All The Theme Parks & More
Explore Orlando Attractions
Explore Orlando
Theme Parks
The one thing Orlando is now world-renowned for is the choice and quality of theme parks you can visit.
There is actually so much choice that it can be hard for first time visitors to figure out what is where. My guides to all Orlando’s theme parks will help you sort out what you do and don’t want to do.
Walt Disney World
The Most Magical Place On Earth
Walt Disney World
Everything about Walt Disney World is huge. With 4 main theme parks plus 2 water parks, a family entertainment and shopping district, sports resort, numerous golf courses and myriad hotels to stay in, many people just come to visit here.
Universal Orlando Resort
Let Youreself Woah
Universal Orlando Resort
Some aggressive investment in recent years, most noticeably bringing the world of Harry Potter to thrilling life, has elevated Universal Parks from their post new-millennium lull.
The opening of Universal’s Epic Universe in 2025 will bring them just one theme park and one water park short of Disney World.
Seaworld Parks & Resorts
Visit With Purpose
Seaworld Parks
Coming out of a tough couple of years with a new management structure, renewed focus and multi-million dollar expansion plans, the Seaworld of today is very different to the way it has been portrayed in the media. As well as the main park there is a world-class water park and, in Discovery Cove, Orlando’s only all-inclusive day retreat.
Legoland Florida Resort
Play Your Part
Legoland Florida Resort
Rising from the ashes of Florida’s oldest theme park, Cypress Gardens, Legoland Florida is the third-largest Lego theme park in the world. As well as the main park there is also a water park, 2 on-site hotels and the world first stand-alone Peppa Pig Theme Park.
It’s Not All About Theme Parks
Midway Attractions
There is a lot more to Orlando than the headline theme parks. You can easily fill a few days wandering around various shopping centres and visiting quirky attractions.
Fill your evenings with a round of mini-golf, grab a drink in one of many bars before you enjoy a family meal in any number of wonderful restaurants or dinner shows.
International Drive
In the Center Of The Action
International Drive
International Drive is the main tourist area of Orlando. As well as many hotels you can find all manner of things to do and places to eat along its 11-mile length.
Most of the attractions and hotels are located in the northern half between Universal Boulevard and Highway 528. Much of the southern half of I-Drive as it is also known is yet to be developed. However, there is a good selection of hotels, restaurants and shops beyond Highway 528 down to Sea World Drive.
International Drive is home to popular midway attractions such as ICON Park, Ripley’s, Wonderworks and numerous mini-golf courses and shopping outlets.
Kissimmee
The Gateway To Disney World
Kissimmee Area
Kissimmee has long been the gateway to Walt Disney World whose main entrance is off highway 192 that dissects Kissimmee.
Like International Drive, you will find quite a few hotels within a few minute’s drive of Disney World as well as numerous shops and restaurants. Most holiday villa complexes are situated around Kissimmee with their own facilities.
The biggest attraction in Kissimmee is Old Town, an impressive collection of amusement rides, shops and restaurants which is great for the whole family.
Gatorland
The Alligator Capital Of The World
Gatorland
In the heart of Kissimmee, Gatorland has been an institution in Orlando for over 70 years, opening as a 16-acre curiosity in 1947.
Today Gatorland prides itself in educating visitors and locals in the amazing but vasty understood creatures. The now 115 acre property is sandwished perfectly between 2 swamps and is home to thousands of alligators, crocodiles and many other animals.
A day out at Gatorland is unlike anything else you would do in the normal theme parks. Go offroading on the shores of the swamp that feeds the headland of the Everglades or take a ride on one of the best zip lines in the world if you’re feeling brave.
Take a walk on the wild side and make memories that will last a lifetime on a visit to Gatorland.
Beaches, Malls & Gators Oh My!
And The Rest
Orlando is in the centre of Florida. Geographically you couldn’t be better positioned to see what more the Sunshine State offers.
An hour to the east you have the Space Coast and Daytona.
Head west and the warm crystal clear waters of the Caribbean will be lapping at your toes. Clearwater is just under 2 hours drive. Fort Myers and Sanibel Island are around 3 hours south-west.
The Everglades are closer than you think if you want to spend an adventurous morning or afternoon spotting wildlife on an airboat.
Atlantic Coast
Space Coast & Daytona
The Atlantic Coast
The rugged coastline of the Space Coast and Kennedy Space Centre are a top draw, and very easy to get to from Orlando. If you don’t want to drive, there are numerous tours that operate to the Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex and surrounding attractions daily.
Daytona and Daytona Beach of Indy 500 fame are just over an hour away.
The Atlantic coast is known for bearing the brunt of some Atlantic storms but Cocoa Beach is one of America’s finest.
The Gulf Coast
Experience The Caribbean
The Gulf Coast
The heart-pumping thrills of Busch Gardens on the outskirts of Tampa is a popular one-day addition to a lot of Orlando itineraries. Carry on a further half-hour to the white sand beaches of Clearwater.
Clearwater may be one of the nearest beaches to Orlando but you are spoilt for choice along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Your choice of activities is just as varied. Museums, zoological parks, mangrove kayaking and manatee spotting as well as the obvious sunset cruises.
Adding a Gulf Coast week to your itinerary is the perfect way to wind down from the sometimes frenetic pace of the theme parks.
