Location: Orlando
Top Things to do in Orlando
What to do and see in Orlando, Florida (FL): The Best Things to do
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. 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!
4. Epcot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29,062 reviews
One of 4 theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort, Epcot theme park sprawls across 300 acres—twice the size of Magic Kingdom park—and is divided into Future World and World Showcase. Here, creativity is encouraged, imagination is celebrated and countries are united. Be amazed, inspired, enlightened and entertained!
Reviewed By Sinatralis - Rocky River, United States
We enjoy visiting Epcot just the food and the drinks are amazing and the flowers at this time a year are so pretty with the flower exhibits. Also the entertainment and the different countries from different times during the day is always nice. We’ve been here several times and enjoyed them all. Love visiting all the different countries and seeing the different cultures all in one park it’s just incredible what they have done it’s definitely worth a day’s visit and probably more than a day to truly see everything fully.
5. 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.
6. Disney Springs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13,461 reviews
Disney World's shopping and dining area consists of Marketplace, Pleasure Island and West Side.
Reviewed By djmes - Hilton, United States
Unique & varied shops, unique dinning & free entertainment (free parking too) all wrapped up in a sparkly Disney atmosphere is just a quick description of Disney Springs, oh, & it's huge, Disney clean & well staffed. One can gripe about the crowds, the prices in the shops (tho they are NOT that exorbitant) & $70 (minimum) dinner for 2 but you can eat at the many cheaper casual walk up eateries & it's fun to browse the stores, especially the gigantic Disney store! I'd suggest going online and checking out all the different stores & eateries. Half the fun of going there is deciding what stores you must visit & what themed restaurant you want to eat in. (the kids will love the raucous T-Rex restaurant!) On a warm night, when everything is lit up & twinkling the free entertainment starts & it's a great place to just stroll around. Highly recommended for its diversity in food choices, shopping & entertainment & you don't have to spend a fortune & still have a good time.
7. Fun Spot America
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,246 reviews
A top-notch family fun theme park, with Orlando's only wooden roller coaster, family suspended steel coaster, multi-level go-kart tracks, the World's 2nd tallest SkyCoaster at 250 ft, a 101-foot high Ferris wheel, bumper cars, bumper boats, and of course, a giant arcade along with other assorted family and thrill rides for adults and children. Includes Gator Spot, a 15,000 sq ft oasis with over 100 gators, exotic reptiles and birds!
Reviewed By adventuresthatrock20 - Charlotte, United States
Had a great time at Fun Spot America in Orlando in November... be sure to check out our channel and watch the video we created.... White Lightning is such an amazingly Fun wooden coaster.. pricing is terrific, which includes multiple GO-Cart Experiences ... two-story carousel and an amazing Ferris wheel with incredible views of Orlando.... we especially loved it at night... the new splash pad and the new (in November) America Fun House ..which we didn’t get to go in.. but cannot wait until everything opens again and we will get to!!
8. Universal's Islands of Adventure
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51,528 reviews
Prepare for a place where super heroes, beasts, and magical creatures stand before you. You're entering lands where everything is real. Explore a secret school of witchcraft and wizardry. Fly high above the city streets with a famous web slinger. Hide from hungry dinosaurs and hope you're not their next meal. And you can face the most colossal ape ever to walk the earth. Let the adventures begin.
Reviewed By 526karib
The best experiences were in Universal's Island of Adventure! So many character meet and greets, awesome rides for all ages, the food is delicious and large portions, and the customer service is top notch! Hulk is incredible, my son loved Spiderman so much he rode it 4 times in a row - the water rides were perfect to cool down on, and everything is so clean!! Best time and highly recommend!
9. Magic Kingdom Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68,524 reviews
Fairytale dreams come true for children of all ages at Magic Kingdom Park. Delight in classic attractions, enchanting fireworks, musical parades and beloved Disney Characters across 6 whimsical lands. See fantasy become a reality as you explore Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland and Main Street, U.S.A. areas. Zoom through space, become a swashbuckling pirate and watch fireworks light up the sky over Cinderella Castle.
Reviewed By Archited2013 - Fairport, United States
The Magic Kingdom has captured hearts and minds since it opened. It is so unique and special. It does have the "magic" many other theme parks lack. We came here as kids, teenagers, on our honeymoon, as adults, with our kids (9 times!) and after our kids moved out. Every time is is different but can entertain groups of any age and size. It is actually under priced for what you get, in my opinion. Every area of the park is themed perfectly. It has been able to change, adapt and add new rides while still keeping it's original charm. The centerpiece is definitely main street and Cinderella's castle. Those act as the entrance sequence to all the other lands. Other lands are placed around the "spoke of the wheel" - Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. More recent updates include a re-imagined Fantasyland, and expanded light/fireworks show. You must enjoy the small details as well - the main street shops, with the cast members/designers names in the windows, the small nooks and side streets, the railroad, Tom Sawyers island (so many unfortunately skip this) and even the mosaic art in the castle. Make sure to explore every nook and cranny! You are bound to discover new things every time! Our favorite attractions - Swiss Family Treehouse, Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Tom Sawyer's island, The Haunted Mansion, Cinderella's castle, Fantasmic, Seven Dwarfs Mine Ride, Buzz Lightyear and Space Mountain. Also all parades and fireworks show. This is the best fireworks show in Disney and anywhere. Best restaurants - Tony's Town Square, Crystal Palace, Liberty Square Tavern and Be Our Guest. Also get treats on Main Street, also Mickey ice cream heads and ice cream cookie sandwiches at Sleepy Hollow. Very good attractions- Railroad, Jungle Cruise, County Bear Jamboree, Peter Pan, and People Movers, and Carousel of Progress. The problem with this park is that it is so popular it often gets packed to the maximum. This only gets worse with Holidays and special events. Christmas decorations, Halloween decorations and theme nights add to the popularity. Strategies to avoid crowds - go early, go late, take advantage of special magic hours for guests staying on property, go in the winter (after Christmas), and stay until 12:00, 1:00 or 2:00 am if it's open that late. Also take advantages of fast passes and consider taking breaks in the middle of the day to go to a nice meal at one of the Hotels on the lagoon in front of the park. Even on busy days, the park is still magic, and no theme park we have been to can capture the creativity and theming of the Magic Kingdom!!!
10. Lake Rianhard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By WillHildebrandt - Shorewood, United States
We had a great and tranquil stroll around Lake Rianhard. We saw turtles, alligators and herons with surrounding woods and all sorts of trees, shrubs and flowers. Bike rentals are available With lots of room on the lake pathways for both walkers and bikers. You pass through a shopping area with plenty of places to eat. The lake is easy to find and there’s lots of free parking. Make the trek to Lake Rianhard to both walk and relax.
