The city of Orlando Florida draws in tens of millions of tourists each year. Orlando is the fourth largest city in the State of Florida, and it usually dubbed as the home of theme parks. While these parks drive most of the tourism, there’re plenty of areas to explore just outside their gates in “The City Beautiful.”
Most people who claim of visiting Orlando never truly experience it. They arrive at the Orlando International Airport and head straight to theme parks. In the past decade, the city has reasserted its character, creativity, and diversity. Several hip districts have emerged, and many people have moved towards downtown. While at the same time, the city’s urban culture remains thriving.
Orlando has a subtropical climate where the weather turns hot and rainy from May to October and slightly cooler from November to April. Orlando often faces hurricanes because of its location. But that doesn’t make it a no-go as people love to travel here with their families and friends.
Here’s a list of 7 places that represent the best of Orlando.
1. Walt Disney World Parks
The Walk Disney World is the most popular destination in the entire state! It is a place that adults and children love to visit. The Magic Kingdom is the park that is loved by most people as it offers a beautiful view to the tourists. At the same time, the Epcot’s Spaceship Earth geosphere stands at the center of this park.
These areas of the park include places like Future World and the World Showcase, which offers people to look at different cultures and interact with popular Disney Characters.
Other than that, the Hollywood Studios park shows the way the brand is represented in movies with its stunt and special effect shows. Similarly, the Kilimanjaro safari experience at the Animal Kingdom is the best way to see animals run free in their natural surroundings.
2. SeaWorld
The SeaWorld in Orlando has huge aquariums, pools, whale and dolphin shows, and exciting rides that give you an adrenaline rush. You also get the chance to interact and pet dolphins. If you want to get even closer, you can sign up for an up-close tour with the dolphins, sharks, sea lions, or killer whales.
Other than these interactions, you can take a behind the scenes tour of the SeaWorld operations or look at the dolphin nursery. This park is the best place to visit on a hot summer day in Florida. Moreover, the park comes with roller coasters, with each offering different experiences.
3. Spend Fun Time in Volcano Bay
The Volcano Bay is a water theme park run by Universal. Since it’s a full-fledged resort, you can avail any one of its play-and-stay options according to your schedule. The Krakatau houses the most popular Aqua Coaster thrill ride, whereas, Waturi Beach is the place where guests relax.
Here, you can rent a cabana or use one of the already provided lounge chairs to relax. People looking for a thrill can experience the huge waterslides, thrill rides, and go tubing. Younger tourists can also have a good time as the park includes a zero-entry wading area.
The park is concerned about creating ease for its guests and offers TapuTapu – a device that allows you to get in the line for one ride at a time. It helps you relax and avoid standing in lines during the hot sun.
4. Universal Theme Parks
Universal Studios Florida is a theme park and a working studio that was designed to give the visitors an interactive experience with the filmmaking industry. It was created with the consultation of Steven Spielberg. Universal’s Islands of Adventure has seven theme parks where each park is associated with a film franchise.
Recently, the park has added a wizard-themed area to its themed parks. The Universal Studio regularly holds events for the guests and offer different entertainment options. The City Walk offers dining, movies, and shopping experience for its visitors.
5. Visit the Kennedy Space Center’s Visitor Complex
People who are coming to Orlando flock to seeing NASA’s best-known operation centers. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is an hour away from the central city and offers a unique experience. Here, you will find the exhibits that will introduce you to the lives and careers of people who made space exploration possible.
The space center also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and the Rocket Garden. This is where you can see rockets from NASA’s most famous flights, including the Apollo and the Gemini programs. You can also look at lunar exploration, receive mock astronaut training, and experience a shuttle launch. If you happen to be there at the right time, you can see a live launch from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
6. Meet the Exotic Animals
The Exotic Animal Experience in Orlando offers the chance to interact with some of the world’s most interesting species. Residents at the park include several exotic animals such as kangaroos, lemurs, owl monkeys, kinkajou, and two-toed sloths.
To visit this park, you need to reserve your place beforehand. You have to option of a group experience, a private visit or a special package that allows you to spend some extra time interacting with the animals. If you want to hang out and spend more time in the park, you can opt for their “Simply Sloths” option.
7. Orlando Science Center
This center is all about since! It covers many branches of science, including mechanics, biology, and different applied technologies, to name a few. Each section contains themed exhibits from various fields of science. “Kids Town” is the most visited place in the science center. It is available to children and offers engaging, interactive exhibits. The Kids Town also hosts laser shows and features films at the Dr. Philips CineDome.
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Final Words on Orlando, Florida
Orlando has a lot more to offer other than the places mentioned above. If you are visitant Orlando for the first time, it is good to cover all these attractions as soon as possible and visit places that are unique and represent the culture of the city better.
For instance, the Milk District is currently the cultural hub of the city and offers a unique experience. Similarly, you can visit the Morse Museum or the Cornell Fine Arts Museum if you have a taste for arts and culture.
Please feel free to take advantage of our amazing Orlando hotel discounts. The sooner you book, the sooner you’ll be able to pack your bags for vacation!
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