One of my primary reasons to visit Orlando was to finally tick off Walt Disney World and Universal Studio theme parks from my list. I stayed in Orlando for a week and even though it wasn’t long enough, I still feel content. If you prioritise the places you want to visit and plan it precisely, a week is just about alright. Decide your hotel location promptly as this plays a major role when you are heading to the parks especially since many others would be doing the exact same thing.
I stayed at the Kissimmee area of Orlando, its just a few mins away from Disney and has a good central location when it comes to dining at local restaurants and heading to the outlet malls.
Some of you might also be in Orlando for business reasons so here are some attractions keeping in my mind that Orlando is more than just theme parks.
Disney Springs – A beautiful area made by Disney and its free to stroll around. This place has dining options, shopping, and entertainment complex. Advisable to visit it in the evening, as the lights make this area pleasing and appealing. Taxis and Uber’s are easily available so you don’t have to worry about the parking.
International drive – Home to many more activities and attraction centre is Orlando’s very own International Drive. Apart from the gigantic Orlando eye, there is Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Chocolate Kingdom, Madame Tussauds, Sea Life Orlando and much more amusing entertainment.
Kennedy Space Center – Want to know about our enormous universe? Just an hour drive from Orlando is NASA’s launch centre of human spaceflights. If you are lucky you might even witness a rocket launch, try to go early as you can easily take a few hours. From our landing at the moon to some intriguing new discoveries, this place is an encyclopaedia when it comes to our universe.
Gatorland – Playing with alligators and crocodiles looks like a child play here at Gatorland. They have live shows with the ferocious reptiles and you can even see them getting fed. Unlike the theme parks, you don’t need to dedicate a whole day for Gatorland.
Walt Disney Parks – Walt Disney has four theme parks in Orlando and two water parks. If you plan your visit appropriately you can see two parks in a day, of course, there were quite a few juvenile rides which we skipped but apart that this park is from a book of fairytales. My two must do parks are the Animal Kingdom and Walt Disney World. Try booking fast track passes for the busy rides to save up on queuing time, its free.
Universal Studios – Two phenomenal theme parks and one insane water park, unlike Disney World this park is more adult focused. They do have rides for kids but when it comes to pleasing the adrenaline junkies you will be delighted by the choices of rides.
Lost Caverns Adventure Gold – A very new addition in Orlando is this 18 hole golf course. Each golf area has a theme which makes the experience thrilling, and enjoyable. You can find hidden treasures, feed gators and they have a wildlife habitat to make things adventurous.
Apart from these you can even wander around the charming Downtown Orlando or indulge in some retail therapy as there is plenty of outlet stores with great discounts to feed the shopaholic in you.
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