Top Tourist Attractions In Orlando From A Local
Orlando, Florida is known for its tourist attractions. Here we have so many things to do, from theme parks, water parks, shopping, and more! Orlando is a very diverse city that offers much to do to many different people. Here’s a guide from a local of the top attractions in Orlando that are worth seeing or doing on your next vacation to Florida.
Walt Disney World
This is a no brainer when it comes to visiting places that make Orlando what it is. Disney World has so much to do and offer! Each park is worth the visit if you have the time. Explore the wildlife in Animal Kingdom, fly through space on Magic Kingdom’s Space Mountain, ride the thriller Tower of Terror in Hollywood Studios, and soar through the wonders of the world on Epcot’s Soarin’.
During a certain time of the year Epcot starts their famous Food & Wine Festival offering international foods and beverages to try. Disney’s grounds are children friendly making it a perfect spot for families. The employees go above and beyond to make your vacation and experience memorable.
Disney is also home to many beautiful resorts that offer an experience like no other. Each with their own theme, they take you into another world. It’s recommended to spend at least one day in each park to experience the number of things there is to do and see. There’s also water parks to visit during those brutal hot Florida months.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
Leu Gardens as the local’s call it is an amazing botanical garden of 5o acres to explore. Their purpose is to provide information and encourage their visitors to appreciate the plants around them. Leu Gardens is an interactive place and creates many special events for the public to come and join.
They have “find the fairies” events for children to come and explore their fairy doors placed around the garden to encourage their imagination. They also have movie nights, story times, and home-schooling classes.
If you love the outdoors and would like to enjoy a nice stroll around beautiful grounds surrounded by stunning palms, flowers, trees, and more, this is the perfect place for you.
Andretti Indoor Go-Karts and Games
Do you want to get your heart pumping with adrenaline? Have a little friendly competition with your family or SO? Go back to your childhood days of playing games and driving go-karts at Andretti. This place features the world’s longest go-kart track and one with multiple levels!
All of this fun takes place inside so you don’t need to worry about getting rained out in Florida’s unpredictable weather. This place features an electric go-kart track, rope course and zipline, an arcade, laser tag, bowling, and more. There is also a restaurant for after your festivities and a full bar.
Whatever you’re feeling up to, Andretti probably has it! On your next trip to Orlando, make sure to put this on the top of your list!
Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure & Volcano Bay
These three parks offer endless fun and entertainment. When I was younger, and when The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was non-existent, I would spend every weekend there in the summer. You cannot get bored when there’s always something to do and see.
Universal is action packed with featured rides from movies. Dip into your youth and fly on bikes to save E.T’s planet! Or if you love those little yellow guys in overalls, take a spin on the Minion ride. The main two parks are notorious for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which offers many spots of engagement for visitors, like interactive wand spots, or letting a wand choose you at Ollivander’s, or tasting the famous butter beer, and more!
If the weather permits, head over to Volcano Bay, Universal Orlando’s water park. There are various rides, lazy rivers, and wave pools to experience but the main focal point of Volcano Bay is its volcano named Krakatau. Beautifully made for waterfalls that stream down into a pool at the bottom. There is also a designated section for the kiddos with slides, tubes, water squirters, and more!
ICON Orlando
Otherwise known as the Orlando Eye, a 400 feet observation wheel in the heart of Orlando. It features capsules that are air-conditioned to carry passengers up into the sky to overlook the city. This wheel provides a smooth ride all the way around without any swinging or rocking.
On a clear day you can see far beyond the city of Orlando. Schedule your ride during the sunset to catch a glimpse of how stunning Florida’s sunsets can be. You can also combine your Orlando Eye experience with the other attractions around, like Madame Tussauds and Sea Life Aquarium.
Madame Tussauds is an interactive museum that is home to life-like statues of celebrities and super-heroes. Explore the museum and take super fun selfies with your favorites! Sea Life Aquarium is home to many different types of water creatures. Follow the maze of different habitats featuring countless species!
Shop ‘Til You Drop
There are so many places around Orlando to fill your need of shopping. Disney Springs offers popular shops like, Anthropology, Free People, Kate Spade, Lucky Brand, and so much more. They also offer bars and restaurants too. Orlando’s Premium Outlets is Orlando’s prime spot for shopping to get the best deals you can. Plus, there’s over 180 stores, making it easy to get everything you want in one place.
The Mall at Millenia is another hot spot in Orlando to fill your shopping needs. You can find many designer brands here plus the very popular department stores. There are restaurants located within the mall as well, making it easy to grab a bite to eat after your shopping trip. Also similar to the Mall at Millenia is the Florida Mall.
The Florida Mall is the largest mall in Central Florida. Connected to the mall is a fun engaging place for the kids called Crayola Experience. You can take your kids next door after or before shopping to give them a little bit of their type of fun.
