Situated in the heart of Florida, Orlando is best known for its amusement parks. The city is also home to many other attractions worth visiting. Here are eight things you have to do when you visit Orlando.
That said, you could just as easily reach all of these attractions while staying in a neighbouring state like Miami (home to no less than 14 Michelin Star restaurants as of 2025!). Simply hop on a bus from Miami to Orlando – it’s only a 3.5-hour journey!
1) Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando
Spread across Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista near Orlando and Kissimmee, Walt Disney World is the jewel in Disney’s crown. It boasts four theme parks, two water parks, two resort parks, and four golf courses. The Life of Spicers blog features an entire section on Disney, including a nifty infographic of Walt Disney World’s different attractions.
2) Universal Orlando Resort
Packed with rides, shows, and attractions, including Universal Studios Florida, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Islands of Adventure theme parks, Universal CityWalk nightlife complex, and five hotels, the Universal Orlando Resort is paradise for any movie buff.
Although it’s nice to a stay at a resort hotel, however, the costs soon add up. Consider staying at one of the many other hotels in Orlando to save money.
3) NASA Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island
Located just an hour’s drive away from Orlando, you’d have to be from another planet to miss out on visiting the Kennedy Space Center. Fellow South Wales blogger Melissa Williams covers the Kennedy Space Center in more detail on her blog, The Diary of a Jewellery Lover. And, as a top tip, be sure to get your kennedy space center tickets before you head off to Orlando; these tours tend to fill up pretty quickly!
4) The Paddling Centre at Shingle Creek, Kissimmee
Nestled in Osceola County, just south of Orlando, Kissimmee offers a tranquil escape from the thrills of Orlando’s amusement parks and attractions. Fly down a zip line, soar high in a hot air balloon, or kayak at the Paddling Centre at Shingle Creek. Canadian blogger Mary Chong of The Calculated Traveller tried her hand at kayaking in Shingle Creek on a recent visit to Orlando.
5) iFLY Orlando
Ever wondered what it’s like to jump out of a plane, but never quite plucked up the courage to do it? iFLY Orlando is designed with you in mind. An indoor skydiving experience suitable for both children and adults, iFLY Orlando is a vertical wind tunnel that pushes your body upwards, creating the sensation of flying. Hear what travel bloggers Melissa and Mark Williams thought about their iFLY experience over at Fly Drive Explore.
6) Lakeridge Winery and Vineyard, Clermont
Established over 25 years ago, Lakeridge Winery and Vineyard is Florida’s biggest premium winery, known for its table and sparkling wines from muscadine and hybrid grapes. Head on over to money-saving blog, EmmaDrew.info for more information about Lakeridge Winery and Vineyard.
7) SeaWorld Parks and Resorts Orlando
One of the most visited amusement parks in the U.S., SeaWorld Parks and Resorts Orlando is home to a marine wildlife park, water park, and theme park, with seven branded hotels nearby. Lifestyle blogger Zoe Holmes of Nuggetstump Blog has produced a video montage of the time she spent in Orlando, including excellent footage of SeaWorld.
8) Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum, Orlando
Perched on International Drive, Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum consists of 10,000 square feet of strange artefacts. Everything inside this museum will make you look twice. Think shrunken heads, fertility statues, and decorated Tibetan skulls. Pop back over to the Fly Drive Explore blog to find out more!
Hopefully, this post will have given you plenty of ideas on things to do in Orlando! Don’t forget to let me know all about your visit – leave a comment below, drop me an email or send me a message on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!
Do you want to visit Orlando, Florida? Let me know the top reasons why you want to visit in the comment box below. Have I missed anywhere off my list?
So many amazing places to see. I want to explore so much more of Orlando. Thanks for including my suggestions.
You are most welcome – thank you for getting involved with this post!
Loving this post lovely!
Surprisingly, I go to Florida 2-3 times a year and I haven’t even done half of these! So these are a must-do for me next time!
Thank you so much! 🙂
Zoe
Glad to be of help! Thank you for your contribution as well.
Florida is definitely one of my favourite holiday destinations, but I’ve yet to visit the Kennedy Space Centre! I should definitely add it to my list for next time 🙂
I hope to go to Florida some day! Been doing lots of research and it’s definitely one for the bucket list!