Orlando offers a whole lot more than theme parks, although it’s well worth visiting for those alone. If you’re headed to Orlando, for the first time it will probably be no surprise to find that it is a hotspot for tourism. There is really no “low season” here, with visitors arriving from across the globe year-round. In fact, 66 million people visited Orlando in 2015, more than any other destination in the world, with the number of visitors in Orlando each day equivalent to the population of Atlanta.
O-town, as it’s often referred to by the locals, is also a popular place to move in recent years. Whether you’re going on a trip to check out Orlando houses for sale or a family vacation, these are the top picks for fun things to do.
Walt Disney World
One of the number one attractions in Orlando is the world-famous Walt Disney World resort. The theme park resort is actually made up of four parks, EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, so it’s sufficient to say that a week or two could be spent at WDW alone. Of course, many people visit the parks over shorter stays, too.
Madame Tussauds Orlando
This famous museum chain showcases some of the world’s best wax replicas of famous people. Spend the day browsing and taking photographs with your favorite sports stars, historical figures, world leaders, music stars, movie stars, and more. Whether you’re moving to Orlando or stopping by for a visit, this is an attraction that is fun to visit repeatedly and shouldn’t be passed up during your time in the city.
SEA LIFE Aquarium
As Florida is a state with lots of shoreline, it comes as no surprise that Orlando has one of the best aquariums in the state, despite being more inland. SEA LIFE is home to more than 5,000 animals and boasts 30 different exhibits, including a beautiful underwater tunnel. There are also several talks and educational displays throughout the aquarium, making it a great choice to blend entertainment and learning for families new to or visiting Orlando.
Private Helicopter Tour Over Orlando’s Theme Parks
Get a view of Orlando’s most popular theme parks, unlike anything you’ve ever seen with a private helicopter tour of the area. Each ride is anywhere from 8 to 25 minutes long and guarantees you a window-side overlook of Disney World, Universal Studios, Lake Toho, Seaworld, and more. As you fly and take in these outstanding aerial views, the pilot will give commentary on the development and design of this amazing city in Florida.
Universal Studios Florida
California’s Universal Studios theme park opened in 1964, but when theme parks started making their way to the east coast, so did Universal in 1990, opening in Orlando. This park is similar to its west coast sibling, with cinema-themed rides, attractions, and shows with audiences. It’s definitely a great place to spend the day and learn about how some of the magic of movies comes to life, not to mention their new Harry Potter section of the park that transports visitors into the wizarding stories.