Orlando

Orlando’s nickname is “The City Beautiful”, so make sure to step outside the theme park madness and explore, well, the city’s beauty! 

Orlando is home to awesome amusement parks, including Walt Disney World Resort®, Universal Studios Orlando Resort, SeaWorld, Aquatica Park and LEGOLAND® Florida, just to name a few. But don’t forget the natural attractions. You’ll find loads of nature preserves, where you can hike, bike and kayak to your heart’s content. You can even see alligators up close on an airboat tour. If you’re not into the outdoors, no worries; Orlando has plenty of museums, restaurants and coffee shops.

Orlando, FL, USA   |   View Google Map

Frequently Asked Questions about Orlando

Walt Disney World. Where do I start?

For many tourists, a trip to Orlando is a trip to Walt Disney World. The first thing you should know about this magic-filled kingdom is that it's absolutely massive. Boasting four theme parks, two water parks as well as a range of golf courses, hotels and restaurants, you'll need to be prepared to dedicate some serious time to it if you're hoping to scratch the surface. It's said that four days is the minimum amount of time you should spend here, and some families stay for upwards of two weeks. A lot of planning is required to get the most of your Walt Disney adventure. What type of tickets do you need? Which resort do you want to stay at? What are your must-sees? And as always when it comes to travelling, it pays to book in advance.

What other theme parks should we check out?

Walt Disney World may be the most iconic theme park in Orlando, but there are plenty of others to check out while you're here. While not quite on the same scale as Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort still impresses when it comes to size and choice. Offering three theme parks as well as a range of hotels, shopping and entertainment options, it's sure to be fun for the whole family. Feel the adrenaline rush as you spin, zoom and glide around rides based on your favourite Universal movies, such as Harry Potter, Despicable Me, Men in Black and Shrek. For a more laidback alternative, consider cooling off at SeaWorld. Race your friends down the waterslides before heading over to the dolphinarium to see some unbelievable feats of acrobatics. The trainers may have the microphones, but it's the orcas, dolphins and sea lions that steal the show.

What else does Orlando have to offer?

As many visitors opt to stay in Walt Disney World, Orlando's charms are often overlooked. However, you'll soon find that this bustling city is full of things to do. Nature lovers can spend a day exploring the city's marvellous parks, such as the University of Central Florida's Arboretum and the Harry P. Leu Gardens. Stuck with a rainy day? Soak up the stunning works on display at the Orlando Museum of Art or Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. When you're done sightseeing, feast on seafood at one of the city's fantastic restaurants. And of course, this is Florida we're talking about - get ready to shop til you drop.

Where are the best beaches?

Unlike most of Florida's popular tourist destinations, Orlando isn't actually set on the coast. However, the narrowness of the state means you'll never be too far from the gorgeous beaches. A favourite with the Orlando locals is Cocoa Beach, just over an hour's drive east of the city centre. Cool off in the shimmering water, catch some rays and then head over to one of the beachfront bars for a refreshment or two. Want to beat the crowds? New Smyrna Beach sits a little further north than Cocoa Beach, and it's less-developed coastline lends it a more relaxed, secluded feel.

What is the closest beach to Orlando?

Event though Orlando isn't located on the coast, there are five beaches along Florida's east coast that are just a quick drive from the city. You can hire a car and get to Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Flagler Beach, or Canaveral National Seashore in just a over an hour. Each beach has its own flavour, parking rules, and perks, so take your pick!

What is the Kennedy Space Center?

The Kennedy Space Center is one of 10 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) field centres. In other words, it's a spot where rockets blast off into space! The cool thing about The Kennedy Space Center is it's the primary hub of human spaceflight, meaning all those famous ones-Discovery, Atlantis, Endeavour, and the like-launched there. Kennedy Space Center is located about an hour outside of Orlando and is definitely worth the drive.