10 Best Activities in Orlando
Orlando is considered the theme park capital of the world, but it also has many other plans that will make you fall in love with the city.
If you are planning a trip to Orlando, you will be glad to know that the city has all kinds of activities to do. Universal Studios, which ranks as the world's largest theme park; the Museum of Illusions or the Everglades airboat tours are just some of the many things to do in the city.
To find out what are the best things to do in Orlando, read on. You'll find activities for all tastes and ages, so I'm sure I'll give you more than one idea for your travel itinerary.
1. Visit the Kennedy Space Center
One of the best things to do in Orlando is to visit the Kennedy Space Center, a place designed for the launch of the Saturn V rocket If you like astronomy and you are interested in this subject, this is definitely an activity you have to do during your trip to Orlando.
The Kennedy Space Center is one of the most important of NASA, as it is the base of operations for launching and landing space shuttles. Thus, during your visit you will be able to see the facilities in first person, as well as live a simulated shuttle launch experience. The tour is supported by different audiovisual resources in which you can learn more about the history of the most important milestones of the space center.
In addition, there are certain tours, such as the one I propose, which include certain extras with which you can live an even more immersive experience. For example, you can spend 10 hours at the Kennedy Space Center and have lunch with a veteran astronaut, who will tell you amazing stories of space as experienced firsthand.
2. Enjoy an airboat ride in Orlando
Although the city of Orlando is known worldwide for its entertainment, it has much more to offer. Beyond the boundaries of its theme parks, there is a whole world to discover. One of the best activities to discover the other side of this Florida city is to take an airboat ride in Orlando.
The Everglades is an area of swamps and cypress trees that is spectacular to see. You will be able to meet wildlife such as impressive alligators, deer, owls or badgers. In addition, the fact that the ride is by hydrofoil adds a unique touch to the experience.
These tours have the presence of an expert guide, who will tell you all the facts and curiosities of the area. He will know how to take you to the best corners of the Everglades, so you can enjoy one of the most beautiful landscapes of Florida in its full splendor.
Considering the tropical climate of this state, I think this is one of the best things to do in Orlando in spring. Thus, you will be spared the humid and suffocating heat typical of the summer months. As well as the hustle and bustle of the high season.
3. Dive into the deep sea or meet your favorite celebrities at the Icon Park
When I talk about the best theme parks in Orlando, I'm sure the first one that comes to mind is Universal Orlando Resort. However, Orlando is considered the theme park capital of the world for a reason. The city has theme parks of all kinds, such as Icon Park, which mixes all kinds of activities to give you one of the most complete experiences of your trip to Orlando.
With more than 40 restaurants, bars and stores, Icon Park is a must-see during your trip. This theme park offers a large and varied number of experiences, so whatever your tastes, you are sure to enjoy your visit. Among the attractions is The Wheel, the famous Ferris wheel, which is more than 121 meters high and offers the best views of the city.
In addition, Icon Park also houses Sea Life Orlando, an aquarium that houses sea creatures from all over the world. You will be able to see everything from sharks to sea turtles from a glass tunnel that will make you feel like you are in the depths of the ocean. It is an immersive and spectacular experience.
I can't leave behind the In the Game attraction, perfect for virtual reality lovers. This area features arcade games, mirror mazes, a 7D cinema and all kinds of virtual reality exhibits. These and the above are just some of the many attractions at Icon Park.
4. Feel like a character from your favorite movies at Universal Studios Resort
Universal Studios Resort is the largest theme park in the world. This makes it Orlando's biggest tourist attraction and a must-see during your trip. If you are not a big fan of rides, you don't have to worry. This theme park offers all kinds of experiences. In addition, with its wide range of entertainment, it is one of the best things to do with children in Orlando.
The complex is composed of two different theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure. Both parts are connected by the Hogwarts Express, the famous train of the Harry Potter saga. If you are a lover of J. K. Rowling's universe, what I am going to tell you below will surely delight you.
During your visit to the park, you will be able to walk through Diagon Alley, meet Hagrid's magical creatures and see Harry, Ron and Hermione in person. Of course, you'll also fly over the mysterious Forbidden Forest and wander the streets of the famous Hogsmeade neighborhood. Needless to say, Universal Studios Resort isn't just a place made for Harry Potter fans. You'll also fear King Kong and face the most dangerous members of Jurassic Park.
The park features all kinds of rides, interactive activities and shows based on many of the biggest hits of the big screen. In addition, it also has many restaurants where you can enjoy typical food from around the world.
5. Test your senses at the Orlando Museum of Illusions
This is one of the best things to do in Orlando in December and the rest of the winter months. Take advantage of the rainy and cold days to visit the Orlando Museum of Illusions, a place that reinvents the concept of a museum. You will question your perception of reality thanks to the interactive experiences offered by the place.
With more than 50 exhibits, the museum has a maximum capacity of 20 people, which allows you to live an even more unique experience. Among the experiences that stand out the most is the so-called 'Inverted Room', a place where you will feel like you are walking on the ceiling as if you were in a dream. You will also go through a rotating tunnel and live the experience provided by the 'anti-gravity' rooms.
Don't forget to bring your camera to take unforgettable memories in the Ames Room, where you will believe that your size has been reduced until you become a tiny creature. As you can see, the Museum of Illusions is a magical place that manages to play with your senses to make you feel like you are inside a science fiction movie.
6. Step inside the world's most famous ocean liner at the Titanic The Artifact Exhibition in Orlando
If there is an ocean liner known worldwide, it is the Titanic and its shipwreck. If you like history and you are curious about everything related to this great ship, the Titanic The Artifact Exhibition in Orlando is the place for you. This museum revolves around the Titanic and offers an incredible experience where you will feel like you are traveling back in time and boarding the famous ship.
You will be able to see real objects and artifacts that were on the ship, as well as learn about the history behind the Titanic through galleries and exhibits. In addition, the museum also recreates different areas of the ocean liner, such as the Grand Staircase that appeared in the movie starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio.
The entrance to the museum includes a recreation of the boarding pass that passengers received at the time. In total, the place exhibits a total of 300 objects that were rescued from the shipwreck. As if that were not enough, it also has 'Little Big Piece', an exhibition with 3 tons of the ship's hull.
The museum has an area of 6,000 square meters, along which you can meet different actors dressed in period costumes and playing some of the most prominent characters of the Titanic, such as Margaret 'Molly' Brown. You can also walk the deck and touch an iceberg.
7. Go on safari at Wild Florida in Orlando
Do you like animals? If so, I recommend a visit to Orlando's Wild Florida Safari park, where you can see all kinds of exotic animals. You will tour the park's facilities in your own car with a self-guided tour. The park has more than 150 exotic and native animals, such as white-tailed deer, cracker cows, bison, watusi, wildebeest, oryx or zebras.
You will be able to see them all, and many more, in a tour of approximately 4 hours. In addition, the tour also includes access to Gatorland, a park known as the crocodile capital of the world. Here you can meet the world's largest alligator, as well as other impressive reptiles.
The driving tour passes through different stages, thanks to which you can travel from Africa to Asia, passing through North America. These include the savannah, the Asian jungles and the plains of America.
8. Tour Orlando on the I-Ride Trolley sightseeing streetcar
Orlando is not only a city full of plans and activities, but it is the sixth largest city in Florida and has the largest metropolitan area in the state. Therefore, one of the best things you can do on your trip is to buy a pass for the I-Ride Trolley tourist streetcar.
With this pass, you can choose between two routes: the red and the green. Both have multiple stops, which coincide with major points of interest in the city, such as WonderWorks, SeaWorld, Fun Spot America or ICON Park. The streetcar offers regular departures, so it will easily adjust to your schedule and travel itinerary.
Thanks to this means of transportation, you will save a great part of your time going from one place to another. Also, if you go to Orlando in June or other summer months, you will have to deal with the heat and humidity characteristic of these months. However, the I-Ride Trolley Tourist Tram will save you from having to walk during the hottest part of the day.
If you book the option I recommend, you will get a 3-day pass for the price of one, so you will save a considerable amount of money. In addition, you will have unlimited rides, being able to choose passes of up to 14 days.
9. Take a boat tour with manatee swim and snorkeling included
One of the most exciting activities on the list is this full-day boat tour on the Crystal and Withlacoochee Rivers. This is a very complete tour that includes snorkeling, airboat rides and a visit to Homosassa Springs State Park.
You will start the tour at your hotel, where a car will pick you up to take you to the boat site. Afterwards, you will enjoy a pleasant ride to the Crystal River, where you can choose between snorkeling with manatees for two hours or swimming. When you're done, you'll board an airboat, which will take you through the Everglades, where you'll see the wildlife of the area.
The tour also includes a visit to Homosassa Park, where you'll see black bears and panthers, among many other animals. Also included in the tour is a picnic lunch at a local restaurant with beautiful views of the river. After lunch, you will head to the Withlacoochee River, where you will be able to spot dolphins.
10. Meet alligators and crocodiles at Orlando's Gatorland park
If you are a reptile lover, I recommend a visit to one of Orlando' s most famous parks , Gatorland. The visit lasts about 3 hours, approximately. During that time, you will see hundreds of reptiles, such as alligators, crocodiles and snakes.
You will meet Chester, the most famous alligator in the park; you will witness unique shows and you will be able to jump on a zip line. If you choose the Gator Show package, you will also have the opportunity to feed the alligators. In addition, there is also the Grand Alligator package, with which you can tour the park on an express train to save time on your visit, as well as meet an alligator up close.