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Best Things To Do Orlando
Orlando is the world-famous city in the USA for the Theme parks and one of the world’s most visited tourist destinations.
Discover here Selected Amer Experience tools to Buy Tickets and Services and Find Amazing Activities in Orlando for You and Your Family.
Warm regards,
Lassi Pensikkala
Destination expert & travel writer
Updated 2026 · © Lassi Pensikkala
This guide is part of my 37 Europe and 7 World Travel Guides, curated from decades of travel experience. Read and download the guides for free here
The TOP 10 Things To Do In Orlando
How to find cheap flights to Orlando?
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Go City Orlando: Pase todo incluido
Descubre más de 25 de las mejores atracciones de Orlando y ahorra hasta un 50% con Go City
Destacamos
- Ve lo mejor de Orlando con el pase todo incluido de Go City Orlando y ahorra hasta un 55% en los precios en la puerta
- Elige entre más de 25 atracciones, entre ellas Kennedy Space Center, Legoland Florida, Madame Tussauds Orlando y más
- Incluye atracciones en Tampa y Miami, perfectas para un viaje en familia por carretera para explorar los alrededores
¿Qué incluye?
- Pase Todo Incluido para usar en 2, 3 o 5 días no consecutivos tomados en cualquier momento durante un período de 2 semanas
- Acceso a atracciones populares como el centro espacial Kennedy y Legoland® Florida
- Pase digital y guía de la ciudad: descárgalo en tu dispositivo móvil o imprímelo en casa
Orlando airport hotel private transfers
Hotel Reservation: Check the best deals in Orlando
More fun things to do in Orlando – Ticket reservation
The Soul of the City Beautiful: History & Legends
Orlando is a city of transformation. Long before it became a global synonymous with theme parks, it was a rugged frontier of cattle ranches and citrus groves. Its story is one of visionary imagination turning a swampy interior into the most visited destination on earth.
• The Jernigan Origins: Before it was Orlando, the settlement was known as Jernigan, named after the first permanent settler, Aaron Jernigan, who arrived in 1842. Legend says the name “Orlando” was adopted in honor of Orlando Reeves, a sentinel during the Seminole Wars who supposedly died while warning his fellow soldiers of an attack.
• The Citrus Gold Mine: In the late 19th century, Orlando was the heart of Florida’s citrus industry. Massive groves surrounded the city’s many lakes, and the industry’s wealth built the historic homes still seen today in the Eola Heights and Thornton Park neighborhoods.
• “Project X” and Walt Disney: In the mid-1960s, Walt Disney began secretly buying up vast tracts of central Florida land using dummy corporations to avoid land speculation. This “Project X” became Walt Disney World, which opened in 1971 and forever changed the destiny of the city from a quiet agricultural town to a global icon of imagination.
• The Ghost of Lake Eola: Local legend tells of various spirits that haunt the historic downtown area, but Lake Eola remains the city’s serene centerpiece. Originally a sinkhole on a cattle farm, it was donated to the city in 1888 and has since become the site of the iconic Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain—the “official” symbol of Orlando.
Theme Park Life: Food, Sports & Events
• The Orlando Palate:
• International Drive (I-Drive) Diversity: This corridor offers a global culinary tour, from high-end Brazilian steakhouses to authentic British pubs.
• Mills 50 & Little Vietnam: For a local, non-tourist experience, the Mills 50 District is home to one of the largest Vietnamese communities in Florida, offering incredible phở, bánh mì, and bubble tea.
• The “Grey Stuff” & Themed Dining: Within the parks, dining is an extension of the storytelling. Whether it’s “The Grey Stuff” at the Be Our Guest restaurant or butterbeer at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, food in Orlando is a legend in its own right.
• Sports:
• The Magic of the NBA: The Orlando Magic are the city’s premier sports team. Watching a game at the Amway Center is a high-production experience that blends professional basketball with top-tier entertainment.
• Soccer Fever: Orlando City SC (The Lions) has brought a massive surge of soccer passion to the city. Their stadium in Parramore is famous for “The Wall”—a standing-room-only section of die-hard supporters.
• Championship Golf: Orlando is a top destination for golfers, featuring courses designed by legends like Arnold Palmer (who made his home here at Bay Hill) and Jack Nicklaus.
• Main Events:
• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (Autumn): A world-renowned event where the World Showcase becomes a sprawling global feast with kiosks representing dozens of nations.
• Halloween Horror Nights (September/October): Universal Orlando transforms into a legendary landscape of haunted houses and “scare zones,” widely considered the premier Halloween event in the world.
• Orlando Fringe Festival (May): The longest-running Fringe festival in the United States, showcasing uncensored, independent theater and performing arts in Loch Haven Park.
• Zora! Festival (January): Held in nearby Eatonville, the oldest incorporated African American municipality in the U.S., this festival celebrates the life and work of author Zora Neale Hurston and the rich heritage of the community.
Orlando, Florida, is a city renowned for its magical attractions, vibrant culture, and dynamic lifestyle. Let’s explore a multitude of facts that define this iconic destination.
- Theme Park Capital: • Orlando is often hailed as the “Theme Park Capital of the World,” home to world-renowned attractions such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando.
- Walt Disney World Resort: • Covering approximately 25,000 acres, Walt Disney World Resort is the largest and most visited vacation resort in the world.
• It includes four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. - Universal Orlando Resort: • Universal Orlando Resort features Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay water park, providing a diverse array of experiences.
- SeaWorld Orlando: • Known for its marine life exhibits, SeaWorld Orlando offers a unique blend of thrilling rides and opportunities to interact with marine animals.
- Diverse Culture: • Orlando boasts a diverse cultural scene, with various neighborhoods reflecting influences from Latin America, Asia, and Europe.
- Lake Eola Park: • Located in downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park is a picturesque area surrounding a swan-filled lake. Visitors can enjoy paddle boating, swan boat rides, and scenic strolls.
- Orlando Magic: • The Orlando Magic, an NBA team, calls Orlando home. The Amway Center hosts their games and various entertainment events.
- Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens: • Situated in Sanford, just north of Orlando, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens provides an opportunity to explore wildlife and beautiful gardens.
- Kennedy Space Center: • While not in Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center is a short drive away. Visitors can explore space artifacts, experience shuttle launches, and learn about space exploration.
- Orlando International Airport: Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a major hub for domestic and international flights, contributing to the city’s accessibility.
- International Drive: Known as I-Drive, this major thoroughfare is lined with hotels, restaurants, shopping, and attractions, offering a lively atmosphere.
- Orlando Science Center: A hub for educational entertainment, the Orlando Science Center features interactive exhibits and science-related activities for all ages.
- Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts: This modern venue hosts a variety of performing arts events, including Broadway shows, concerts, and ballet performances.
- Harry P. Leu Gardens: Covering 50 acres, these botanical gardens showcase tropical plants, roses, and butterfly gardens.
- Rich History: Orlando has a rich history, with landmarks like the historic Church Street Station and the Wells’ Built Museum of African American History & Culture.
- Gatorland: Known as the “Alligator Capital of the World,” Gatorland is a wildlife park where visitors can interact with thousands of alligators and crocodiles.
- SunRail: Orlando’s commuter rail system, SunRail, connects various neighborhoods and suburbs, providing an alternative mode of transportation.
- University of Central Florida (UCF): UCF, one of the largest universities in the United States, contributes to the city’s vibrant and youthful atmosphere.
- Orange County Convention Center: As one of the largest convention centers in the country, it hosts numerous conferences, expos, and events throughout the year.
- Thriving Culinary Scene: Orlando’s culinary scene is diverse, offering a mix of international cuisines and innovative dining experiences.
- Legoland Florida Resort: Located just outside Orlando, Legoland offers a theme park and water park designed for families with children aged 2-12.
- Everglades National Park: While a bit of a drive, Orlando serves as a gateway to the unique ecosystem of the Everglades, allowing visitors to explore this natural wonder.
- Community Events: Orlando hosts various community events, including the annual Florida Film Festival and Orlando Fringe Festival, celebrating film and performing arts.
- Technological Innovation: The city is evolving as a hub for technological innovation, with emerging tech companies and a focus on smart city initiatives.
- Affordable Living: Compared to some other major cities in the United States, Orlando offers a relatively affordable cost of living.
These facts only scratch the surface of what makes Orlando a fascinating and dynamic city. Whether you’re drawn to its theme parks, cultural offerings, or natural attractions, Orlando has something to captivate every visitor.
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