Attractions & Sightseeing: Orlando

Iconic Landmarks

Orlando's most recognizable landmarks are its expansive theme park resorts, alongside distinguished city features.

Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort stand as global entertainment hubs, each offering unique, immersive experiences based on popular stories and franchises. Beyond the parks, Lake Eola Park provides a serene urban green space, while International Drive buzzes with attractions, including The Wheel at ICON Park, offering panoramic city views. GetYourGuide has tickets for many attractions.

Visitor Information

Hours: Theme park hours vary seasonally; check official websites for current operating schedules and attraction closures.
Fees: Theme park tickets range from $110-$190+ per day, depending on the park and date. Multi-day tickets often lower the per-day cost.
Booking: Purchase theme park tickets in advance online for better pricing and to link with park apps (crucial for Disney park reservations).
Lake Eola Park: Open daily dawn to dusk, free entry. Paddle boat rentals have a fee.

Insider Tips for Theme Parks

Maximizing Your Visit

Early Arrival: Get to parks before opening ("rope drop") for shorter waits on popular rides.
Evening Shows: Stay for fireworks and parades. Use park apps to find less crowded viewing spots.
Park Apps: Use My Disney Experience or Universal Orlando App for real-time wait times, mobile food ordering, and navigation.
Less Crowded Times: Mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) and non-holiday periods usually have fewer crowds.
Low Seasons: January (after New Year) and September often have the lowest crowd levels.
Guided Options: VIP and specialty tours available at extra cost for premium experiences and expedited access.

Photography Pointers

Lake Eola Park: Visit in the morning or late afternoon for ideal lighting. The fountain is beautifully lit nightly.
Viewpoints: Upper floors of parking garages or hotels near I-Drive can offer city or fireworks views.
The Wheel at ICON Park: Get an elevated perspective of the area, especially at sunrise or sunset. GetYourGuide has tickets.
Park During Shows: Consider popular attractions during parade or meal times for shorter lines.

Always check official park websites for the most up-to-date information on hours, shows, and ride closures.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

Orlando Museum of Art (OMA): Collections of American, African, and ancient American art; hosts traveling exhibits.
Orlando Science Center: Interactive STEM exhibits, planetarium, giant screen theater; popular with families.
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts: Premier venue for Broadway shows, concerts, ballet.
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition: Displays recovered artifacts, offering a historical and emotional experience.

Specialized & Niche Museums

Madame Tussauds Orlando:
Wax museum with realistic figures of celebrities and historical icons.
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium:
At ICON Park, showcases diverse marine life.
SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology:
Exhibits real animal and human skeletons.
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Orlando:
An "Odditorium" of strange artifacts and interactive exhibits.
Mennello Museum of American Art:
Focuses on traditional and contemporary American art.

Historical Sites

Orlando's historical sites reflect its development from a frontier town to a modern metropolis, rather than ancient civilizations.

Glimpses into the Past

Downtown Orlando:
Features some historic buildings around Lake Eola and the central business district (e.g., Angebilt Hotel, Rogers Building).
Church Street Station:
A historic train station downtown, now an entertainment complex, retaining original Victorian architecture.
Eatonville:
North of Orlando, one of the oldest incorporated African American towns, significant as author Zora Neale Hurston's hometown.

Religious Sites:
Various churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples serve the local community, mainly places of worship. The National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, is a distinguished Catholic shrine.
Memorial Sites:
Civic monuments exist downtown, like statues around Lake Eola. The Pulse Interim Memorial offers a place for reflection.
Archaeological Sites:
No significant ancient archaeological sites within Orlando proper. Major sites are not main tourist attractions in the area.

Natural Attractions

Central Florida, beyond theme parks, offers natural beauty with unique springs and wetlands. Explore parks and gardens like Harry P. Leu Gardens or Shingle Creek Regional Park. Wildlife viewing opportunities include Gatorland and Everglades airboat tours. Freshwater springs are popular day trips outside the city. Orlando is inland; the closest beaches are on the Atlantic coast (Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach) about an hour east.

Hidden Gems

Beyond major attractions, Orlando has lesser-known spots for unique experiences. Discover the tranquil Kraft Azalea Garden in Winter Park or the nature trails at Tibet-Butler Preserve. Explore local craft breweries for a taste of the local scene. Downtown Orlando's Audubon Park Garden District offers local shops and cafes. Consider historic Sanford or Winter Garden for small-town charm. The Wheel at ICON Park and Lake Eola offer unique photo opportunities.

Parks & Gardens

Lake Eola Park: (Downtown) Urban park with swan paddle boats, walking path, and the iconic Linton E. Allen Fountain. Harry P. Leu Gardens: 50-acre botanical oasis with themed gardens, a butterfly garden, and historical house tours. Mead Botanical Garden: (Winter Park) Free garden with walking trails and an amphitheater. Shingle Creek Regional Park: Trails and opportunities for kayaking through Florida's natural wetlands.

Wildlife & Nature Encounters

Discover Florida's unique fauna in dedicated parks or natural habitats.

Gatorland: Known as the "Alligator Capital of the World," offering shows and exhibits focused on alligators and crocodiles.
Everglades Airboat Tours: Experience fast-paced tours through natural wetland habitats to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife.
Discovery Cove: A sister park to SeaWorld, for unique aquatic animal encounters like swimming with dolphins (extra cost) and snorkeling.

Beyond The Parks

Orlando's allure stretches beyond its world-famous theme parks, offering rich cultural experiences, tranquil natural escapes, and urban exploration.

From the arts and history found in its downtown core to the serene beauty of its state parks and gardens, visitors discover different facets of Central Florida.

Arts & History Exploration

Explore Orlando's cultural side, discovering its museums, galleries, and historical areas.

Highlights

Explore the diverse collections at the Orlando Museum of Art.
Walk through the historic Church Street Station district downtown.
Visit Eatonville, a historically significant African American town.

Urban Green Spaces

Find tranquility and recreational opportunities within the city's parks and botanical gardens.

Top Spots

Stroll through the themed gardens at Harry P. Leu Gardens.
Enjoy paddle boating or a leisurely walk at Lake Eola Park.
Discover the trails and butterfly garden at Mead Botanical Garden.

Family-Friendly Museums

Engage the whole family with interactive and educational museum experiences.

Interactive Learning

Explore hands-on exhibits at the Orlando Science Center.
Meet wax figures of celebrities at Madame Tussauds Orlando.
Discover marine life at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium.
See real animal skeletons at SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology.

Performance Arts & Live Music

Catch a show or live performance at Orlando's premier venues.

Entertainment Venues

Enjoy Broadway shows, concerts, and ballet at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
Listen to live bands at The Social or The Beacham in downtown Orlando.
Attend classical and contemporary plays by Orlando Shakes.

Unique Perspectives & Local Charm

Off-the-Beaten-Path

Find peace at Kraft Azalea Garden in Winter Park, a quiet lakeside oasis.
Hike diverse Florida habitats at Tibet-Butler Preserve for a nature escape.
Visit The Glass Knife in Winter Park for visually stunning pastries and desserts.

Emerging & Local Favorites

Explore local shops, cafes, and restaurants in the Audubon Park Garden District.
Discover Sanford's Historic Downtown, with its growing food scene and unique shops.
Spend a pleasant day at Winter Garden's Downtown, home to Plant Street Market.

Sightseeing Essentials

Plan your sightseeing trips efficiently with these considerations.

Best Time to Visit

For theme parks, weekdays during off-peak seasons (late January, early February, late August, September) offer lower crowds and often better weather. Spring and Fall are generally pleasant for outdoor activities.

Transportation

A rental car offers the most flexibility. Ride-sharing services are readily available. Many hotels offer shuttle services to major theme parks. The I-Ride Trolley on International Drive helps navigate that area.

Beach Day Trips

Remember Orlando is inland. Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach (Atlantic Coast) are about an hour east. Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach (Gulf Coast) are about 1.5-2 hours southwest, known for calmer waters.

Planning Your Itinerary

Theme Park Focus

Allocate full days for each major theme park. Prioritize rides and shows using park apps. Consider Park Hopper tickets if you want to visit multiple parks in one day, though this means less time in each.

Book Theme Park Tickets

Non-Park Days

Schedule days to explore other Orlando attractions like ICON Park, Gatorland, or the Orlando Science Center. This can offer a refreshing break from the parks.

Find Local Attractions

Cultural & Nature Excursions

Dedicate time for downtown Orlando, Winter Park, or a trip to a natural spring. These experiences offer a appreciation of Central Florida.

Explore Nature Tours

Dining Reservations

Make dining reservations, especially for popular restaurants inside or outside the parks, well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Book Restaurants

Rest & Relaxation

Pace yourself. Include rest days or half-days at your hotel pool or a quieter activity. Orlando trips can be tiring.

Find Relaxing Stays

Accessibility Information

Orlando attractions are generally very accommodating for visitors with disabilities.

Theme Parks & Mobility

Theme parks offer extensive accessibility guides and services for guests using wheelchairs or ECVs.
Many shows and attractions offer assistive listening devices or sign language interpretation with advance notice.
Specific accommodations exist for visual impairments and hearing difficulties; check park websites.

Photography Guidelines

Capture your memories while respecting guidelines.

Tips for Great Photos

Photography is generally allowed at attractions, but no flash photography in dark rides.
Selfie sticks are often prohibited on rides for safety reasons.
Respect cultural institutions' rules on photography, especially in art galleries.
Capture natural beauty at parks and springs, but avoid disturbing wildlife.

Essential Planning Note

Always check official websites for current operating hours, ticket prices, and reservation requirements before your visit, as these can change frequently.

For the best experience, plan your theme park days using their dedicated apps for wait times and mobile ordering.

Seasonal Events & Festivals

Orlando's calendar is dotted with special events, enhancing the visitor experience.

Epcot's Year-Round Celebrations

Epcot at Walt Disney World hosts several major international festivals throughout the year, each with unique offerings.

Epcot Festivals

International Flower & Garden Festival: (Spring) Beautiful topiaries, outdoor kitchens, and concert series.
International Food & Wine Festival: (Fall) Culinary booths from around the world, demonstrations, and special events.
International Festival of the Arts: (Winter) Visual, culinary, and performing arts experiences.

Holiday Magic & Local Events

Beyond Epcot, Orlando embraces various holiday festivities and community events.

Seasonal Highlights

Christmas/New Year: Theme parks feature elaborate decorations, special shows, and events.
Halloween Horror Nights (Universal): A popular ticketed event in fall for fright fans.
Local Community Events: Check local calendars for art walks, farmers markets, and cultural festivals.

Sporting Events

Orlando hosts various sporting events throughout the year, drawing fans and participants.

Sporting Highlights

Orlando City SC: Major League Soccer (MLS) team plays at Exploria Stadium.
Orlando Magic: NBA team plays at the Amway Center.
Golf Tournaments: Professional and amateur golf events at numerous courses.

Check team schedules and venue listings for tickets and game dates.

Concerts & Shows

A range of live music and theatrical performances grace Orlando's stages year-round.

Venues for Live Entertainment

Amway Center: Hosts major concerts, comedy shows, and family entertainment.
Dr. Phillips Center: Broadway tours, ballet, and orchestral performances.

Review upcoming events schedules for your travel dates for diverse options.

Conventions & Expos

Orlando is a major convention city, hosting numerous industry and consumer expos.

Major Venues

Orange County Convention Center: One of the largest in the US, hosts major trade shows.
Resort Convention Facilities: Many large resorts have their own convention spaces.
Consumer expos cover interests from pop culture to home improvement.

These events can impact hotel availability and traffic, so check schedules.

Special Attraction Considerations

Tickets & Passes

For theme parks, consider multi-day tickets or annual passes if staying longer. Look into combo passes for multiple non-park attractions.

Weather Preparedness

Florida weather changes quickly. Pack for sun, heat, and sudden rain showers. Hydrate frequently. Sunscreen and hats are advisable.

Footwear

Comfortable walking shoes are essential for theme parks and other attractions where you will spend extended periods on your feet.

Booking Tip for Attractions

For many Orlando attractions, specifically theme parks and popular tours, advance online booking is advisable. This can secure your spot and sometimes offer better rates than same-day purchase.

Attractions & Sightseeing