Top Things to do in Orlando
Orlando is a place with something for just about anyone. Those who live in homes or luxury apartments in this part of Florida appreciate the fact that there’s always something fun and interesting to do. Yet for visitors, figuring out how to spend one’s time (and money, let’s be honest) is not always easy. If you’re heading to Orlando and have just a week to spend, what should you do? Here are some tips on some of the top things to do in Orlando to make the most out of your week.
Day 1- Spend the morning at the Animal Kingdom
You can start your trip with the Wilderness Lodge at Disney World and through that, you can get access to Extra Magic Hours (EMH). Each day, you will find at least one of the Disney World Parks open at least for an extra hour for the guests of the hotel. If you’re lucky enough to get minimum crowds, you can ride to Kilimanjaro Safari, Kali River Rapids and also go on the Everest Expedition twice if you want to. And hey, don’t miss the Lion King show!
Day 2 – Visit the Magic Kingdom
When you think of top things to do in Orlando, this is an absolute must. After you enjoy your first day’s sleep, move back to the Magic Kingdom for your brunch as you can book the Royal Table of Cinderella. From the Magic Kingdom, you can move on to Epcot as this can soon become a favourite hot spot for your kids who love The Seas with Nemo, Mission: Space and Friends. If you wish to get a proper taste of Britain, visit the Rose & Crown pub as it is a lovely spot on the deck of a lake. Either way, a Disney Park is the way to go!
Day 3 – Visit the Kennedy Space Center
If you have just moved in between hotels and you’re out from a Disney bubble to a spacious self-contained apartment, you’re probably living in a heavenly space. Now, what is the next place to go to? Hire a car and head out to the Kennedy Space Center if you want your kids to check out the most amazing space shuttles, rockets and learn about the launch area. You will also find some of the most interesting photos from NASA space adventure.
Day 4 – Pick a Water Park and Have a Fun Dinner
On day 2 after your first day exploring your chosen theme park, visit a water park. Whether you choose Disney’s Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon or Universal’s Volcano Bay, you’ll find that these water parks are some of the best in the world. You will want many hours to stay, but when you have had enough time in the sun, get rinsed off and head out for a themed dinner. If you’re a Disney fan the Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort offers a Hawaiian-themed dinner with a side of Mickey and the gang. For a fun Universal dinner, visit City Walk to eat at The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, which offers burgers and sushi in one place.
Day 5 – Visit Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando consists of 2 theme parks, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Most people visit this place with the main goal of taking a look at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The kids especially love several other areas and ride like Despicable Me ride and Seuss Landing ride. As you head to Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley which is located in Universal Studios in Florida, you can hit two new rides.
Post the wand ceremony at Ollivanders, you can spend enough time at casting spells, riding Escape from Gringotts and drinking butterbeer. Then you can take the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade in Universal Islands of Adventure and once you reach there, you won’t know how you spent your time in exploring the extremely well-managed themed area.
Day 6 – Do Some Shopping
Shopping is always more fun in Orlando, so you may want to give a day dedicated to it. Whether you go to City Walk or Disney Springs, you’ll love the ambiance of the stores and restaurants. This gives you one day dedicated to finding souvenirs, rather than spending valuable theme park time in gift shops. If traditional shopping is more your style, consider The Florida Mall or the boutiques of Winter Park Avenue.
At the International Drive, you’ll find the Orlando Premium Outlets where you can get the entire outlet scene in this giant store. There are huge discounts offered on brands like Victoria Secret, Adidas, Diesel, Hugo Boss, Nike, Levi’s, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren.
Day 7 – Go Natural and Explore
On our sixth day in Orlando, hit some of the natural wonders of the area. De Leon Springs is a great option. Here you can take a dip in a natural spring! You may even want to splurge for a day trip to the beach or the Everglades, which aren’t in Orlando but are somewhat close by. It is said that the temperature of water in Central Florida springs holds steady in their low 70s throughout the year and hence the locals get a great place to cool down during summer.
However, you need to know that water is not the only attraction as you can also go scuba diving, canoeing, boating, snorkeling and picnicking on the different springs of Florida.
Day 8 – See a Museum
If you’re staying a full seven days, consider hitting the Morse Museum, the Orlando Science Center, or a day trip to the Orlando Museum of Art. The latter is spread over extremely old oak trees and is extended over sprawling green lawns which are ideal for setting up picnics. With their multiple exhibitions that go on, they’re sure to attract art lovers. The Orlando Science Center will take you close to live alligators or you can spend time gazing at the Rings of Saturn with their telescope.
Therefore, if you’ve visited Orlando and you’re still confused about how to spend a week there without taking too much rest, you can take into account the above-listed ideas on the top things to do in Orlando. The best tips shared by experts will always recommend you search online about the places, the times to visit and the things that you shouldn’t ever miss. Do your homework before reaching the destination. And don’t forget to check the weather!
