Planning a Trip to Orlando? What to Do in Orlando Florida

Well it's that time of the year. No, not back-to-school time although it is that too, but what I mean is it's time for the super spectacular weather to begin in Florida. So now is the time to plan your trip, and here are a few ideas of what to do in Orlando Florida.

Disney World is probably the first thing on everyone's list, especially if you have kids. When we first moved here my relatives came every year without fail and headed out to Disney. Unfortunately they tended to come during the hot summer months which was not so fun. Actually sort of miserable. But I just walked outside now and it is the end of September and the weather has gone from icky hot yesterday to very nice, breezy, and pleasant today. So it's time to head to the theme parks! So yes, Disney is one of the fun things to do here and should be on everyone's list. It's not just for kids and it brings out the kid in all of us.

But what else? Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are two other really nice parks to visit. They are right together, all part of Universal along with City Walk (which you can check out at night for the restaurants and clubs). I prefer Islands of Adventure but if you have not ever seen either one that you should see both of them.

Sea World should be on your list too. I haven't been in several years but it never fails to entertain me when I visit.

If you want to drive an hour and a half or so out of Orlando you can visit Busch Gardens. It's well worth the time.

What else is there to do in Orlando Florida other than theme parks? Lots! There are many lakes, and you can rent a ski boat or a pontoon and spend the day on the lake. The St Johns River is also nearby and this river is huge, goes on for about 300 miles. I definitely recommend a pontoon for the river. There is nothing like meandering down the river on a nice day on a comfortable boat with snacks and fishing poles. Or don't bother with the fishing poles, just enjoy the scenery. You're sure to see some wildlife, mainly gators and a lot of birds and turtles. Don't worry, the gators will just get out of your way.

There are also a lot of state parks and quaint downtown areas on the outskirts of Orlando. One downtown area I recommend is Mount Dora which is located in Lake County. It's only about 30 minutes away and you will really enjoy the shops and the lake. There are some really nice restaurants too.

Speaking of restaurants, go online and check out some message boards to find some good ones where the locals go. There are many! If you are looking for casual, there is one that I have discovered lately, Backyard Boys, which has awesome barbecue. And if you want some great southern-style seafood then you might want to drive a bit out of Orlando (not far) to Apopka and try out The Catfish Place. Great food and a secret of the locals. So don't tell!

So as you can see, if you are wondering what to do in Orlando Florida, there is more than enough to keep you occupied during your visit.

12 Free Things to Do in Orlando, Florida and Still Have Fun

Orlando, Florida is a top vacation destination for families all across America. There are amazing things to do in Orlando, such as Disney World and Gatorland, but there are also plenty of freethings to do in Orlando that are great ways to spend your vacation time.

Orlando is known for its first class attractions, but there are also plenty of natural attractions for visitors to explore. Directly located in central Florida, Orlando has the great advantage of being immersed in both beautiful natural surroundings as well as fantastic waters on each side. Orlando’s great setting provides plenty of Free things to do too!

1. Lake Eola Park: This downtown Orlando centerpiece offers 43 acres for exploration and recreation, including fountains, a walking path, playgrounds, swans to feed and swan shaped paddle boats and gondolas (for a slight fee.)
2. Harry P. Leu Gardens: Admission is free on Mondays. Guests can enjoy three miles of walkways, rose gardens, a butterfly garden, ancient oak trees, and more.
   
3. Ocala National Forest: A great place to experience natural Florida. The Florida Trail is a popular hike, where you can view hardwood forests, swamps, springs, and prairies. You can also canoe, picnic, hike and more.
   
4. Kelly Park: This park offers over 248 acres of outdoor fun and excitement! A crystal clear spring is the focus of this park, with water sports, including tubing, and rock climbing available!
   
   Orlando’s rich history also makes its museums a can’t miss experience. Plus, they’re open Free to the public
5. Cornell Fine Arts Museum: This museum showcases over 6,000 art pieces ranging from the Renaissance to the Baroque period. Art lovers of all ages will not want to miss one of the oldest collections in all of Florida.
6. Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art: Home to the most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany. There is also an extensive American Pottery collection, as well as 19th and 20th century paintings collection. Admission is free on Fridays.
7. Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Central Florida: An informative center dedicated to remembering the millions if people that were lost during the rule of Nazi Germany.
8. Fort Christmas Historical Museum & Park: Visit the full size replica of Fort Christmas, including seven restored pioneer homes and showing pioneer life from the 1870s through the 1930s. Key themes are homesteading, cattle, citrus, hunting, fishing and trapping.
   
   There are even more free things to do in Orlando, Florida!
9. Downtown Disney Marketplace: Explore the World of Disney store, which is an experience in and of itself. Also visit the Lego Imagination Center, where your kids can enjoy the free Lego building stations and nearby playground.
10. Disney’s Boardwalk: Stroll along Disney’s boardwalk for a charming step back in time, complete with water views and street entertainers.
11. The Town of Celebration: Visit this Disney-made town where you can adrmire the gorgeous houses, well-groomed yards and magic of Disney living. Depending on when you visit, you may see machine generated snow or falling leaves.
12. Old Town: On Saturday nights a free rock-n-roll concert and a parade of 300 vintage cars are offered.

Discover Things To Do In Orlando Florida

For many people one of their favorite vacation destinations is Orlando Florida. Needless to say, that there are so many things to do in Orlando Florida. Most people know the Orlando area as a world famous destination for its theme parks such as Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World. However, there are a number of other Orlando tourist attractions to enjoy on your holidays. Orlando Florida is a booming destination of about 200,000 people located in central Florida full of that famous sun that draws tourists from all walks of life and from around the globe. It is an absolute highlight for tourists and whatever type of holiday you want, it will be right there for you in Orlando. It absolutely doesn't matter what your interests, you are able to find many things to do in Orlando that fits them.

It doesn't matter how surfeited you are, it is an absolute must to see the Orlando theme parks. And they are really worth visiting. It is simply fact that some of the theme parks in Orlando are among the best parks in the whole world. Orlando vacations are a great option to spend with your entire family. However, if you don't travel with kids, you should only plan on spending a day or two at Disney World. It absolutely offers a lot of fun, but it isn't really arranged for grown-ups. You may enjoy the beautiful fireworks and a few of the rides can be fun for people of all ages, however for grown ups there is so much more to experience in the city.

The activities in downtown Orlando are full of life and pretty different. Sport enthusiasts can visit an All Star football game, or catch a baseball or basketball match. Orlando is home to several of the best sports teams of America. It doesn't matter what your sport, probably you are able to catch it as long as you stay there. People that less interested in sports can do a lot of other things. Music lover can visit quite a few clubs in Orlando, and some exciting acts get through on a really regular basis. You are able to listen to rock 'n roll, jazz, hip hop, or whatever you want, you can probably discover it in Orlando. The city also features an eclectic mix of comedy clubs, sports bars, pubs, ambitious lounges, martini bars, and dance clubs.

No Orlando trip would be exhaustive without a fair bit of rest and relaxation. There is a wide range of hotels in the Orlando area that fit every type of budget, you can choose from. You can also find some of America's most stunning and luxury hotels and resorts. Some of these establishments can be pretty expensive, but they are absolutely worth it. Steam rooms, Jacuzzis, spa and an on-site massage are standard amenities. They do not only provide extravagant accommodations, they also offer state of the art tennis facilities, championship golf courses, and a lot more.

Occasionally, the best activities you can do in Orlando involve just taking time to relax. If you are less interested in being taken care of, an Orlando time share could be a great option. It is really easy to rent a house in Orlando Florida, due to the popular tourist industry. If you do some research, you can even find an affordable house on the beach. There is really nothing better than having a house on the beach. After all, for most visitors swimming and tanning in the sun are actually the most favored things to do in Orlando Florida.

Six Free Things to Do in Orlando, Florida

Perhaps best known for Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, Orlando has much more to offer than just theme parks, and many of its attractions are free for visitors to enjoy. Here are just six things you can do on vacation which won't cost you a penny.

1 Take a stroll along Disney's Boardwalk

The 45-acre waterfront district that fronts Disney's Boardwalk Resort is a recreation of a 1930's-style Atlantic coastal village. Visitors can enjoy a stroll while taking in the entertainment provided by the many street performers, musicians and magicians.

You can access the Boardwalk by walking along the International Gateway from Epcot, or via the hotel itself.

2 Admire the old-fashioned appeal of Celebration

Located just off the 192, the town of Celebration is packed full of historic-themed architecture fused with modern technology. This picture-perfect town was conceived by Disney and is the perfect place to go if you want to kick back and relax. There's a farmers' market on a Sunday morning and Reading Trout books offers many free events, including author readings and book signings. They also have an excellent selection of Disney themed books.

3 Check out the Downtown Disney Marketplace

The Marketplace is open to all visitors; you don't need a Walt Disney World ticket to enjoy the wide array of themed shops and entertainment. There are boutiques and eateries to suit all budgets. The kids will love exploring the massive World of Disney store, or playing with Lego at the Lego Imagination Center.

4 Experience a vintage car parade

Old Town, a unique shopping and entertainment area, sits on the 192 just south of Walt Disney World. Take a leisurely stroll along the main street browsing the stores, or for a more eventful visit check out the drag racing, go karting track or reverse bungee jumping. Every Saturday night Old Town comes to life as 300 cars, polished and gleaming, drive up and down the main street. The parade is followed up with live entertainment featuring '50s and '60s rock 'n' roll music.

Admission to Old Town is free, including the car shows and concerts, but tickets are required for the amusement rides.

5 Picnic among the orchids

A World of Orchids is a 22,500 square-foot conservatory featuring orchids as well as other exotic flowers. The natural exhibits feature flowers and plants from Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Australia, Central and South America.

Take a stroll along the boardwalk, marvel at the Senator, one of America's oldest bald cypress trees or just enjoy a picnic at one of the many picnic tables.

A World of Orchids is located in Kissimmee and is open Monday through Saturday.

6 End the day with a bang

You don't need a ticket to enjoy Walt Disney World's fantastic firework spectacular Wishes. Resort guests can enjoy the show from the Transportation and Ticket Center, or catch the free ferry or monorail over to the Magic Kingdom park entrance for an up-close view.

Orlando Vacation - The Hottest Top Ten Things to Do

There are two limiting factors on what to do in Orlando-time and money: chances are pretty good you won't have enough of either.

Of the top ten amusement parks in the country only seven of them are in Orlando. Here's my list of the top ten things to do on your Orlando Fun Vacation. I dare you to try all ten on one trip. Walt Disney World by itself is 47 square miles of fun and adventure.

1. DISNEY-MAGIC KINGDOM. It is the most popular theme park in the world with nearly 15 million visitors. Rides such as Pirates of the Caribbean", "Splash Mountain", and "Space Mountain" are at the top of the all time best list. "It's a Small World After All" leaves you singing the song for a week. All seven themed parks are difficult to do in a day.

2. DISNEY –MGM STUDIOS Here we have some of the best rides including the Twilight Zone "Tower of Terror". An absolutely fascinating look at how the movies are made plus lots of fun too. Can be a one day adventure.

3. DISNEY-ANIMAL KINGDOM "Expedition Everest" is the highlight of the rides in this one day or less trip thru the Kingdom of Animals featuring "Festival of the Lion King"-a must see.

4. SEA WORLD Beautiful gardens are the backdrop for this educational and fun experience. Definitely worth a visit yet very different from the other Orlando attractions.
One ride worth the trip is "Kraken" a floorless roller coaster.

5. EPCOT CENTER Definitely a two day journey but in my opinion not for everyone. It is more of an educational experience and a little on the heavy side compared to the lightness of the other theme parks. It is very well done and very educational but again not everyone's cup of tea.

6. BUSCH GARDENS Oh okay it is not in Orlando it's in Tampa. It is one of the biggest zoos in the world and has some great thrill rides like "Kumba" and "Python". Oh and the beer-did someone mention free beer!! Well worth the trip.

7. UNIVERSAL STUDIOS A working TV and motion picture studio with some great rides thrown in. Check out" Men in Black Alien Attack" and "Revenge of The Mummy" rides that will get your heart rate up in a hurry. There is a stiff competition between WDW and Universal for your dollar. The consumer is the winner as attractions at both places get better all the time.

8. ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE This slightly younger brother to Universal studios is made up of six islands that feature some of the best maybe the best thrill rides in Orlando. It is mostly for the 54" and up crowd (the height restriction). "The amazing Adventures of Spider-Man", "Dueling Dragons", and "The Incredible Hulk" coaster are some of the best rides in the world.

9. DISNEY WATER PARKS You guessed it-a water theme park that is occasionally closed so check ahead. If water is your game-this is it!!

10. CIRQUE DE SOLEIL. I have seen at least a half a dozen of these shows in three different cities in the last 6-7 years or so and watched them on numerous TV specials. I am still amazed at the athleticism of the performers. But that is only the obvious. The choreography, set design, music, and the creativity of everything they do. Unbelievable. Not a circus in the American sense because there are no animals but spectacular nonetheless and not to be missed.

The only negative is it can be pricey. For a family of four it will set you back $180-300.
If you've never seen Cirque du Soleil, this may be the best opportunity for the family.

Jack Krohn is a free lance writer and the #1 author of Home Security Articles in the country according to EzineArticles. He has traveled extensively to Europe, throughout the southwest and Hawaii. He has had Diabetes, Pre-diabetes and Syndrome X for nearly fifteen years. He speaks from the experiences he has had during that time.

Things to Do in Orlando - That Are Not Theme Parks

You don't have to just think Disney when you think of things to do in Orlando. A short trip up the I4 Highway from Disney, Universal, Sea World and all the other attractions is Seminole County. In Seminole County you get everything you would in Orlando but at a lower price and with a lot less traffic. They even have the same hotels you would get in the Orlando area here but at a fraction of the price.

Here are some things to do in Orlando without actually being in Orlando.

You can take a cruise down one of the many rivers in Seminole County, the St. Johns River is located here, and it is the longest river in Florida. You can hike or bike one of the wilderness trails and do some bird watching, study the natural wildlife or just take some photos.

There are more that thirty state parks and preserves for you to explore. Most have wooden bridges to take you over wetlands and near natural springs so you can see a small fraction of this ancient side of Florida and maybe catch a glimpse of an Alligator or Turtle sunbathing themselves. If you want to see more of the wetlands you can rent a canoe or kayak and take a trip out into the wild on your own.

While you're visiting; you have to see Big Tree Park which features "The Senator" a Bald Cypress that is over 3,500 years old and Wekiwa (Pronounced Wik-I-Va) Springs State Park and rent a Canoe to explore this lush natural spring.

If nature isn't your thing Seminole County offers "other things to do in Orlando". It has over twelve 18-hole courses for you to play or you can take a leisurely walk through the historic areas of Sanford or Longwood. Walking through one of these small towns will give you an idea of what life was like here a hundred years ago.

You'll see small Antique Shops, Victorian houses and cultural museums. You'll find history in a fully restored vaudeville theater, the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, where you can stop for a minute and catch a play or other show. There are many public art galleries there for your enjoyment, and Seminole County also features "Art in Public Places" which showcases local artists in public buildings.

Seminole County features some of the newest Hotels and other accommodations in Central Florida with the best part being you'll pay up to a third of what you'd be paying to stay closer to Disney and the other attractions and you're still just a short drive from downtown Orlando. So while you're thinking of things to do in Orlando remember Central Florida is more than just Orlando.