Things to Do in Orlando, United States of America

Orlando, Florida's entertainment capital, is synonymous with world-class theme parks and magical experiences that attract millions of visitors annually. Home to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios, and numerous other attractions, this vibrant city offers far more than just thrills and rides. Beyond the theme parks, Orlando boasts a thriving downtown scene, beautiful lakes, diverse neighborhoods, and a growing culinary landscape that reflects its multicultural population. While families with children make up a significant portion of visitors, Orlando caters to all types of travelers with luxury resorts, championship golf courses, world-class shopping, and vibrant nightlife. The city's year-round warm climate, excellent infrastructure, and endless entertainment options make it one of America's top vacation destinations, where childhood dreams come alive and adults can rediscover their sense of wonder.

Top Things to Do in Orlando

Theme Park Adventures

Experience the magic of world-famous theme parks including Walt Disney World's four parks, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. Each park offers unique attractions, from classic Disney magic and cutting-edge Universal rides to marine life encounters. Plan for multiple days to fully experience the immersive worlds, character meet-and-greets, and spectacular shows.

Booking Tip: Purchase multi-day tickets online in advance for significant savings (3-day tickets start around $300). Consider park hopper options and express passes during peak seasons. Book dining reservations 60 days ahead for Disney properties.

International Drive Entertainment

Explore Orlando's famous I-Drive corridor packed with attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Visit ICON Park with its 400-foot observation wheel, Madame Tussauds, and SEA LIFE Aquarium. The strip offers mini-golf, dinner shows, shopping outlets, and diverse dining options all within walking distance or a short trolley ride.

Booking Tip: Look for combo tickets that include multiple I-Drive attractions for $50-80. The I-Drive Trolley offers unlimited rides for $5 per day. Many attractions offer online discounts of 10-20%.

Outdoor Adventures and Nature

Discover Orlando's natural side with airboat tours through nearby wetlands, kayaking on pristine lakes, or exploring Bok Tower Gardens. Take day trips to natural springs like Blue Spring State Park for manatee viewing or Wekiwa Springs for swimming and hiking. The city's numerous lakes offer fishing, boating, and scenic walking trails.

Booking Tip: Airboat tours cost $25-45 per person with morning tours often less crowded. State park entry fees are typically $6 per vehicle. Book nature tours during weekdays for smaller groups and better wildlife viewing.

Food and Culinary Experiences

Embark on culinary adventures through Orlando's diverse food scene, from food truck tours to upscale dining experiences. Explore local neighborhoods like Mills 50 for authentic Vietnamese cuisine, take cooking classes, or join brewery tours in the craft beer scene. The city offers everything from celebrity chef restaurants to hidden local gems.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost $60-100 per person and last 3-4 hours. Make reservations at popular restaurants well in advance. Many brewery tours include tastings for $30-50 and often provide transportation.

Entertainment and Nightlife

Experience Orlando's vibrant nightlife scene from downtown's trendy bars and rooftop lounges to dinner theaters and live music venues. Catch a show at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, explore the nightclub scene at CityWalk, or enjoy family-friendly dinner shows featuring medieval themes, comedy, or musical performances.

Booking Tip: Dinner show tickets range from $50-80 for adults with children's pricing available. Downtown parking can be expensive ($10-20), so consider rideshare options. Book show tickets online for early-bird discounts.

Getting There

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the busiest airports in the United States, served by major domestic and international airlines with direct flights from most major cities. The airport is conveniently located about 20 minutes from downtown Orlando and most theme park areas. Ground transportation options include rental cars, rideshare services, hotel shuttles, and the Sunshine Flyer train service to I-Drive. For those driving, Orlando is easily accessible via major highways including I-4, I-95, and the Florida Turnpike, with the city serving as a central hub for exploring the state.

Getting Around

Renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring Orlando and surrounding attractions, with most hotels offering free parking. The I-Drive Trolley is an affordable option for getting around the International Drive area, while Disney World and Universal offer complimentary transportation between their parks and resort hotels. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available and convenient for shorter trips. The SunRail commuter train connects downtown Orlando to surrounding communities, and many hotels provide shuttle services to major theme parks, though schedules can be limited.

Where to Stay

International Drive

Disney World Resort Area

Universal Studios Area

Downtown Orlando

Lake Buena Vista

Celebration

Food & Dining

Orlando's culinary scene has evolved dramatically beyond typical tourist fare, offering an impressive array of dining options that reflect the city's diverse population. The Mills 50 district (also known as ViMi) features authentic Vietnamese, Thai, and other Asian cuisines, while downtown Orlando boasts upscale restaurants, craft breweries, and trendy gastropubs. Theme park areas offer everything from quick-service options to award-winning fine dining, with Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk providing extensive dining and entertainment complexes. Don't miss local specialties like fresh seafood, Cuban sandwiches, and citrus-inspired dishes, along with the growing farm-to-table movement in neighborhoods like Thornton Park and College Park.

When to Visit

Orlando enjoys a subtropical climate with year-round warm temperatures, making it a popular destination in any season. The best weather occurs from October through April, with comfortable temperatures (70-80°F), lower humidity, and minimal rainfall, though this is also peak season with higher prices and crowds. Summer months (June-September) are hot, humid, and prone to afternoon thunderstorms, but offer lower hotel rates and shorter wait times at attractions. Hurricane season runs from June through November, though direct hits are rare. Spring break (March-April) and major holidays see the largest crowds and highest prices, so plan accordingly.

Insider Tips

Download theme park mobile apps for real-time wait times, mobile food ordering, and digital FastPass systems to maximize your time and minimize waiting in lines.

Stay at an on-property Disney or Universal resort hotel for early park access, complimentary transportation, and the ability to make dining reservations earlier than off-property guests.

Visit theme parks during weekdays and avoid major holidays, spring break, and summer months for shorter lines - Tuesday through Thursday typically offer the best experience with manageable crowds.

Things to Do in Orlando