Location: Orlando
Top Things to do in Orlando
Top 10 Things to do Adventurous in Orlando, Florida (FL)
From the Magic Kingdom to magical spa treatments, Orlando sparkles with the promise of adventure. Spend a day exploring the world-famous Disney theme parks, giggling with the dolphins at SeaWorld, or screaming your head off on a Universal Studios roller coaster. For a less adrenaline-pumping afternoon, enjoy the quiet natural beauty of the Harry P. Leu Gardens, or enjoy a seaweed scrub at a luxury day spa. Savor fresh and local ingredients at one of Orlando’s James Beard-nominated restaurants.
Restaurants in Orlando
1. Discovery Cove
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17,200 reviews
Discovery Cove is a one-of-a kind experience where you can interact with bottlenose dolphins, feed tropical birds, play inches from a family of otters and even walk on the Grand Reef floor-all in one day. Between adventures, recharge with unlimited island fare and refreshments. With this all-inclusive experience your family can unwind, explore, learn, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Reviewed By Big_JR1980 - Portsmouth, United Kingdom
As part of our Orlando adventure, we (2 adults, 2 children) booked a day at Discovery Cove including a Dolphin experience. We arrived at around 7 am and were quickly ushered through security and checked in. First impressions were of a professional and slickly run organisation. The lady checking us in briefed us on how Discovery Cove works in terms of the food (buffet breakfast and lunch are included in the price), where to get towels, wetsuits, and snorkels (all complimentary) and details of our dolphin experience. Leaving the reception area we entered the resort, which was stunning. Just stunning. Immaculately presented with plenty of both shady and sunny areas around the water attractions and with all staff knowledgable, pleasant and helpful, Discovery Cove is a little slice of heaven. The aviary is fantastic, with opportunities to feed the birds, who are not shy in helping themselves from your hand, as are the otter and marmoset attractions. The highlights though are very definitely the dolphin experience, which is excellent and professionally conducted, and the "Great Reef" where you can snorkel and swim with literally hundreds of salt-water tropical fish, including enormous rays. The dolphin experience started with a brief from the trainers and a short video before we were led down, in groups of around 10, to meet the dolphins. The Cove has 3 dolphin areas each allowing 4 groups of 10 to interact with the dolphins. This may sound a little crowded, but these areas are huge and the other groups just feel like they're in the background. Following the trainers' directions we stroked, kissed and interacted with the dolphin before enjoying a "dorsal tow" from the deep water to the shallows. Although you can't take your personal cameras/phones into the dolphin areas, there is a photographer available to take pictures of the experience for you (which can be purchased for an additional charge). Fantastic! The Great Reef is just amazing and my family spent several hours exploring it, observing the fish and the adjacent shark and eel tanks (which have submerged glass walls). There was some disruption from the Florida lightning storms, but that's to be expected for this time of year. Unlike the dolphin areas, you can use your own cameras, etc., on the reef to capture the amazing sights. The fly in the ointment, however, is the minority of guests who don't seem to understand where they are and believe Discovery Cove to be some kind of playground or rubbish dump. After lunchtime, the resort looked like a hurricane had hit it (for clarification, as this is Florida in August, a literal hurricane had not hit the resort!), with discarded food, rubbish, towels, snorkels, nappies, and other crap littering all over the beach and food areas. The free buffet was seen by some to be an opportunity to take mountains of food which was then discarded on the tables and ground for the local fauna to scavenge. The gluttony and complete disregard for this beautiful environment were shocking. There isn't any excuse for this inconsiderate behaviour as there were bins absolutely everywhere and areas for dropping off used snorkels, wetsuits and towels strategically placed to be convenient for all. Additionally, some groups in the, now fairly busy, but not overcrowded, Great Reef area were acting like they were in the local lido, with children being thrown around by parents, adults (possibly drunk; alcohol is available on site) skylarking and aggressively trying to catch or harm the fish. These elements marred an otherwise perfect day and made me feel sad for those who had come here for an idyllic escape, as well as the staff and animals. What I do want to stress, though, is that the Discovery Cove staff worked tirelessly to rectify the mess and to try to dampen the boisterous behaviour, and that, by around 4 pm, there was little evidence of the gluttonous orgy left. Overall, we absolutely loved Discovery Cove and we are already planning a future trip when funds permit a second trip to Florida. Yes, it's expensive, but even without the dolphin experience, you'll not go wanting for anything. Superb.
2. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40,966 reviews
Step inside a world where magic is real. Within Universal’s Islands of Adventure™ theme park you can visit the iconic Hogwarts™ castle and explore Hogsmeade™ village. And, at Universal Studios Florida™ theme park, you can enter Diagon Alley™ to enjoy a multi-dimensional thrill ride, magical experiences, and more. Get ready to explore more of Harry Potter’s world than ever before. With a Park-to-Park Ticket, you can board the Hogwarts™ Express* and travel between both Hogsmeade™ in Universal’s Islands of Adventure™ and Diagon Alley™ in Universal Studios Florida™. *Park-to-Park admission ticket required and additional restrictions apply
Reviewed By J5925SXdawnm - Lafayette, United States
escape from gringotts in universal and the forbidden journey in islands of adventure are both amazing rides - the butterbeer is a refreshing treat as you stroll through Diagon Alley after you have stopped at ollivanders to have your wand pick you so that you may test your magical abilities along your journey
3. Exotic Animal Experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 386 reviews
Exotic Animal Experience is a TOTALLY interactive, hands on experience with exotic animals including lemurs, kangaroos, muntjac deer, kinkajou, bush baby, wallaby, fainting goat, zebra and most recently, our ADORABLE sloths, Saki and Blossom, our precious baby camel Baby Girl. All visits are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, and only offered n the mornings. We offer group visits or private visits, please see our website for more details as far as current pricing and animals. Because of the extreme interaction we DO have an age restriction in place, and ask that you PLEASE visit the website for all details on the age restrictions and pricing. ALSO, please remember to call to schedule your visit before driving out without an appointment, visitation is strictly limited for the animals well being. Treat yourselves to a once in a lifetime experience like no other! Be prepared to fall in love many times over, as each animal will steal your heart with his/her silly antics and sweet personalities!
Reviewed By msmccuiston - Dallas, United States
Enjoy and up close experience with sheep, camel, sloths, kangaroos, lemurs, Muntjac deer and more. Leslie and her staff have GREAT care and concern for the well-being of the animals and it shows in their personal dedication. This is an opportunity that doesn't come often. And worth every $$$ to experience. My husband and I appreciate the personal experience we were given and LOVED the dogs. I wish everyone cared for animals the way Leslie and her staff do. The visit was quite a WONDERFUL experience. Thanks for a unforgettable experience.
4. Soarin'
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 732 reviews
Reviewed By 646lorit - Dawsonville, United States
Soarin' is my favorite ride in EPCOT, and based on the excitement of guests coming off the ride, it seems to be a favorite of everyone. I watched as kids get off the ride and couldn't contain their excitement. Adults likewise were jabbering about their favorite scenes. I get motion sickness easily and cannot ride many of the rides at theme parks, but EPCOT does not bother me in the least. It is smooth and clear, so I just look straight ahead and I am fine. Hint: for the best view, ask the cast member if you can wait for the "top center" row, which is row 1 of gate B. You get a nice crisp view without the distraction of dangling legs. Another hint: If you have a larger backpack, just leave it in the marked off spaces at the end of the row rather than trying to fit it under the seat.
5. Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 482 reviews
Reviewed By 252ahsanm
One Of The Best Ride We Ever Had With Kids If You Guys Visit Animal Kingdom Must Be Go Asia Park and Ride This and After This Kali River
6. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 463 reviews
Reviewed By 416LynnS - League City, United States
Disclaimer -- I did not ride this ride as I didn't want to be sick the rest of the day. But my wife and boys (9 and 10) rode it. They LOVED it. This was probably their favorite ride at DHS and it was a toss up between this ride, Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom) and Space Mountain (Magic Kingdom) as to their favorite ride. I advise getting a Fast Pass as the lines can grow quickly to two hours or more.
7. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 537 reviews
Reviewed By 180debrap - Saugus, United States
This is a great attraction at Hollywood Studios in Orlando,Florida. I would suggest getting a Fast Pass since the line can easily be over an hour I've been on this ride dozens of times, and I love the free-fall experience. While you are on the ride, there is a show happening at the same time - so if people are sitting in front of you with their hands in the air, you will miss some of the show. This attraction is similar to Guardians of the Galaxy in the California Adventure in Anaheim, California. This is one of my favorite rides/attractions at Disney. This attraction is right next to Rock-N-Roll roller-coaster, another must-see attraction. There is also a great place to get ice cream near this attraction.
8. Mako
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 269 reviews
Reviewed By mekopp - Middletown, United States
The first time I road this coaster in September I thought it would be very similar to Apollo's Chariot at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. Wrong. This really earns it name as a hyper coaster. It's crazy intense. Even the lift hill is a little scary because you are pretty far back in your seat. The first hill is pretty intense, but it doesn't stop there. The entire ride is great. There is lots of air time. The second time I rode in November I knew what to expect, so I enjoyed it a bit more. The first time I was so scared I couldn't even scream. I highly recommend!
9. Avatar Flight of Passage
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,756 reviews
Reviewed By AdamC113 - Madison, United States
Hands down one of the best attractions in the Disney complex....fun theme, amazing views, puts you in the movie... definitely try to get a fast pass as the wait times can be LONG
10. Nona Adventure Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 75 reviews
Nona Adventure Park is located in the watersports capital of the world, Orlando, Florida. Featuring a floating Aqua Park, Cable Park for wakeboarding/water skiing, one of a kind 60 foot climbing tower and ropes course, stocked pro shop, and fantastic bistro, Nona Adventure Park has something for all ages!
Reviewed By Expedition558183
Super fun time, staff was extremely nice and helpful, something for everyone, little kids can play in the sand or shallow water, older kids had a blast on the inflatables and the boarding. We didn’t do the obstacle climbing but the other guests there looked like they were loving it.
