these theme parks feature characters whose stories they tell.
This park features numerous classic rides and attractions, including Peter Pan’s Flight which uses an overhead track that simulates flying over London before traveling into Neverland with all of Peter Pan’s characters from the film. A more recent addition is Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway with cutting-edge technology which transports guests inside a cartoon world.
As summer temperatures can reach extremely hot levels, parks offer the perfect way to beat the heat outlined on Orlando’s Best Vacation, while offering many other amenities – restaurants and pools, spa services and activities designed specifically for children are among them.
Animal Kingdom may be the park’s greatest hidden gem: home to more than 100 species of animals and featuring adrenaline-pumping rides and shows, it offers something for every visitor at this amusement-park zoo hybrid. As one of its highlights, Asia Area features an outstanding reconstruction of Nepalese landscape centered on Everest; while DinoLand U.S.A is home to prehistoric world of dinosaurs – making it the seventh most visited theme park worldwide. The Magic Kingdom has also seen several noteworthy additions over recent years, such as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – scheduled to open next year – as well as temporary overlays of popular attractions, such as Nightmare Before Christmas on Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom.
SeaWorld
SeaWorld Orlando is an aquatic theme park that provides visitors with an engaging marine world experience, featuring animals, incredible rollercoasters and water slides. SeaWorld Orlando is also known for their animal rescue and rehabilitation efforts – which make a key part of their experience at the park!
This park is great for all ages, though thrill-seekers might enjoy more challenging rides than others. Visit during a festival event for added activities and themed experiences!
One of the highlights is Sharks Underwater exhibit, with giant tunnels offering 180-degree views of fish, rays and other aquatic creatures. There’s also a smaller tank with smaller creatures such as lionfish, moray eels and others that don’t seem as scary but still provide fascinating views.
Penguin Expedition offers visitors an unforgettable experience as it brings five different species of penguins back into their natural environments. Kids (and some adults!) alike can get completely soaked during this attraction’s Rubber Duckie Water Works splash pad experience!
SeaWorld also hosts several arena-style trained animal shows that draw huge crowds of spectators each day, featuring various species. Most renowned among these is Clyde and Seamore’s Sea Lion High where an acrobatic pair of sea lions will perform for your delight as well as playful Asian small-clawed otters who perform.
Attractions at the park include a Dolphin Days show featuring hundreds of dolphins performing dynamically, as well as an exceptional manatee rehabilitation area that houses injured manatees from all across Florida and showcases their remarkable recovery process.
Kennedy Space Center
If you are passionate about space exploration, Kennedy Space Center should be on your itinerary during an Orlando vacation. Situated an hour east of Theme Park Capital of the World on Florida’s east coast, it was once home to many important NASA launches; today it serves as a huge visitor complex, packed with attractions.
No matter the age of the traveler, this top Orlando attraction has something for everyone. Take a tour of the Vehicle Assembly Building or Rocket Garden to gain insight into America’s space travel history; learn more at Heroes & Legends with real artifacts from Mercury and Gemini missions like Redstone rocket hanging overhead as well as replicas of Sigma 7 and Gemini 9 spacecrafts; then stop by Moonscape for an authentic Apollo spacecraft as well as replicas of Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong planting the American flag on the moon – all while learning history along the way!
Visit Kennedy Space Center to witness a live launch! Check the NASA website to see which vehicles will be taking off, and book a Bus Tour of Kennedy Space Center to get an in-depth view of its active launch pads. Tour highlights of Vehicle Assembly Building and historic Crawler Way include bus rides through these spaces to view Saturn V rockets and Apollo spacecrafts as well as behind-the-scenes glimpses at Space Shuttle Atlantis and other impressive rockets. In addition to that there’s Planet Play: an indoor two-story climbing structure where kids can burn off excess energy; plus for even more thrills try Shuttle Launch Experience, where you can experience what it’s like being an astronaut during launch!
Fun Spot America
At Disney World’s Animal Kingdom, Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter or SeaWorld Orlando – are fun but can also be overwhelming experiences! For something with simpler thrills that doesn’t break the bank, Fun Spot America provides family friendly rides at two convenient locations around The City Beautiful that offer something for both kids and adults – with tickets that cost much less than expected!
Fun Spot America, a family-owned and operated amusement park, strives to deliver outstanding guest service. They adhere to the Golden Rule by treating every visitor like family or friend when visiting one of their parks.
Fun Spot America features an exciting variety of attractions including go-karts, roller coasters and thrilling rides, bumper boats, midway games, bumper boats and the Kids Spot. Daredevils will love taking on Rockstar Coaster while experienced thrillseekers will savor old school thrills on Orlando’s only upside down wooden roller coaster, White Lightning.
Families can challenge each other on massive multi-level go kart tracks or race each other in bumper boats. Or get their adrenaline going with thrilling rides like Space Invader, Rip Curl and Mine Blower; or soar 300 feet into the air on Freedom Flyer!
Attractions on International Drive can be hard to spot; yet this modern family fun theme park is easy to reach. Parking and admission are both free; non-riders may pay an entry fee of just a few dollars. Plus, when purchasing online before your visit you can save money; your voucher will arrive by email which you present upon entry and receive four passes that let you ride as many rides as desired!
Coca Cola Orlando Eye
The Orlando Eye (formerly the Coca Cola Orlando Eye), opened to the public in 2015 as an attraction similar to London Eye. Offering guests breathtaking panoramic views of Downtown Orlando and nearby areas, its popularity quickly spread among both visitors and residents. Since opening day it has become a local favorite as well as being host to events like Nik Wallenda high wire walker performances! Part of ICON Orlando 360 complex which also contains Madame Tussauds wax museum and Sea Life Aquarium; owned by Merlin Entertainments worldwide leader of amusement attractions.
Although its name may have changed, the Orlando Eye still provides spectacular views of Orlando from 30 climate-controlled capsules that comfortably seat 15 people each. A gradual rotation allows guests to see various landmarks including nearby theme parks and attractions, downtown Orlando, Kennedy Space Center in Florida’s east coast region as well as free WiFi while on ride. Furthermore, pre-flight 4D cinema experience and WiFi service is also offered on board the wheel ride.
This year, the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye was given its iconic name and bold contemporary aesthetic a fresh makeover. Additionally, select capsules offer enhanced guest experiences including upbeat music selection, themed decor and selfie sticks – as well as tablets offering Coca-Cola beverages! Guests are invited to share photos and memories using hashtag #cocacolaorlandoeye!
Visit these top attractions during your Orlando vacation to make it truly enjoyable. Natural lakes, scenic trails and exciting activities will create memories to last a lifetime! For more information about them and other Orlando attractions visit Teri Isner’s one-stop website; she is a premier Orlando FL real estate agent who has assisted buyers and sellers for 24 years with both buying and selling properties – her clients speak volumes about how satisfied they have been! She can assist in finding you your ideal home.