Orlando, Florida Hotels and City Guide

Orlando - Attractions

When most folks come to Orlando, they forget that they are in a beautiful tropical environment and they simply head off to see Mickey. There is no doubt that the theme parks are the number one attraction, but from the quiet shores of Lake Eola to the beckoning waves of both the Atlantic and Gulf, there is enough to do in the Orlando area for a month’s vacation even if you can’t stand theme parks.

Orlando Attractions

Walt Disney World Resort

This gigantic resort is like its own little city just south of the city of Orlando. With several theme parks, over a dozen hotels for every price range, a sports complex, water parks and more shopping than one could handle in a lifetime, it is no wonder that this is the epicentre of family vacationing. Start, as many people do, with the Magic Kingdom. Some folks from out west skip this park if they have been to Disneyland in California, but they soon learn that Disneyland could fit in the parking lot at the Magic Kingdom. There are also several rides at the Magic Kingdom that aren’t found at any other Disney park anywhere, so skip this spot at your own risk. EPCOT has been lampooned by the likes of the Simpsons for being a bit on the boring side, but the truth is, if you are a lover of science, culture and beautiful landscaping, this might end up being your favourite place to visit. With the giant geodesic dome known as Spaceship Earth welcoming you in the front gate, EPCOT is unlike any other theme park in the world. The Disney Studios is the smallest of the parks, but it packs a lot of fun into a small space. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror shouldn’t be missed, and the Studios often features some of the best live shows anywhere on Disney property. The newest park here is Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which was the largest theme park as far as acreage goes in the world when it opened. Now that the final area of the park, an Asia-themed area, has opened, this park is definitely worth a visit. Don’t miss the incredible safari ride as well as the incredible array of animals from all over the world.

Disney’s Blizzard Beach & Typhoon Lagoon

If all of that wasn’t enough, Disney also has more than its fair share of water parks. Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon set the standard for wet, wild fun and many people come away from a day here saying that they had more fun than they did in the theme parks. Don’t forget your sunscreen.

The array of hotels on Disney property is an attraction in their own right, especially the Animal Kingdom Lodge. If you can, plan a lunch or dinner here in one of the resort’s many fine restaurants. It’s worth the trip.

Universal Studios Florida

Almost as soon as the gates to Disney World opened to the public, there were other companies trying to get in on the action. While many different theme park competitors have come and gone, Universal has shown remarkable staying power. There are two Universal parks located in Orlando, as well as several on-property hotels, including the Hard Rock Hotel, similar to the one in Las Vegas, sans the gambling tables. The original Universal park is movie-themed, just like the original out in California. It is a fun park to visit and was actually the impetus to Disney hastily signing a partnership agreement with MGM to build their park. However, the real attraction is Universal’s Islands of Adventure. What Disney is to family fun, Islands of Adventure is to thrill seekers. With a combination of roller coasters and state of the art attractions such as a Spider-man themed ride, Islands of Adventure actually managed to out-Disney Disney in the sense that it took flawless theming, music, attractions and storylines and interweaved them into a fully immersive experience. This park is not to be missed.

Sea World

Almost next door to Universal’s two parks is Sea World. Sea World is part marine park, part family theme park, and in recent years, part thrill park. The owners realized that there was a serious lack of thrill rides in Central Florida and they have stepped forward to fill that void. The exciting Kraken coaster is one of the best anywhere in the state.

Holy Land Experience

Busch Gardens

If you still have a theme park jones, Busch Gardens is only an hour’s drive south to Tampa, or you could take a visit to the most unique theme park anywhere in the world: The Holy Land Experience. Located just off of I-4 at Conroy (right around the corner from Universal), the Holy Land Experience is ride-free, but still manages to provide entertainment through shows, exhibits and shopping for those looking for a religious-themed day out.

International Drive Shopping & Attractions

As stated above, there is a lot more to do in Orlando than just go to theme parks. International Drive is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike thanks to its huge diversity of attractions, shopping, restaurants and more. The best way to describe International Drive is to think of the Vegas strip, only without the casinos. You’ll find everything from Skull Kingdom, a lo-fi attraction that is overly campy on purpose, to a plethora of outlet malls, fast food places, excellent steak houses, go kart tracks and much more. It wouldn’t be difficult to spend an entire day on I-Drive, so make sure you allow enough time.

Bay Hill Country Club

Orlando is also a world class golf destination. There are a myriad of courses here, both on theme park property and off, that shouldn’t be missed. If you can only play one, however, check out Bay Hill, home of Tiger Woods. You’ll need to know someone, however, as the course is only open to members. The PGA makes a stop at one of the many courses on Disney property, so if you can’t get out to Bay Hill, this is your next best spot.

Loch Haven Park

Beautiful Loch Haven Park near downtown Orlando is a wonderful place to take a stroll. It is also home to the Orlando Museum of Art. This museum is widely considered to be one of the most respected in the southern United States, so even if you come from an area that is rich in galleries, this spot is not to be missed. It has rotating hours by season and by day, so make sure you contact the museum before you head out for the day.

Gatorland

Since its opening in 1949, Gatorland has billed itself as the original Orlando area attraction and the alligator capital of the world. This is one of the few pieces of classic Florida that remain intact. Visitors are treated to what is essentially a nature preserve chock full of gators from all over the globe. Experts give demonstrations where people can ask questions and even pet a few of the animals here. If you are looking for a less commercial day out with the kids, than Gatorland is the place to be.

Mennello Museum of American Folk Art

The Mennello Museum of American Folk Art is another can’t miss attraction near downtown. Admission is $4 for adults and only $1 for students, while kids under 12 get in free. This amazing museum is unlike any other museum you have been to before. It features folk around the country with a special emphasis on Native American folk art and southern folk art. The southern folk art tradition is rich and varied, and you can explore much of it right here. Although this is a spot well known to locals and even some tourists, it gets very little traffic and can make for a nice, low key day that is both affordable, educational and entertaining, too.

Hotels in Orlando, Florida