Are you looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Do you know you want to enjoy the day or an entire weekend of fun activities but aren’t sure where to go?
Orlando is a top pick for those searching for the ideal getaway. There are plenty of activities to do in Orlando and not all are for kids or families only. Individuals, couples, and groups of friends can also have an amazing time while visiting.
If you’re planning to visit soon, then you might be in need of an Orlando vacation guide. What are all the fun things to do in Orlando? Where are the best Orlando tourist destinations?
In the guide below you’ll find all the answers you’re searching for plus more! Continue reading to learn about the best things to do while in Orlando.
1. The World’s Largest McDonald’s
You most likely didn’t expect a visit to McDonald’s to be at the top of this list, so we made sure to place it here. That’s right! When you’re in Orlando, you don’t want to pass up the opportunity to visit the world’s largest McDonald’s.
What makes this McDonald’s stand out from the rest other than its size?
Located at 6875 Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, Florida, this Mcdonald’s offers a menu with much more variety than others. When you first walk in, you’ll see a dessert/ice cream buffet on one side. On the other, you’ll find an open view of the kitchen where oven-fire pizzas are made.
You can also create your own pasta and other meals here. Downstairs is regular seating, but upstairs provides additional seating and an entire arcade! There’s even a prize counter for your ticket trade-in.
2. The Orlando Eye
Next on our list is the Orlando Eye. The Orlando Eye is a Ferris wheel located at Icon Park at 8375 International Dr, Orland. The seats on this Ferris wheel are enclosed and offer some amazing views of Orlando.
This isn’t the only thing to do at Icon Park, however. You can also find a decent-sized aquarium, rides, food court, dessert options, and some pretty great restaurants as well. There’s even one restaurant where you can order a chocolate pinata for dessert!
3. Explore Disney Springs
Orlando is most known for Disney World and Universal Studios. Have you heard of Disney Springs, though? Disney Springs, once known as Downtown Disney, is located at 1486 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista.
It’s a part of Disney, but there’s no charge to get in. Parking is free as well. Once you park your car, you can then walk up to the open plaza of shops, restaurants, bars, entertainment/shows, and more. Disney Springs is also home to the Rainforest Cafe, T-Rex, Planet Hollywood, The House of Blues, The Boathouse, and so much more.
All of these restaurants offer unique dining experiences you won’t find anywhere else. There are also small rides for the children, balloon rides, and shows to keep everyone entertained.
4. Visit a Few Museums
You might not think to visit a museum while in Orlando, but the city has its way of turning something ordinary into something extraordinary! Here, you can discover Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum and Wonderworks just to name a couple.
At Ripley’s Believe It or Not, located at 8201 International Dr, Orlando, you’ll come across all of those amazing and unbelievable records set by some awesome people. The museum has a way of bringing it all to life as well.
Wonderworks is located at 9067 International Dr, Orlando, and offers a variety of hands-on attractions. You can also take part in laser tag, a rope course, and even a 6D motion ride!
5. Shop at The Florida Mall
The Flordia Mall is located at 8001 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando. You can find just about anything you’re looking for while there. There are over 250 dining, shopping, and entertainment options to choose from.
If you have a free day and aren’t sure how to spend it, then you can plan to spend an entire day here without effort. There’s so much to do, see, and eat, plus you might find a few new stores you’ve never heard of before.
The Florida Mall is also connected to the Crayola Experience, which is something that might interest those with young children.
6. Take Part in the Crayola Experience
The Crayola Experience Orlando is located at 8001 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando. It is considered an amusement attraction, which does require the purchase of tickets to enter. Once in, children can roam freely while exploring all the fun things they can use Crayola crayons for.
There’s an adventure lab where children will use tablets to solve riddles and puzzles while making their way out of the lab. The whole family can come together in a photo booth to create their very own coloring page! There’s also a playground, a place the offers treats, and much more for everyone to explore.
7. Escape to a Natural Spring
Orlando is also home to many natural springs. Although some springs might not be located directly in Orlando, they are very close and worth visiting. Alexander Springs, De Leon Springs State Park, and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park are a few out of the many different springs in the area.
Natural springs are breathtaking places to visit not just because of the cold water. Imagine swimming in crystal clear springs which allow you to see all of the beautiful wildlife swimming right beside you. Most Springs also offer canoe or kayak rentals to take down the rivers that connect to the springs.
These are also the perfect places for an inexpensive day trip. Some springs will offer food options, but others might not so it’s best to do your research beforehand and pack a picnic if needed.
8. Check Out the Theme Parks
Of course, a list of things to do in Orlando wouldn’t be complete without the theme parks. Orlando is home to many wonderful theme parks from both Universal Studios and Disney.
Universal Studios and Disney
Most visitors without small children like visiting Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
There are several exciting rides for older riders at each park. There’s also a lot for the little ones as well. Then, there’s Disney World.
Disney has 4 major theme parks, including Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Epcot. Each park offers its own unique atmosphere and recreations from Disney movies and series.
Water Parks
Keep in mind, there are also waterparks. Both Universal and Disney have waterparks available. Volcano Bay is Universal’s and Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are Disney’s.
All are wonderful options for the entire family. With the weather in Orlando being so intense most days, the water parks are a nice escape and tickets are cheaper than the regular theme parks.
SeaWorld
You also have SeaWorld and SeaWorld’s water park, Aquatica to choose from as well! Plus, there are many wonderful resorts and hotels located near all parks both on and off Disney and Universal property, so be sure to check this out.
9. Go Back in Time at Old Town
If you want to escape the current year for a moment in time, then be sure to check out Old Town. Located at 5770 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee. It’s the perfect place if you’re interested in classic show cars and historical architecture.
Every Friday and Saturday night, visitors line up along the sides of the street to watch the classic car show. There’s also an old-school arcade and carnival area. Unique shops and restaurants will keep you busy once you’re done riding the rides.
10. Swim With the Dolphins
Have you ever wanted to swim with the dolphins? Florida provides an ideal environment for dolphins in the wild, but swimming with them in the wild most likely won’t happen. Instead, plan your day at Discovery Cove, located at 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando.
You can swim with dolphins, check out the aviary, feed stingrays, get close encounters with animals, snorkel in the Grand Reef, have fun at the beach areas, and much more.
It’s quite a unique park to visit and will create memories you’ll cherish.
There’s an Endless Amount of Activities to Do in Orlando
If you’re looking for a city filled with awesome things to do, then you’ve made the right choice by choosing Orlando as your place to visit. The list of activities to do in Orlando is never-ending. The items listed in this guide below are just the starting point of what waits for you there.
Start planning your Orlando vacation now to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
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