Top Things to do in Central Florida
Top Hotels in Central Florida
- 1. Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Surfside Inn and Suites
- 2. Universal’s Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites
- 3. Holiday Inn Orlando - Disney Springs Area, An IHG Hotel
- 4. Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort
- 5. Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
- 6. Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando
- 7. Holiday Inn Orlando - Disney Springs Area, An IHG Hotel
- 8. Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
- 9. Hyatt Regency Orlando
- 10. Avanti International Resort
What to do and see in Central Florida, Central Florida: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups
Discover the best top things to do in Central Florida, United States including Discovery Cove, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Circle B Bar Reserve, Theatre Winter Haven, The Gypsy Gold Farm, Eisenhower Regional Recreation Center, Lake Sumter Landing, Universal Studios Florida, Kelly Park, Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Restaurants in Central Florida
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. Circle B Bar Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 972 reviews
Reviewed By zippyincolumbus
We visited Circle B Bar Reserve on a Sunday right as the busy March tourist season is getting underway. We arrived at 9 am which was good timing- we got a great spot in lot by visitor center (which was closed- maybe because it was Sunday?). By 11:30 the parking lot and trails were very full. It was also a cold morning, so it was good timing for seeing gators, since they don’t like cold or wind much. It was getting warmer out by the time we arrived. We did miss the bobcats though- sounds like you may need to come early to see them. We had a great time and saw all kinds of wildlife- gators (close up and out in the water) bald eagles, osprey (one eating a fish in a tree), ducks, turtles, sand cranes, red shouldered hawks, and way more birds than I can name. The gators do sometimes lay by the path and cross or block the path, so you do want to be on your toes and don’t do anything dumb. Leave them alone and be kind and they will do the same. This was our first visit and we were lucky enough to run into a local who was more than willing to tell us and even show us most of the ropes. We did alligator alley and the marsh trail. Absolutely loved our time! If you love nature or are just looking for an interesting place to walk, don’t miss this FREE stop. We had two 40 somethings who walked 5 miles and two 60 somethings who walked 2.5 miles- we both saw a lot of wildlife!
4. Theatre Winter Haven
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 115 reviews
THEATRE WINTER HAVEN has been called “one of the best community theatres in America” by the Tampa Tribune, the Lakeland Ledger and the Winter Haven News Chief. Since our founding as a non-profit organization in 1970, TWH has worked to fulfill our Mission Statement: “We inspire, challenge, entertain and educate our community by creating exceptional theatrical experiences” Each year, TWH produces a six-play Mainstage subscription season, a Tribute concert series, two Academy Musical productions, a dance program, a free community choir, a summer musical, two touring productions and a three-play staged reading series called StageRead.
Reviewed By 32Corey57 - Winter Haven, United States
This is a local theater with extremely talented individuals. With the new theater under construction, one can see the possibility of the shows advancing to an even higher level, if that is possible.
5. The Gypsy Gold Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 819 reviews
Our founders, the Thompsons, connected over a mutual love of animals, and thereafter discovered an unknown breed of horse, developed by British Gypsies, while traveling through the English countryside. After a four-year journey to understand these horses and the culture that created them, they took part in naming them, the Gypsy Vanner horse. The Gypsy Gold Farm is home to the first 16 registered horses of a breed that's now 6,000 animals strong with registries . Their 40-acre farm is a Central Florida Trip Advisor favorite, education and cultural oasis, where visitors learn about one of the most colorful and least understood societies on earth and the magical Vanner Horses they envisioned. Farm tours are available every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 10:00 am and last for two hours. Tickets may be purchased on our website.
Reviewed By AnnB426
When you visit Gypsy Gold Horse Farm you are not just going to see a very special breed of horses, but you are going to learn about a way of life. Dennis has such a knowledge and obvious passion for the Gypsy Vanner horse that I could have listened all day as he told us about the origins of his beautiful horses and the lives of the peoples who bred them As we toured the paddocks and spent time with the beautiful gentle horses Dennis gave visitors time to pet and photograph them. We learned more about the characteristics of the breed, and were able to experience their personalities for ourselves. Is Gypsy Gold Horse Farm worth visiting again? That has to be a resounding yes, once is never enough to see the Gypsy Vanner Horses.
6. Eisenhower Regional Recreation Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 772 reviews
Reviewed By RobertWB - The Villages, United States
Military History Buffs should make plans to visit this regional recreation center in The Villages, Florida. This facility has what I would call real life history of the military on display on the walls and those items on display were donated by the veteran or the veterans family for display at the facility. There is so much military history to see one would have to spend all day viewing the items if they are serious about military history. Living the Life in The Villages Florida is so much fun and interesting, yall come.
7. Lake Sumter Landing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 289 reviews
Reviewed By kellymanning2019 - Pilar de la Horadada, Spain
A beautiful little town with a great selection of bars, restaurants, cafes, shops, bakeries, etc. Everything you could ask for as well as a great town square, complete with music every night to suit all tastes, a boardwalk, boat rides and just a wonderfully friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
8. Universal Studios Florida
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39,991 reviews
Hang on tight. Your heroes are about to burst through the screen and yank you into the story. You’re the star here and you’ll disappear into one jaw-dropping adventure after another. Dodge evil villains. Defend the earth. Face a fire-breathing dragon. Wander into animated worlds where characters you love are suddenly right beside you. Go beyond the screen, behind the scenes and jump into the action of your favorite films at the world’s premier movie and TV based theme park.
Reviewed By Traveldelightbb - Johannesburg, South Africa
GET THE FAST PASS!!! From waiting in a quick queue, riding and a requeue for The Hulk in a space of 10 min - you don't get better than this! BEST RIDES: Harry Potter - for the adventure and true escapism The Hulk - for the thrill The Mummy - Scary fun Spiderman - so well presented Rockit - speed and fun to your favourite jam Bart Simpson - unexpected surprise Transformers - only cause I adore Bumblebee DISAPPOINTMENTS: The Fast and Furious - what a waste of time Shrek Jurassic Park - should have been more personalized Take your own water in to the park $3.50 IS STEEP...Food is expensive and mass produced with little flavour The experience is really wonderful, top draw and UP WITH THE BEST OF THE BEST!
9. Kelly Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 489 reviews
Camp among deer and otter after you tube the river.
Reviewed By babie24 - Hollywood, United States
What a Beautiful Park. Can enjoy the day with love ones float down the river and have a wonderful day with nature’s beauty and take amazing pictures!
10. Disney's Animal Kingdom
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34,218 reviews
Encounter exotic animals and exciting adventures at Disney's Animal Kingdom park, one of the largest animal theme parks in the world. Home to more than 2,000 animals across 300 unique species, the park reflects Walt Disney’s dedication to conservation and is committed to animal care, education and research. Explore 7 enthralling lands: Oasis, Discovery Island, Pandora - The World of Avatar, Africa, Rafiki's Planet Watch, Asia and DinoLand, U.S.A.
Reviewed By Archited2013 - Fairport, United States
Animal Kingdomis an excellent park - laid out in “lands” like the Magic Kingdom. The centerpiece is the tree of life, a huge artificial tree with hundreds of animals depicted in it. The “Main Street” leading up to the tree is an area called The Oasis. This area is usually quickly passed by most, but is a really unique with a lot of trees, shade and some unique animal areas. The tree of life itself is spectacular and should be viewed from multiple angles to see all the detail. There is also a projected light show on the tree at night. Additionally under the tree is the show “It’s tough to be a bug” with characters from Bugs Life. Other lands include Dinoland, Asia, Africa and the newly built Pandora from Avatar. Our favorite rides and shows include Dinosaur, Nemo show, Expedition Everest, jungle walk, Kali River rapids, safari ride, Festival of the Lion King show and the new Pandora area. Theming is very good and food is descent too. Our favorite restaurant is “Tiffins” near Pandora - very good food and atmosphere! Very good park and now they have a river light show at night which is OK but gives more options for stuff to do at night. If you like animals do not miss the safari and jungle trek in Asia! Pandora theming great - Flights of Passage very good but long lines, Navi river journey is just average.
