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Orlando

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Orlando, Florida, United StatesSpaceship Earth, a geodesic sphere, stands at the entrance to EPCOT, Orlando, FloridaThe Wizarding World of Harry Potter spans two parks at Universal Orlando Resort, FloridaSpace Shuttle Atlantis is displayed at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Merritt Island, Orlando, FloridaThe fountain in Lake Eola has been a symbol of downtown Orlando since the 1950s, Florida

About Orlando

Orlando sits in the lake-dotted interior of Central Florida, a former citrus and cattle town transformed after Walt Disney World opened nearby in 1971. Today it is one of the most visited destinations in the United States, yet behind the theme parks lies a real city with lakeside parks, older neighborhoods and natural springs.

Most trips revolve around the parks. Walt Disney World's four theme parks and two water parks can fill a week alone, and Universal Orlando Resort adds its own parks, including the immersive Harry Potter areas. SeaWorld Orlando mixes marine exhibits with roller coasters, and the older Gatorland keeps a more old-Florida feel. International Drive is the busy hotel strip, with ICON Park's observation wheel at its center. Beyond the parks, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on the Atlantic coast is a popular day trip, with retired spacecraft and launch history on display. In the city itself, Lake Eola Park's swan boats and fountain anchor downtown, Harry P. Leu Gardens offers quieter grounds, and Winter Park's Park Avenue adds boutiques, museums and a scenic boat tour. Mills 50 and Audubon Park are where locals go for food.

Families dominate the crowds, but the region also suits couples and roller-coaster fans. Swimming in the clear spring water at Wekiwa Springs State Park is a refreshing break from summer heat.

Best seasonLate January to early March and November offer milder weather and somewhat shorter park lines.
Ideal stayFive to seven days allows several park days plus time off-site to rest.
ArrivingOrlando International Airport is the main gateway, with many visitors also driving in via I-4.
Orlando Florida Theme Parks Springs and ManateesWiserMap travel guideOrlando Florida Theme Parks Springs and ManateesOrlando guide: Disney, Universal and Epic Universe, Kennedy Space Center, Lake Eola, Winter Park, springs and manatees, plus food, where to stay and timing.Read the guide

12 Best Things to Do in Orlando

Theme Parks 3

Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida, United States

Walt Disney World

Covering roughly 25,000 acres southwest of the city, the world's most visited resort opened with Magic Kingdom in 1971 and now inc...
Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando, Florida, United States

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal's resort brings movie and storytelling worlds to life across several parks linked by the CityWalk entertainment district...
SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando, Florida, United States

SeaWorld Orlando

Opened in 1973, SeaWorld mixes marine-animal habitats with some of Orlando's most intense roller coasters. Mako, Manta and Kraken...

Wildlife 1

Gatorland, Orlando, Florida, United States

Gatorland

One of Florida's original roadside attractions, Gatorland has welcomed visitors since 1949 through the open jaws of a giant concre...

Entertainment 1

ICON Park Orlando, Orlando, Florida, United States

ICON Park Orlando

This entertainment complex on International Drive centres on The Wheel, a 400-foot observation wheel opened in 2015 as the Orlando...

Parks 2

Lake Eola Park, Orlando, Florida, United States

Lake Eola Park

Downtown Orlando's best-loved green space wraps around a lake with a path just under a mile long, framed by the city's towers. In...
Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States

Harry P. Leu Gardens

Spread over 50 acres on the shore of Lake Rowena, these botanical gardens were given to the City of Orlando by businessman Harry P...

Museums 2

Orlando Science Center, Orlando, Florida, United States

Orlando Science Center

In Loch Haven Park north of downtown, this four-storey science museum keeps children and adults busy with hands-on exhibits on nat...
Orange County Regional History Center, Orlando, Florida, United States

Orange County Regional History Center

Housed in Orlando's restored 1927 courthouse, a neoclassical building in Heritage Square downtown, this museum tells the story of...

Arts 1

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando, Florida, United States

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Downtown Orlando's performing arts complex opened in 2014 and has become the region's main stage for touring Broadway musicals, co...

Neighborhoods 1

Mills 50 District

Named for the crossing of Mills Avenue and Colonial Drive, also known as State Road 50, this neighbourhood just east of downtown i...

Nature 1

Wekiwa Springs State Park, Orlando, Florida, United States

Wekiwa Springs State Park

About half an hour north of downtown near Apopka, this state park protects the headwaters of the Wekiva River, where crystal-clear...

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