Visitor Attractions in Orlando, Florida
Orlando's visitor attractions and theme parks are are second to none and one of the main reasons millions of tourists are drawn there every year. We have compiled a list of the favourites below, together with links to thier own sites. You will be so spoilt for choice, we think your only problem will be fitting it all in! Click on the tabs below to to read more about some of our favourites! |
- Disney
- Theme Parks
- Water Parks
- Other Attractions
- Restaurants/Eating Out
Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World resort in Orlando, Florida has a whole host of attractions, theme parks and entertainment to suit ALL ages and tastes.
A selection of our favourites are:

Where else but the Magic Kingdom can you escape to a world of some of the most beloved animated characters come to life, and a fantasy world of princes and princesses, kings and queens, heroes and villains? Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida is the king of theme parks, and draws more visitors each year than any other theme park in the country. Well known across the planet as “The Happiest Place on Earth,” the Magic Kingdom covers 107 acres and is home to seven areas, or “themed lands” along with dozens of other attractions for people of all ages. For decades, The Magic Kingdom has been known as a safe, clean environment for families to enjoy quality time together. It’s a place for everyone, young and old, to journey to a fantasy land of the past and future where you can hurtle through space to unknown lands, sail on magic carpets or ride a train through an Old West mining town.
No trip to Disney World is complete without visiting the Magic Kingdom.

Epcot is a 'one-of-a-kind' place where you can experience eleven different nations, participate in interactive presentations and view the latest in cutting-edge technology – all in one vacation. The name “Epcot” is an acronym for “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow,” and was originally envisioned by Walt Disney as a real community where residents would live and work in a technically advanced environment. However the end product turned out to be more of a theme park with a World’s Fair atmosphere. It is twice the size of the Magic Kingdom (300 acres,) and can easily keep a family busy for days on end. Over the years, a constant influx of new attractions within the park has kept it a favorite among visitors who are fascinated with the dazzling shows and amazing wonders from around the world. It is divided into two “worlds” or parks – Future World, which focuses on science and inventions, and technology from both the past and the future. The World Showcase features a variety of countries celebrating their culture, history and cuisine. Epcot is located within Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida and is easily accessible from several exits off I-4 and the Highway 192 exit off the Florida Turnpike. It is open 365 days per year from 9:00 am. with various closing times during the year.
The Animal Kingdom is Walt Disney World’s newest theme park designed around a vast assortment of animals – but it’s so much more than a traditional zoo. It’s a beautiful 500-acre “themed” park made up of seven different attractions centered on live animals and extinct dinosaurs. With over 1,000 animals, along with exotic flora, streams and stunning architecture, the Animal Kingdom transports visitors to exotic locales brimming with excitement and thrills beyond the imagination. The majesty and mystery of nature and animals comes to life in the Animal Kingdom and leaves visitors with a renewed respect for our Earth and its’ inhabitants. The Entrance Plaza at the Animal Kingdom contains Guest Relations, ATMs, phones, strollers and lockers, and is also the site of the only full service restaurant in the park. Although very large (five times the size of the Magic Kingdom,) visitors ride through most of the Animal Kingdom’s seven different attractions. As you travel through it, you’ll encounter wildlife, experience thrill rides and exciting shows, and be awestruck by some of nature’s most fascinating creatures, as well as meeting some of Disney’s most lovable characters. So get ready to “take a drive on the wild side,” when you enter Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom!

Disney-MGM Studios is a 135-acre working studio and theme park. Nearly two-thirds of the park is closed off to the public, where actual movies and television shows are filmed. The rest is a creative theme park devoted to bringing the magic of movies, television, radio and Broadway plays to life in an educational and fun environment. Disney-MGM is centered on the movie making process, from the Pan-Pacific Auditorium replica at the main gate to the 1930s style Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards and the New York Street back lot. There are also several movie-themed restaurants located inside the park, including 50s Prime Time Café, Hollywood & Vine, The Hollywood Brown Derby, Mama Merose’s Ristorante Italiano and the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater. Disney-MGM Studios is located inside the Walt Disney Resort, about 30 minutes south of Orlando at U.S. Route 192 and Interstate 4. Take the GreeneWay toll road from the Orlando International Airport, or from Orlando, take I-4 to the Epcot exit, then follow the signs to Disney-MGM. Come salute the world of show business – as only Disney can.
Theme Parks
Universal Studios - Orlando is non-stop action and heart pumping adventure! Tthings are always blowing up and out of control – but this is the appeal of this highly energetic, creative theme park. Nearly every major attraction features loud, frantic action for one exciting moment after another. Universal has two full-sized theme parks, Universal Studios and the new Islands of Adventure, as well as a City Walk area. Navigating the park is easy, since it is more compact than Disney World, and water taxis connect the hotels to the parks while pretty walkways make walking a pleasure. This is a place where you can totally immerse yourself in the land of movies and television. Popular movies such as Men in Black and Back to the Future become exciting thrill rides or you can go behind the scenes or jump right into the action of some of your favorite films. The CityWalk area is Universal’s shopping and dining complex – with everything from rock concerts and jazz to gourmet dining or causal fare. Universal Studios Florida is located in the Universal Orlando Resort on the southeast side of Orlando. Take I-4 to the Universal Orlando exit, then follow the signs to the parking structure. From there, you will walk through Universal's CityWalk shopping and dining complex, bearing right to enter Universal Studios Florida.

Islands of Adventure is the newest addition to Universal Studios Florida and has been called “the most high-tech theme park in the world.” - the latest adventure being launched this spring 2010 is the 'Wizarding World of Harry Potter' where Hogwarts fans can totally immerse themselves in the world of Harry Potter!
It is especially popular with families with small children and teens. Here you can defy gravity, battle comic book heroes, ride the white water rapids, and experience the world’s first inverted, dual roller coaster. Islands of Adventure is almost like five theme parks in one; it is made up of five entirely different themed islands, where you “live” the adventure. From Marvel Superhero Island to Toon Lagoon, there is a different ride for young and old – something for just about everyone to enjoy. Islands of Adventure is located inside the Universal Orlando Studios Resort, on the southeast side of Orlando, just ten minutes north of Walt Disney World. Take I-4 to the Universal Orlando exit, and then follow the signs to the parking structure. From there, walk through the CityWalk shopping and dining complex and turn to the left to Islands of Adventure.

SeaWorld Orlando is a 200-acre marine-world adventure park that features amazing animal encounters, world-class shows and thrilling rides. Guests can explore the mysteries of the sea and interact with marine life, or experience new state-of-the-art water rides that include out of this world special effects. Other things to enjoy in the park include dining on The Waterfront and midway-type games at The Game Room. Nine restaurants are available at SeaWorld, ranging from full-service to cafeteria-style. Services available at the park include strollers and diaper changing and baby nursing areas, wheelchairs, lockers and climate-controlled pet kennels. Twenty-four hour automated teller machines, taxi and bus parking are also on site. SeaWorld Orlando is open year-round, with extended hours during the summer and holidays. It is located at the intersection of Interstate 4 and FL 528 (the Bee Line Expressway,) just 10 minutes south of downtown Orlando and 15 minutes from the Orlando International Airport.

Busch Gardens Tampa is a 335-acre family theme park that recreates the sites and sounds of Africa with an array of fascinating attractions. The park is divided into eight different regions, and includes one of the nation’s premier zoos with more than 2,700 animals, along with thrill rides, an entertainment center, shops and a 1,200-seat Moroccan Palace Theater that features an ice-skating show. Busch Gardens Tampa is really an amusement park and zoo combined into one and it appeals to a variety of age groups. For your convenience, restaurants, snack bars and juice stands are located throughout the park, and wheel chair seating is available at all facilities. Other services inside the park include strollers, wheelchairs, lockers and climate-controlled pet kennels available for rental, along with diaper changing areas, first aid, foreign currency exchange, 24-hour automated teller machines and taxi and bus parking. Busch Gardens is located at the corner of Busch Boulevard and 40th Street, approximately eight miles northeast of downtown Tampa, and one hour from Orlando. Take Interstate 275 in Tampa to the Busch Boulevard exit (exit 33). Turn east (left) onto Busch Boulevard and follow the signs.
Water Parks

Wet ‘n Wild is considered the very first major water park in the United States. This exciting water park is open all year round and is it is centrally located in Orlando’s International Drive area. With an area of area of around 60 acres, there plenty to enjoy for all the family. Rides and attractions range from relaxing lazy river to wild, high-speed body slides.

Aquatica is a water park which was introduced by SeaWorld in March 2008, it is located on Internation Drive. It is the first water park to incorporate live animals from lands all over the world. Aquatica blends up close animal experiences, waters from serene to extreme, high-speed thrills and wide, sandy beaches.

Typhoon Lagoon is one of the many Water-Themed Parks operated by Disney and is the ideal place to relax on a hot day! A fantastic range of rides and amusments for all ages ensures that there is something for everyone - even if you just want to chill out it a shady spot while the kids play.

At 36.6 metre, Blizzard Beach hosts America's tallest water slide, sending those who dare plummeting at 55mph almost straight down into the heated waters at the base of the mountain. Thrilling and refreshing - but only for the bravest!
Legend has it, Blizzard Beach was created by a freak winter storm which dropped snow over the western side of the Walt Disney World property and Florida's first snow-ski resort was planned immediately!
Please Note: Blizzard beach will be closed for refurbishment until 20th March 2010.
Other Attractions

The only place on earth where you can get up close to a real-life space shuttle, rockets and even the odd veteran astronaut! You can feel what it's like to venture into space in a spaceflight simulator, or even watch a live launch if you've timed it right - next Rocket Launch - 1st march 2010!
Located on SR 405, Kennedy Space Center, FL
Florida Golf
With some of the best world-class golf clubs in Florida on your doorstep there is no excuse to sqeeze in a round or two during your stay. Below is a list of those closest to your accommodation:
Kissimmee Golf Club - 3103 Florida Coach Drive, Kissimmee, FL 34741-6248
Kissimmee Oaks Golf Club - 1500 The Oaks Boulevard, Kissimmee, FL 34746
Stonegate Golf Club - 404 Village Drive, Kissimmee, FL 34759-4011
Kissimmee Bay Country Club - 2801 Kissimmee Bay Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34744
Grand Pines Golf Club - 6351 International Golf Club Road, Orlando, FL 32821-9348
Helicopter Tours
Why not be swept up high above the Orlando and get the very best view possible from the air!
Air Florida Helicopters - 8990 International Drive, Orlando, FL 3237
Some of our other favourites!
Citywalk
International Drive
Discovery Cove
Gatorland
Downtown Disney
Pirates Cove Adventure Golf
Orlando Museum of Art
Wonderworks
Hard Rock Cafe
Arabian Nights Dinner Show
Medieval Times
Restaurants
- Boston's Fish House - 6860 Aloma Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792 Voted the best of the city! Casual dining, great value and fresh fish.
- California Grill - 4600 N World Dr, Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-1000 Stylish restaurant, with stunning views and first-class cuisine.
- Charley's Steak House - 8255 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819-9365 Smart-casual restaurant serving great steaks, big portions, great value!
- Flying Fish Cafe - 2101 N Epcot Resorts Blvd, Walt Disney World Boardwalk, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 Themed restaurant serving ocean-fresh seafood with a lively atmosphere
- La Coquina - 1 Grand Cypress Blvd, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32819 More expensive fine dining - but worth every penny!
- Le Cellier Steakhouse - Canadian Pavillion, World Showcase, Epcot, Lake Buenta Vista, FL 32830 Situated within the Hotel du Canada at Epcot, complete with medieval decor, great steaks and seafood.
- Le Coq Au Vin - 4800 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32806 Run by a husband and wife team, with great food and a great reputation!
- Morton's, The Steakhouse - 7600 Dr Phillips Blvd, FL 32819 Meat-lovers dream! Huge selection cooked to your taste.
- Texas de Brazil - 5259 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 Family-friendly, Brazilian-style cuisine and atmosphere make this a South American treat!
- Yellow Dog Eats - 1236 Hemple Ave, Orlando, FL 34786 Great lunch venue with a taste of real old-fashioned style.
Above information courtesy of www.10best.com
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