Orlando Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Orlando
Photo provided by Universal Orlando Resort
Orlando
Orlando
Photo provided by Visit Orlando

Spend a week or two in this family-friendly city to enjoy Florida’s warm sunshine. Visit a different theme park every day. 

Since the first theme parks in Orlando opened over 60 years ago, the region has grown to have over 20 amusement parks appealing to varying interests. Enjoy attractions built around entertainment giants, water parks, educational sites and even a spiritual center.

Quarterback Phil Simms first proclaimed, “I’m going to Disney World!” after winning the 1987 Super Bowl. This expression has become a vacation theme for millions of Americans. Visit Disney’s popular Magic Kingdom® Park, with favorite rides for kids and adults, see the world at Epcot®, explore Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park and Disney'sHollywood Studios® or splash in Disney's Blizzard BeachWater Park and Disney'sTyphoon LagoonWater Park.

Universal Orlando Resort features The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and other Islands of Adventure®, along with Volcano Bay™ water park. Watch films being made at Universal Studios Florida®.

Water creatures are central to SeaWorld® Orlando Resort. Observe dolphins, penguins, whales, manatees, sharks and turtles. Take an Up-Close Tour for a hands-on experience, swim with dolphins at Discovery Cove® and have some excitement at Aquatica water park.

Ride a zip line or wrestle alligators at Gatorland®, an Orlando favorite since 1949. Marvel at huge models at Legoland® Florida and enjoy rides past giant Lego dinosaurs. Fun Spot America Theme Park, with locations in Orlando and Kissimmee, has a wooden roller coaster and multi-level go-kart tracks.

Make learning fun at the Kennedy Space CenterSMVisitor Complex, where you can talk with astronauts and see rockets that have flown in space. Be inspired at the Holy Land Experience, a living biblical museum.

Spend time appreciating Orlando’s attractions away from busy theme parks. Paddle across Lake Eola, shop at outlet malls, play golf, smell the roses at Harry P. Leu Gardens, enjoy visual arts at the Orlando Museum of Art and experience hands-on exhibits at the Orlando Science Center.

Check the websites of Orlando’s theme parks for special multi-day rates and accommodations packages. Some resorts offer free transportation from Orlando International Airport if you stay at the resorts.

Where to stay in Orlando

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International Drive

Visitors to International Drive rave about its breathtaking beach views, exciting theme parks and popular shops. You might also want to make some time to see Aquatica or The Orlando Eye at ICON Park while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

International Drive
Universal Studios Florida® featuring night scenes, a city and signage

Florida Center

If you're spending some time in Florida Center, Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Florida are top sights worth seeing.

Florida Center
Magic Kingdom® Theme Park showing interior views and rides as well as a couple

Bay Lake

4.5/5(24 area reviews)

Exciting theme parks plentiful wildlife and top sights from Epcot® to Walt Disney World® Resort – discover Bay Lake, a destination also famous for its entertainment.

Bay Lake
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Downtown Orlando

4/5(2 area reviews)

Ample dining options, great live music, and fantastic lake views are just a few top things to explore in Downtown Orlando. A visit to The Social or Church Street Station might round out your trip, and you can jump aboard the metro at Church Street Station or Lynx Central Station to get around town.

Downtown Orlando
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Reunion

The top golf courses and fun-filled water parks are top of the list for many visitors to Reunion. A stop by Reunion Resort Golf Course or Jack Nicklaus Course might round out your trip.

Reunion
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Windsor Hills

While there might not be top attractions in Windsor Hills, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mystic Dunes Golf Club and Island H2O Live!.

Windsor Hills
DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
4 out of 5
5780 Major Blvd, Orlando, FL
The price is NZ$157 per night from 28 July to 29 July
NZ$157
28 July - 29 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (6,410 reviews)
"very good food huge pool and close to amusement parks !"

Reviewed on 8 Jul. 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
4 out of 5
9300 Jeff Fuqua Boulevard, Orlando, FL
The price is NZ$378 per night from 14 July to 15 July
NZ$378
14 July - 15 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,351 reviews)
"Great location and stay"

Reviewed on 9 Jul. 2025

Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
Marriott's Grande Vista
Marriott's Grande Vista
4 out of 5
5925 Avenida Vista, Orlando, FL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$192 per night from 31 July to 1 Aug
NZ$192
31 July - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,600 reviews)
"Amazing would go there again"

Reviewed on 8 Jul. 2025

Marriott's Grande Vista
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Vacation Village at Parkway
Vacation Village at Parkway
3 out of 5
2975 Arabian Nights Blvd, Kissimmee, FL
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly condo in Kissimmee. Enjoy free WiFi, 7 outdoor pools, and 7 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,418 reviews)
"love the apace"

Reviewed on 7 Jul. 2025

Vacation Village at Parkway
The View Studio Suites and Event Venue
The View Studio Suites and Event Venue
3.5 out of 5
9309 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Orlando. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,180 reviews)
Exceptional Stay
"We stayed here for 4 days, and it was truly one of the best experiences we've had in a long time. The property is very well maintained, and everything felt clean, comfortable, and welcoming from the moment we arrived. One of the highlights of our stay was the breakfast – there were plenty of delicious ..."

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

The View Studio Suites and Event Venue
Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
4 out of 5
8113 Resort Village Drive, Orlando, FL
Stay at this 4-star spa condo in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (8,932 reviews)
"Great place !!! Close to Disney parks. Family friendly"

Reviewed on 8 Jul. 2025

Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Orlando

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
44
5 - Excellent 42%
4 - Good
51
4 - Good 48%
3 - Okay
9
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The main reason to visit is to do the theme parks. Not many other attractions close by. But stay somewhere along International Drive even so. The Disney Parks are all way out of town & you need car or catch bus

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Make sure tou take the time to do more than just the themeparks.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Met some lovely people and some not so lovely people, the place is beautiful though

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Excellent for family fun.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

avoid the crowds!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

You need a car(unless your just doing theme parks the whole time. ). Vast distances between shopping and food/restaurants.

Cities near Orlando