Orlando, Florida Travel Guide: Attractions, Restaurants & Local Tips

Discovery Cove

Owned and operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Discovery Cove is one of the top Orlando attractions that offers a one-of-a kind marine experience, where you can interact with sea animals, watch sea otters at play, feed tropical birds and even walk on the ocean floor.

Enjoy a session in the water with bottlenose dolphins where visitors can swim, touch and play with dolphins under the friendly eye of dolphin training guides; snorkel along brightly colored reefs that are home to thousands of tropical fish, and get up close to tiger fish and sharks in their protected tank. Don a dive helmet and take a walk on the bottom of the ocean with the Grand Reef’s innovative experience, SeaVenture, where there is a new discovery around every corner. Stroll through the park’s free-flight aviary, which boasts over 250 tropical birds to interact with and feed, including parrots and toucans.

6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, Florida 32821, Phone: 877-557-7404, Map

Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World

Known the world over as ‘the place where dreams come true’, the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World in Orlando does just that and more. Symbolized by the iconic ‘Cinderella Castle’, Magic Kingdom is the home of Disney’s characters such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck, and is the most visited theme park in the world. The Kingdom has six magical ‘lands’ to discover - the Bavarian-themed Fantasyland, Western-themed Frontierland, Adventureland, Main Street USA, and Liberty Square, and Tomorrowland, which looks to the future. If you are looking for fun things to do in Orlando with kids, the Magic Kingdom Park is not to be missed.

While exploring the various lands, watch musical parades featuring the beloved Disney characters and enchanting fireworks displays, browse the Disney-themed boutiques and shops, or dine in one of the many restaurants and cafés dotted around the park.

Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World, 1180 Seven Seas Dr, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830, Phone: 407-939-5277

Universal's Islands of Adventure

Universal's Islands of Adventure provides an epic adventure around every corner, with heart-stopping rides, tummy-turning roller coasters, interactive attractions and unique experiences with some of the world’s favorite storybook and comic strip characters.

Become your favorite Super Hero in the fight against good and evil on Marvel Super Hero Island; get up close and personal with the dinosaurs of Jurassic Park; take a journey back in time to The Lost Continent; or get wet with your favorite cartoon characters on exciting water rides at Toon Lagoon.

Harry Potter fans will delight in the state-of-the-art attraction called ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ that brings the famous wizard and his world to life. Hop on the Hogwarts Express at Hogsmeade Station to visit the mysterious Hogwarts Castle and stock up on wizarding gear from the stores in the little town of Hogsmeade. Enjoy pulse-racing rides like the Dragon Challenge or Flight of the Hippogryff and dine on authentic British fare at the Three Broomsticks Restaurant or the Hog’s Head pub.

Universal's Islands of Adventure , 6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, Florida 32819, Phone: 407-363-8000

LEGOLAND Florida

Spread out over 150 acres along the shores of Lake Eloise in Winter Haven, LEGOLAND Florida is the largest LEGOLAND Park in the world. Geared towards families with children between the ages of 2 and 12, this interactive theme park is home to over 50 exhilarating rides, a variety of attractions and shows, as well as restaurants, shopping, and a beautiful botanical garden.

If you are looking for things to do in Orlando that will let your kids play and feel creative, this is one of the best places to visit. Situated just 45 minutes from Orlando and downtown Tampa, LEGOLAND Florida is laid out in 11 easy-to-navigate themed zones. These zones include the popular Waterpark – a fun-filled waterpark packed with a wave pool, water slides, and river rafting; Miniland USA, a fantastic miniature representation of the country; and LEGO City, where the kids can learn how to drive their own LEGO boats and cars under the watchful eye of LEGOLAND staff. The park’s latest addition is the LEGO World of Chima, which features a variety of interactive family experiences, such as character meet-n-greets, Cragger’s Swamp water play area, the SpeedorzTM Arena, and a new 4-D movie experience.

One LEGOLAND Way, winter Haven, Florida 33884, Phone: 877-350-5346

Attractions for Couples

Sea World Orlando

Sea World Orlando is a marine life-based theme park that offers attractions, rides, tours and shows for animal-lovers and thrill seekers alike. Consisting of three parks, namely Sea World, Discovery Cove and Aquatica, the zoological park provides plenty of fun for the whole family. Step into the icy world of Antarctica and experience the grandeur of the South Pole through the eyes of a penguin named Puck on an exhilarating family adventure ride. Explore a penguins' colony, observe their antics and get the chance to stroke one of these fascinating creatures. Enjoy an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime experience and swim with white beluga whales.

Touch and communicate with these highly sociable animals under the guidance of personal animal trainers as you connect with one of the Arctic’s most fascinating creatures. End the day with a terrifying ride on the mighty Kraken, a monster rollercoaster ride inspired by the giant of the sea that struck fear into sailor’s hearts. Ranked as one of the world’s top coasters by ride enthusiasts, be sure you have a strong stomach for this death-defying, floorless steel rollercoaster that rises above the horizon.

Sea World Orlando, 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando, Florida 32821, Phone: 844-474-8377

Voodoo Doughnut

Voodoo Doughnut brings one of Portland's hippest chains to Orlando's Universal CityWalk entertainment and retail district, which is located adjacent to the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park resort.

The doughnut shop, which was founded by Tres Shannon and Kenneth Pogson, crafts more than 50 unique varieties of raised yeast, cake, and specialty doughnuts, ranging from traditional doughnuts dipped in toppings such as Fruit Loops and Captain Crunch cereals to unusual delicacies such as the Memphis Mafia, which blends banana chunks and cinnamon into fried dough topped with chocolate and peanut butter. The company's doughnut artists can also craft custom doughnut varieties upon request, including doughnuts for holidays and special occasions.

6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, Phone: 407-224-3663, Map

Wall Street Plaza

Wall Street Plaza is a bustling complex of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs located on one city block in downtown Orlando and the place to see and be seen. Whether you are looking for a classic American burger, fresh oysters and champagne, or a night on the town with friends, Wall Street Plaza has something for everyone. Feast on some of the best Mexican food in Orlando at Cantina or spicy chicken wings at Waitiki before heading to one of the bars for colorful cocktails, dry martinis and a huge selection of beer on tap. If you are wondering what to do in Orlando at night, this is a great place to visit.

Dance the night away at Shine or hang out with Orlando’s sophisticated set at the Monkey Martini Bar. Wall Street Plaza hosts a number of events and parties, like St Patrick’s Day, Halloween and New Year’s Eve, with live music, DJs spinning the decks and plenty of specials on food and drinks.

Wall Street Plaza, 25 Wall St, Orlando, Florida 32801, Phone: 407-849-0471

Unique Attractions

Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores

Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores is a vast shopping mall that boasts over 50 outlet stores, including Calvin Klein, Nine West, Nike Factory Store and Tommy Hilfiger. The outlet shopping mall hosts a number of events throughout the year, as well as seasonal weekend specials. The mall also provides a free scheduled shopping shuttle to and from select participating hotels and a ‘free coupon’ program, whereby coupons can be downloaded, and used in various stores.

Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores has a number of high-end brand stores, children’s stores, gourmet food and coffee stores.

Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, 15657 S Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando, FL, Phone: 407-238-9301

Mennello Museum of American Art

Nestled among the many scenic and civic attractions of Orlando’s Urban Trail, the Mennello Museum of American Art houses an extensive collection of paintings by American folk artist Earl Cunningham. Further, as a Smithsonian Museum affiliate, the Mennello offers a variety of exhibitions organized by its counterpart to complement its internally curated exhibits.

This Orlando landmark has a mission to promote an understanding of the American creative landscape over its long and storied history.

Mennello Museum of American Art, 900 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803, Phone: 407-246-4278

La Cava del Tequila

Celebrating Mexico’s rich heritage and tradition of tequila making, La Cava del Tequila is a cozy restaurant and bar that honors its namesake through delicious tapas-style fare and an extensive tequila menu. Located in the Mexico pavilion at the Epcot World Showcase, La Cava del Tequila embraces you on arrival with the charm of its exposed facebrick walls, subtle low lighting and deep-set red leather seats that echo the warmth of a typical hacienda.

La Cava del Tequila offers more than 100 examples of tequila to choose from, ranging from intense blancos to smooth añejos, as well as a ‘quick taste’ tapas menu akin to that served in Mexico. Feast on freshly made guacamole, crispy corn chips, salsas, and ceviche as you make your way through the tequila menu.

La Cava del Tequila, 200 Epcot Center Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, Phone: 407-842-1132