Orlando, Florida — Things to Do
Sightseeing in Orlando
Famed for one of the United States' most popular attractions, Walt Disney World, Orlando boasts other noteworthy attractions besides the justifiably iconic Magic Kingdom.
Head a little further into this Floridian city to discover Universal Studios where its two theme parks, an entertainment complex and film sets will keep visitors on the edge of their seats. Visiting during the summer? Wet 'n Wild is a must for cooling off while Sea World has earned itself repute as one of the best marine parks in the world for more than 25 years and is not to be missed.
Florida's second most popular attraction is the Kennedy Space Center at nearby Cape Canaveral, where visitors can walk through a giant model of the new International Space Station, view authentic rockets and marvel at all the original artifacts from the moon landing.
The Orlando Museum of Art is a must for lovers of fine arts, while adrenalin junkies should make a pilgrimage to the NASCAR Daytona Speedway. For something a little stranger, look no further than the Orlando Odditorium where exhibits of weird and wonderful things, amassed over a period of 40 years by explorer Robert Ripley, can be viewed.
Travelers planning on doing lots of sightseeing might think about buying an Orland Go Card which grants free entrance to various attractions as well as provides a full-color guide book for as many days sightseeing as you'd like in a three, five or seven day options. Go Cards are available at the Official Visitor Center or Festival Bay Mall.
Shopping in Orlando
There is no shortage of shopping opportunities for travelers in Orlando and with luxury department stores and upscale boutiques to antique shops and farmers markets, shoppers will have a hard time deciding where to begin. Many hotels offer free shuttle services to major shopping destinations too - what more could a woman ask for?
Start off at one of the largest single-story malls in the United States, the Florida Mall, which features more than 250 stores including Macy's Sears, JCPenney, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue as well as an outdoor shopping plaza where shoppers can enjoy all those sunny days. The Festival Bay Mall on International Drive is home to stores, a skate park, and a theater, the Waterford Lakes Town Center is an open-air mall featuring large chain stores, small shops, restaurants and even IMAXDigital, and the Mall at Millenia boasts designer names like Betsey Johnson, Chanel and Louis Vuitton.
Antique hunters need look no further than Orlando's Antique Row on Orange Avenue in downtown where a wide variety of collectables can be found, while bargain hunters should head over to Flea World in Sanford and Osceola Flea & Farmers Market in Kissimmee where collectively more than 2,600 wholesale dealers can be found providing everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to old books, leather goods, jewelry, souvenirs and beachwear.
Of course the main souvenirs in Orlando are anything Disney or NASA-related so be sure to pick up your caps and t-shirts from the gift shops before you leave.
Attractions for Kids
The home of Mickey Mouse, it goes without saying that Orlando is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States for families traveling with kids. With plenty of sunshine and boasting such attractions as Sea World, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, Orlando is a children's playground and very often tops the list of places kids would most like to visit.
Universal Studios is great for older kids too as there are plenty of thrilling blockbuster-themed rides to enjoy as well as games and other interactive activities to enjoy, while the 'littlies' can enjoy a Fieval's playground, Woody Woodpeckers Nuthouse Coaster and a 'Day in the Park with Barney' a live stage production for little ones to sing along to their favorite songs. Kids will also love a visit to Gatorland, a theme park and wildlife preserve that is nicknamed 'the Alligator Capital of the World', where thousands of crocodiles and alligators can be viewed from a boardwalk suspended above the marshy swamps below.
Take the little ones to Water Mania or Wet 'n Wild to cool off in the hot Floridian sun, take them on a historic and educational tour of the Kennedy Space Center, spend the day hiking and picnicking in the Turkey Lake Park, check out what's happening round Lake Eola or simply let the kids run around in the nearby playground while you take a breather.
With all these options and more, kids will have a fabulous time on vacation in Orlando, but parents should note that during the spring and summer months the main tourist attractions and theme parks are heaving with visitors and a better time to visit Orlando may be during the slightly cooler months of autumn or winter.
