Orlando is a magical city in the state of Florida. This world’s theme park capital is special for the visitors. Apart from being home to Cinderella’s castle at Walt Disney World, Orlando is full of fun things to do. There are thousands of reasons that make it an ideal vacationing spot for everyone. Whether you are single, baby boomers, foodie, luxury shopper, family person, international visitor, or even an outdoor adventurous type; Orlando knows how to treat you well.
City of Orlando:
Orlando is the county seat of Orange County and it is the center of the Orlando metropolitan area. With a population of 2,509,831 (July 2017), it is the 23rd-largest metropolitan area in the nation and the sixth-largest metropolitan area in the Southern US. Orlando is also the third-largest metropolitan area in the state of Florida. It is nicknamed "the City Beautiful".
Orlando and Tourism:
In 2018, the city drew 75 million+ tourists from all over the world. It is said to be the most-visited cities across the globe. From music festivals to science programs and bowl games, WorldStrides sends many students to the magical city every year.
5 Interesting Things-To-Do in Orlando
Here are 10 of our favorite things-to-do in Orlando:
1. Theme Parks
Don’t forget to bring your family if you are planning to visit Orlando’s world-famous theme parks. Below are some famous theme parks to include in your list of favorite spots:
Disney's Magic Kingdom
Also known as Magic Kingdom Park, it is located at the Walt Disney World Resort in the Bay Lake area. Represented by the iconic Cinderella’s Castle, this nostalgia-heavy destination is amazing for kids and grownups as well. Some of the top entertainments you can enjoy include Fantasyland, Liberty Square, Frontierland, Adventureland, and Tomorrowland.
Universal's Islands of Adventure
For heart-pounding thrills, this theme park is the best. Don’t miss the dragons in Hogwarts (state-of-the-art) Forbidden Journey ride and Death Eaters during the day and the castle’s magical transformation at dusk. Some top entertainments are Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Skull Island, Jurassic Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, and The Lost Continent.
Epcot
This 305-acre park by Disney is recognized by the giant golf ball-like structure named Spaceship Earth. The theme park hosts many special events including International Food & Wine Festival, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, and much more. The two not-to-miss entertainments at Epcot are Future World and World Showcase.
Universal Studios Florida
To enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, this destination is the gate. The nighttime lagoon show is the recent addition to the park which is defined as an “epic cinema under the stars”. Don’t forget to visit World Expo, Woody Woodpecker's Kidzone, and Lagoon as they are top-rated entertainment spots at the theme park.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
It is a zoological theme park with 4 million+ trees, shrubs, and plants imported from all across the globe. This masterpiece is a must-to-go destination for several reasons. Some top reasons to visit this magical kingdom are Discovery Island, Pandora – The World of Avatar, Rafiki's Planet Watch, and DinoLand U.S.A.
2. Shopping
Whether you prefer on-budget shopping or high-end luxury, Orlando’s shopping options are incredible. It is home to some amazing shopping malls such as Altamonte Mall, Seminole Towne Center, Orlando Premium Outlets International Drive, Premium Outlets at Vine-land, Florida Mall, Mall of Millennia, and Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores.
3. Beaches
Orlando is also connected to some of the most pristine Atlantic Ocean beaches Gulf coasts. If you are looking for some near-by beaches to dip your toes in, the top options are Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Ormond Beach, and Canaveral National Seashore. All these beaches are at a driving distance of half an hour to one.
4. Dinning
Orlando is home to countless amazing restaurants, ideal for everyone’s budget and taste. They offer everything from steakhouses to Italian, American cuisine, Asian, Chinese, and whatnot. Some top spots to enjoy amazing food alone or with your family include CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort, Disney Springs at Walt Disney World, Prato, Kadence, ICEBAR, The Stubborn Mule, and some more.
5. Other Attractions
Orlando has thousands of options for you and your family, other than theme parks, restaurants, and malls. This includes amazing water parks such as Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Disney's Blizzard Beach; Sports such as Golf (Disney's Grand Floridian, ESPN Wide World of Sports, etc.); Indoor Activities at Madame Tussauds and SeaLife; and so much more.
Nightlife scenes offered by Orlando are another hit option. Among many bars, CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort is the best spot to enjoy.
Popular Seasonal Events
Orlando tops the list when it comes to sporting events, festivals, cultural happenings, outdoor festivities, concerts, theme park celebrations, and even virtual experiences. Some of the famous seasonal events you can catch at your next visit are:
Holiday Events
Top 5 Holiday events that will make your stay unforgettable include Holidays at Walt Disney World, Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony & Winter on the Avenue, SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration, Mount Dora Lighted Boat Parade, and Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops.
Sports Events
When it comes to Sports Events in Orlando, Citrus Bowl, Florida Blue Florida Classic, Cheez-It Bowl, Bulls at Magic, and Monster Energy Supercross Fan Fest Pass are top of the list.
Music Events
Apart from holiday and sports events, Orlando is also home to several musical events. Some of the most notable ones include Winter Wave Festival, A Right on Key Christmas, VIP Music Fest, MIGOS @ GILT 02/06, Coast2Coast Live, along with a few more
Top 3 Hotels To Book For Your Next Stay in Orlando
It is located at Universal Blvd and one of the coolest hotels you would ever stay in. It is popular for its show-stopping service along with a laid-back luxurious style. You can also enjoy some delicious American cuisine during the stay.
The avg. per night rate is under $500. The hotel is well-known for offering many exciting amenities such as a Palm-lined swimming pool with underwater music, Free High-Speed Internet (WiFi), Bar/lounge, Electric vehicle charging station, Children Activities (Kid & Family Friendly), Fitness Center with Gym, Shuttle bus service, Paid private parking on-site, 24-hour security, and a nearby convenience store. You can also bring your pets here.
Top 3 nearby attractions:
Universal's Hard Rock® Hotel offers three major nearby attractions to make your stay even better. These are Hollywood Drive-in Golf, Universal Studios Florida, and Universal CityWalk.
The hotel is located at The Florida Mall, and it is popular for an unmatched blend of luxurious comfort and world-class service. You can book the hotel for under $200. Enjoy an unforgettable vacation with a helpful staff and some exciting amenities. Some of the top ones are an amazing pool, free High-Speed Internet (WiFi), a Fitness Center with Gym, Bar/lounge, free parking, Conference facilities, Restaurant, 24-hour security, Spa, Allergy-free rooms, and much more. Also, you can book an interconnected room for your children or other family members.
Top 3 nearby attractions:
The Florida Mall, M&M’S World Orlando, and American Girl Orlando are the top three attractions you can enjoy at a walking distance from your hotel.
Holiday Inn Club falls in the category of affordable options. You can reserve the room for under $100 per night. It is located at the Orange Lake Resort, next to Disney Animal Kingdom theme park and Walt Disney World® Resort. The moment you step in feels like you have entered the brand-new vacation home!
The featured amenities include an Indoor and Outdoor Pool, Children Activities, Free High-Speed Internet (WiFi), Workout Room, Electric vehicle charging station, Bar/lounge, Fitness/spa locker rooms, Shuttle bus service, 24-hour security, a convenience store, and of course, pets are allowed.
Top 3 nearby entertainment spots:
Universal Studios Florida, Blue Man Group, and Universal CityWalk are three top-rated nearby attractions at a walking distance from Holiday Inn Club Vacations.
What are you waiting for? Align your next visit to this heaven on Earth and enjoy an incredible stay. For more information, visit BookOnline.com now!