Orlando, Florida is known as the home of Walt Disney World, and certainly Disney is the number one tourist attraction in the city. However, Disney and its associated parks (Epcot Center, Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom) are far from the only attractions Orlando has to offer!
Consider these 10 (ten) other, interesting activities and major attractions in Orlando:
- Universal Orlando Resort: the 2nd largest resort in Orlando, Universal is home to two theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure
- SeaWorld Orlando: as it’s name and reputation imply, SeaWorld features exhibits of animals from oceans around the world, as well as numerous roller coasters, shops, and restaurants
- Discovery Cove: adjacent to SeaWorld and owned by the same parent company (Busch Entertainment Corporation, a subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch), Discovery Cove is a theme park that lets its visitors interact with various marine and land animals, including bottlenose dolphins, over 250 tropical birds, and more
- The Orange County Convention Center: the 2nd largest convention center in the U.S., the OCCC hosts numerous conventions and events throughout the year. Check their calendar before booking a vacation to see what they’ve got planned when you’re in town!
- Numerous golf courses, perfect for the golf enthusiast in your family
- Lake Cecile and other bodies of water, many of which are ideal for fishing, swimming, kayaking, jet ski rental (waverunnners) or paddleboats. Lake Cecile is actually just 5 minutes from the Walt Disney Resort, in Kissimmee, FL .
- Orlando is located near 2,000 lakes rivers and springs, so water sports are very popular in the area!
- Wallaby Ranch Hang Gliding Park: for visitors looking for even more adventure, Wallaby Ranch offers hang gliding rides at its secluded location in nearby Davenport, FL
- Forever Florida: a 4,700 acre “eco-ranch” that offers horseback riding, camping, and “Eco Safaris,” which include several safari options, such as a Horseback Safari, a Coach Safari, and a new Zipline Safari, all of which are led by expert guides that explain the unique ecological features and wildlife in the area
- The Richard Petty Driving Experience: a truly one-of-a-kind outing, visitors can ride along with a professional instructor in a Nascar-style stock car or even drive solo (after a brief instructional course)!
And of course, there are plenty of museums, restaurants, and shopping options in and near Orlando as well. If you’ve been thinking about visiting Orlando, you’ll be astonished at the amazing number of activities and options available in this Florida area! The above list of activities only touches upon a few of the many tourist attractions in Central Florida; whether you are interested in a family-friendly vacation, a romantic getaway with your significant other, or an adventurous escape with a group of friends, you’re guaranteed to find more than enough to keep you busy and ensure that your vacation will be one to remember.
In order to help you plan the best itinerary for any visit to Orlando, be sure to check back often as we explore these and other area attractions in more detail!
