Things to do
Ranked by what's actually worth your time.
Disney's flagship park featuring Cinderella Castle, iconic attractions, beloved characters, parades, and fireworks. Essential first-time visitor experience with classic Disney magic.
The most iconic Disney theme park featuring classic attractions across themed lands with broad appeal for all ages. Iconic castle, Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, and Haunted Mansion make this the essential first-time Disney experience.
Four iconic theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom) plus water parks and entertainment venues spanning Lake Buena Vista. Home to classic attractions from meeting Mickey to Star Wars experiences and the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival (through November 21, 2026).
Features Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, a reverse-launch coaster, plus family-friendly attractions like Remy's Ratatouille Adventure and Frozen Ever After with no height minimums. The World Showcase offers authentic international food, performers, and architecture.
Walk among flight-flown spacecraft, meet real astronauts, and feel the rumble of live rocket launches at the #1-ranked attraction in the U.S. Just 45 minutes from Orlando, this real-world space exploration experience educates and awes visitors across all ages.
Newer cutting-edge theme park featuring five themed worlds including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe with Frankenstein Manor, and The Untrainable Dragon show. Ideal for thrill-seekers and Harry Potter fans.
Home to Universal Epic Universe with over 50 attractions across five immersive worlds including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk.
Features some of the most immersive theming in any park worldwide with Harry Potter Wizarding World, Jurassic Park, and Marvel areas. Requires full day minimum to experience the detailed lands properly.
Universal's main park featuring thrills, movie-based attractions, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter's Diagon Alley. Known for immersive experiences and cutting-edge ride technology.
Universal Orlando Resort's two main parks offer attractions suited for families aged 7+ and thrill-seekers, with Epic Universe adding a third park option in 2025. On-property resorts provide convenient access for families staying overnight.
Built around Star Wars, Toy Story, and film storytelling, with Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge as an entire alien planet experience where you can fly the Millennium Falcon and experience Rise of the Resistance.
Marine animal encounters combined with thrill rides, featuring SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, a suspended indoor dark ride. Offers a distinctly different experience from other major theme parks.
A 400-foot observation wheel—the tallest on the eastern U.S. seaboard—offering 360-degree views of Orlando's theme parks and Cape Canaveral on 20-minute rides. Most affordable way to see the city from above.
The two original Universal parks, home to both halves of the older Wizarding World of Harry Potter plus big coasters. Islands of Adventure skews thrill while Studios has movie-based rides and hosts Halloween Horror Nights at night.
Features Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, the most immersive single themed land in theme park history, plus Toy Story Land and high-production-value attractions. Best for families seeking blockbuster movie experiences.
Disney's most immersive park centered on film and storytelling with Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge as a fully realized alien planet experience. Toy Story Land and other cinematic lands offer family-friendly attractions and immersive theming.
Florida's iconic 110-acre wildlife park featuring close-up encounters with alligators, crocodiles, birds, and native wildlife. Live feeding demonstrations and shows provide a uniquely Floridian experience without the theme park crowds or prices.
Ranked #1 attraction in the United States and #3 worldwide by Tripadvisor. Walk among iconic flight-flown spacecraft, meet real astronauts, and feel live rocket launches. Worth the 45-minute day trip east of Orlando.
Purpose-built theme park in Winter Haven (45 minutes from downtown) featuring over 50 rides and attractions for children ages 2-12. Miniland USA showcases cities built from millions of LEGO blocks, and the new Galacticoaster space-themed indoor family coaster opened in February 2026.
Combines thrilling attractions with real wildlife experiences and immersive lands like Pandora—Avatar World, blending nature, animals, and cutting-edge technology.
Free-to-explore shopping, dining, and entertainment complex near Magic Kingdom featuring family restaurants like Rainforest Cafe and diverse dining options. No admission fee required to walk around and enjoy the atmosphere.
Four floors of interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, planetarium shows, and animal encounters. Features KidsTown, DinoDigs, and IMAX films—ideal for ages 3–12 and rainy days.
Four major theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios) offering 5-7 days of immersive experiences. Comprehensive Disney universe covering every genre from classic attractions to technological innovation and animal encounters.
All-inclusive day resort featuring hand-feeding exotic birds, snorkeling with tropical fish and rays, and optional dolphin interactions. Limited daily attendance creates an intimate experience with meals and beverages included.
Walt Disney World's wildlife-focused park combining a traditional theme park with genuine animal encounters, safari experiences, and nature-themed attractions across multiple lands.
20-acre entertainment complex on International Drive featuring the 394-foot Orlando Eye Ferris wheel, the 459-foot Orlando StarFlyer, and the 299-foot Orlando Slingshot—the world's tallest. Includes multiple attractions, rides, restaurants, and shops.
Historic venue 45–60 minutes from Orlando featuring Space Shuttle Atlantis with 60 interactive exhibits. Excellent day trip for families with kids ages 5+, showcasing NASA's shuttle program history.
A 400-foot tall observation wheel offering 360-degree views of Orlando and surrounding areas. Provides a different perspective of the city and theme park landscapes from above.
400-foot observation wheel providing unobstructed 360-degree views of the entire Orlando metro area. Quick 12-minute experience that offers memorable aerial perspective of the region.
National Historic Landmark featuring a 100-year-old carillon bell tower, historic gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., and a 100-acre Pine Ridge Nature Preserve. Perfect peaceful escape from theme park crowds, 1 hour 15 minutes from Orlando.
Houses the world's most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany works including stained-glass windows, lamps, jewelry, and a reconstructed Tiffany Chapel. Combines beautifully with Park Avenue and Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour for a full day experience.
Central Florida's only family-owned theme park with two locations offering thrill rides including multi-level go-kart tracks and Orlando's only wooden roller coaster. More intimate alternative to the major chains.
Historic 50-acre garden featuring thousands of plants, flowers, and seasonal displays. During November–January, features thousands of poinsettias, holiday decorations, and craft workshops at no additional cost beyond admission.
Dine in a car-shaped booth in a darkened drive-in theater while watching retro movie clips of attacking aliens and rampaging robots. Unique 1950s nostalgia experience with all-American cuisine that kids won't find elsewhere.
Beautifully designed aquarium at ICON Park featuring fish, sea turtles, sharks, and stingrays in colorful, educational decor. Diverse marine life collection with interactive displays appealing to children and families.
Indoor amusement park museum with interactive exhibits including virtual reality rides, astronaut training challenges, and bubble-building. Educational and entertaining for families of all ages.
Hidden gem featuring incredible stained glass and American art collections. Located on Park Avenue in Winter Park, perfect for art lovers seeking an experience away from the main tourism corridor.
Home to the world's most comprehensive Tiffany collection, in the heart of Winter Park's walkable Park Avenue shopping and dining district. It's a five-minute walk from the SunRail station, so you can even skip the car. Pair it with lunch on Park Avenue or a scenic boat tour.
Character dining at Disney's Contemporary Resort where Mickey, Goofy, Minnie, and Pluto visit your table for autographs without waiting in park lines. Iconic character experience with monorail views and buffet dining, no park ticket required.
Seasonal ice-sculpture experience featuring scenes hand-carved from over 2 million pounds of ice, including tunnels, sculptures, and two-story slides. Runs November 13, 2026 through January 3, 2027 with starting prices of $17-45 depending on activities.
Premier performing arts center hosting world-class theater, ballet, and musical productions. Essential for families seeking indoor cultural entertainment during hot weather or as an evening activity.
20-acre entertainment complex along International Drive featuring restaurants, shops, and attractions including an aquarium, Madame Tussauds Orlando, and a 400-foot observation wheel. Offers a diverse one-stop destination with views of the surrounding area.
Immersive Universal theme park featuring Harry Potter's Hogsmeade village and thrilling rides across themed islands. Best for thrill-seeking families wanting something beyond Universal Studios.
Serene outdoor space featuring an array of stunning art installations and sculptures set amidst natural beauty. A peaceful retreat from Orlando's theme parks offering a quiet, family-friendly venue to appreciate art.
Giant 400-foot observation wheel offering panoramic views of Orlando extending 45+ miles on clear days. Provides a bird's-eye perspective of the entire city and surrounding landscape in about 30 minutes.
An upscale, walkable historic district with a Scenic Boat Tour through lakes and canals, brick streets, museums, and cafes. It's the 'real Florida town' experience that helps a trip feel like more than parks.
Outdoor immersive light display featuring larger-than-life lantern sculptures and landscapes. Families enjoy walking through the enchanting lantern installations during this seasonal festival running November 13, 2026 through January 17, 2027.
Seasonal holiday event running select dates November 13, 2026 – January 4, 2027 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay featuring holiday lights, live entertainment, Christmas shopping, and seasonal food.
50-acre botanical gardens hosting Dazzling Nights November 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027, with illuminated displays from 5:30–11 p.m. Beautiful natural setting just minutes from downtown Orlando.
Downtown Orlando's peaceful 43-acre lakeside park featuring swan boat rides, walking trails, and scenic water views. A serene free or low-cost escape from theme parks, ideal for mornings, evenings, or those seeking authentic local Orlando.
Located on International Drive with no long lines, offering interactive illusion exhibits and photo opportunities. Ideal 1-2 hour indoor escape from crowds and heat without the commitment of major attractions.
A cultural institution offering art exhibitions and installations across multiple galleries, showcasing contemporary and traditional works.
Rainforest-themed restaurant with animatronic animals, thunderstorm effects, and tropical décor that keeps kids entertained throughout the meal. High-energy immersive theming with family-sized portions appeals to both kids and adults.
Elevated outdoor obstacle course featuring zip lines, suspended bridges, nets, and Tarzan swings for adventurous visitors. Offers a hands-on nature experience beyond traditional attractions.
Mid-range resort offering direct walkway access to Universal's Volcano Bay water park and dedicated shuttle to all three Universal Orlando theme parks, with two outdoor pools, lazy river, 10-lane bowling alley, and arcade included.
Interactive indoor attraction packed with hands-on exhibits, a ropes course, and a 4D theater inside its iconic upside-down building. Great for all ages learning through play.
All-new show packed with infectious music, laugh-out-loud comedy, and surprises performed in a custom-built theater beneath the Orlando Eye. An immersive experience unlike anything else in Orlando, opened May 1, 2026.
Year-round zoo featuring animals and botanical gardens, with seasonal Asian Lantern Festival (November-January) transforming the grounds with magical illuminated lantern displays. Combines wildlife viewing with spectacular seasonal artistry.
Hosting Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild from November 13, 2026 – January 17, 2027, featuring magical light displays. Combines animal encounters with horticultural beauty and seasonal light installations.
Home to the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild running select nights November 13, 2026 – January 17, 2027, featuring elaborate lantern displays and themed attractions. A working zoo and botanical gardens offering year-round animal and plant experiences.